When I visit the United States, many friends want to hear my European "outsider" point of view since they know my interest in religion, politics, history and current issues. Not in a sense that I am some kind of expert or have the best analysis. The main reason is that they like me and I…Read more Faith and politics at the dinner table? Needed more than ever
Politics
2019… what do I see
It is time for New Year's resolutions and I will confess... I usually don't make them. I am not good at keeping promises to myself because most of my time and energy is spent trying to keep promises to others and that is difficult enough. But if I was to have my way, I would…Read more 2019… what do I see
Facebook and the conundrum of hate speech
"As far as the Myanmar situation is concerned, social media is Facebook, and Facebook is social media", said Marzuki Darusman, chairman of the U.N. Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar. "I can't live with or without you", I considered such title but decided it would be too much. Facebook is a thing, not a person.…Read more Facebook and the conundrum of hate speech
Platitudes of peace and unity in Korea and one Latvian’s view on it
The 2018 Winter Olympics are called "Peace games" but somehow this message does not stick easily. As my blog page tells, I am all for using every and any platform for peace building, common good, diplomacy, solidarity and sports is one of those forms of fun and entertainment which brings people together. Just like kicking…Read more Platitudes of peace and unity in Korea and one Latvian’s view on it
Davos aims at our shared future but what about shared good
If you noticed I have been silent for a short while, I stopped posting on 'peaceroads' in January because of various other commitments, mainly my university studies. And after all the deadlines and sleepless nights, I enjoyed one week in a quiet, pretty and posh English town - Harpenden. Everything there is so green compared…Read more Davos aims at our shared future but what about shared good
Dipping my feet in Americana waters
"What is the purpose of your visit? And how long are you staying?" are the routine questions I hear from US Customs and Border control upon arrival. I have quite the collection of memories from these annual interviews. Waiting in line for my turn, trying to decide which customs guy looks the friendliest, preparing my…Read more Dipping my feet in Americana waters
More than a Wikipedia fact in postcard from Latvia
Do you have a wish list of influential people you would like to meet? High on my list is Vaclav Havel. I wish I could have met him as his prophetic wisdom is on my mind ... This goes out to everyone flirting with authoritative regimes and ideas where truth does not matter, where freedoms…Read more More than a Wikipedia fact in postcard from Latvia
Good Friday and The Cranberries in my head
The keywords - Ireland, The Cranberries, Good Friday and Jesus - are not equal in importance but they are all part of my story. I am a big fan of Ireland! I have never lived there (my brother has, my friends and close relatives do) but I have always been fascinated by it. The Celtic…Read more Good Friday and The Cranberries in my head
No hiding from horror
My eyes see it and my mind and heart chokes. How many more dead, injured, crippled, orphaned, traumatized and scared children are we going to see in our news? A report after a report, a story after a story. I know this is not new or isolated tragedy and many atrocities are happening in other…Read more No hiding from horror
Earth Day and dimming the lights on our bright future
I want to write more about climate change and environmental problems but I often don't know what to say. On one hand so much has been said and written already. On the other hand it feels like so many influential and powerful people who can decide and implement real solutions still live on planet Mars,…Read more Earth Day and dimming the lights on our bright future
peaceroads 