BotB: Beards for Peace

When I first started dating lo those many moons ago, I was given the advice that when meeting a girl's parents there a certain subjects you stay away from, namely, religion and politics. While I am in no way addressing any particular young lady's mother, I am going to enter the previously uncharted (for this blog, anyway) country of politics.

While not a political blog (it's primary focus is "running," for goodness sake!), I do occasionally like to touch on topics spiritual; in nature, especially as I often regard my running as meditative. I thought I might venture into political territory under the guise of discussing an interesting Internet find while trolling for fodder for my Brotherhood of the Beard (BotB) posts.

Recently I came across a little site called Beards for Peace. The site has a unique suggestion for those (like I) who are unhappy with the current direction of United States foreign policy in Iraq... STOP SHAVING NOW!

Growing a beard is also a spiritual and cultural symbol of manhood in some cultures and faiths including Islam and Judaism. By taking this step, you are declaring solidarity with peoples of all faiths around the world, including the one the American leaders would label our 'enemy'.

As a member of the BotB, and proud cultivator of facial hair, I cannot fool anyone into believing that I have grown this beard purely out of activism, but if it can send the message of our disapproval, and the need for a more peaceful resolution, then good...

Fear not ladies, there is a sister organization for Beards for Peace, Women for Beards.

Breathe in, breathe out... YOU AND I ARE ALIVE!