Chapter Five
Food for Thought
Views on life, for your consideration, with my best intentions.
The Hundredth Monkey Theory
I don’t know if this is the result of a recent or ancient experiment but I understand it is a
true story. Some people showed some monkeys who lived on an island how to wash
the grit off of their food in the ocean. Those monkeys showed other monkeys and
soon many were washing their food. When a hundred monkeys were washing their
food, monkeys on surrounding islands all started washing their food at about the same
time. How this relates to peace is that, when a hundred million people are practicing
peace, the whole world may turn peaceful.
Daily Journey
Every day I’m on a journey with my, Jesus Christ the Lord
Spreading Joy and Happiness, and Peace is my reward.
I try to see the brighter side; it keeps me keeping on
Each moment has a purpose, now I’m with my father Don.
I take him to the Perkins, where we sit and have a drink
We share what’s on our mind, and then we have a little think.
But back to generalities, the journey of my day
I try to make the most of things, and go my merry way.
The way of God is tough sometimes, but worth it if I try
It’s as varied as the people; it’s as open as the sky.
I make my way with diligence, a moment I can’t lose
Unless I am relaxing, it is up to me to choose.
The people on my journey, are a little taste of God
And even if they’re mean, for me to hate is really odd.
My best is what I’m after, something less is less than me
I’m going for the prize, and it is nothing I can see.
It’s laying down for sleep at night, and feeling satisfied
Talking to the Lord, without my wanting just to hide.
I make my way through chores, so I can cross them off the list
Progressing through my day, making the most of it’s the gist.
There was a time way back, when I was somewhat like a bum
I didn’t have much money, so I traveled with my thumb.
I talked a lot of politics; I talked a lot of spirit
I didn’t go to college; I had no other way to hear it.
I found that my great country, for some folks was not so grand
Oppression and depression, for some folks go hand in hand.
Poverty for life, can be a bitter pill to take
Cycles of abuse, are sometimes difficult to break.
Alcohol and drugs, can lead to cycles of abuse
And once you’re really hooked, you start to wonder what’s’ the use.
The drugs become the fun in life, the best part of the day
All other things are second, soon becomes the only way.
But now I’ve got my head on straight, and know which way is up
I do my best in little ways, and purchase my own sup.
I hope to help with this here book, and bring Gods mind to life
We need to do lots more, to really lessen people’s strife.
It isn’t hard to do, but it will take a little time
The way has been begun; you have it here inside my rhyme.
Peace and Justice daily, in a thousand little ways
Keep the home fires burning; watch Old Glory as she sways.
By Bruce T. Duncanson
From a Letter to a Detractor
I am aware that my ideas are out of the ordinary. Over the last 20 Yrs. I have been
reminded of that repeatedly. My Peace Army idea is a positive thing and my
motivations are noble, unselfish and I believe of God. My comparing myself with
Einstein was not the best analogy. I would say Clara Burton the founder of the Red
Cross would more in keeping with my line of thought. If she had listened to her
detractors we wouldn’t have a great worldwide organization like the Red Cross. I’m
pretty sure people said things like, ”What do you mean, going out on battlefields
caring for wounded soldiers, war is dangerous. If the Generals thought the soldiers
needed extra care they would see to it. (Generals had surgeons and Doctors that
followed them on campaigns) Your certainly not going to help enemy soldiers, are
you? Helping people in natural disasters? Do you know how big a natural disaster
could be? What is one person going to do?
Grace
Grace is such a simple word; it means a lot of things
Basically it’s a gift of God, you can’t pull any strings.
An inner will to do what’s best, though you may not know why
To drop an old addiction, even though you barely try.
Walk away from old behaviors, like your walking in the park
Undergo extreme conditions; enjoy a life that’s very stark.
You may say it before dinner, thank you Jesus for the food
Or ask the Savior for it, Jesus get me in the mood.
Grace may take you through trials, a success you can’t explain
Or get you through a failure, when you just want to complain.
Grace means a lot of things, and it has helped a lot of folks
To people in the show biz, it has saved a lot of jokes.
It is truly God fantastic, how a gift has blessed us all
We just need to pray for it, and then listen for the call.
It speaks in quiet whispers, or it’s auto pilot one
It knows how to heal heartache, and it knows how to have fun.
Grace carries us through trials, with our humor still intact
And operates with patience, when we have to be exact.
Sometimes we do not realize, what grace has done for us
It may wake us up early, cause we have to catch the bus.
Grace can’t be bought or bartered, it’s just a gift to be enjoyed
It makes you take a route, that has no traffic to avoid.
Grace lets you have the money, or it lets you have the tool
It makes you look important, when you could have been the fool.
Grace gives you an idea, that you knew by faith would come
An makes it be significant, instead of really dumb.
Yes grace can do a lot of things, the Lord will see to that
It doesn’t take intelligence; it never leaves you flat.
It’s doled out to God’s children, for emergency or fun
It keeps the Devil guessing, and his minions on the run.
The Devil tries to figure out, what will be our next move
How can I jamb them up, and get them flustered in their groove.
He thinks that this is wrong, but this time God says it’s all right
He thinks he rules the day, but he don’t even rule the night.
The Lord is super powerful, don’t let it lead to sin
Just do the next right thing, and take a real deep breath and grin.
It’s easy if you try it; you may be a bit surprised
You are never alone; God’s grace has got you supervised.
By Bruce T. Duncanson
THEN and NOW
REMEMBER WHEN The orange barrels lining the road were made of steel. AND NOW
They are made of plastic to minimize vehicle damage and are easier to move and
store. REMEMBER WHEN Most mentally ill people were locked up for the rest of their
lives. AND NOW Medications have let them out in record numbers with record numbers
floating around the country homeless and hungry. REMEMBER WHEN Working in the
garden was a given if a person wanted to eat all winter. AND NOW Many people
garden for the fun of it. REMEMBER WHEN Smoke detectors were reserved for high
value buildings like museums and banks. AND NOW Every rental unit in Columbus is
required to have one. REMEMBER WHEN High ranking officers were accompanied by
their own physician and enlisted were an after thought. AND NOW Medical Operatives
are imbedded with the front line troops and an enlisted man is medivaced in short
order, just like an officer when wounded to a MASH.
IF/THEN
IF We can afford a city the size of Las Vegas who’s’ sole purpose is fun, profit and
wasting water on decoration in the midst of a desert. THEN We can justify a Fully
Contrived Village to bring hope to the mentally ill and demonstrate the possibility of
energy independence. IF We afford our society Casinos for people to relax and
recreate at. THEN We can easily see our way clear to set aside parts of urban areas
to coddle the mentally ill and their support people. IF We build heart wings on hospitals
and the venture makes money. THEN We should be able to figure a way for the
common person to get the mental health treatment only the well insured now enjoy. IF
America can look at manned flight to Mars. THEN We can surly grapple with the
complexities of healing and rebuilding human lives. IF The world can get together
every four years to watch people compete in sports. THEN We could have a reality
show where the world gangs up on a city in an underdeveloped country and makes it a
base for helping the rest of the nation. IF Stem cells can be used to grow into healthy
body parts with the cells from the patient or a donor. THEN Friendly people can fill an
empty life, be they from the peace army, fellow patients or old friends we find for
them.
Writers Good Friday
Sometimes I get so wired, writing poems day and night,
I’m short on lots of money; this is my own way to fight.
I want to show a better way, to make the world worthwhile,
So I’ll continue writing, find a word and have a smile.
They said in times of old, the pen is sharper than the sword,
And doing for the Lord, is sort of like its own reward.
I like to splice my thoughts, that make world healing seem a breeze,
Put apathy in check, it is a terrible disease.
I’ve seen lots of little changes; they started with a thought,
Peace and cooperation, are the skills that can be taught.
The mind is filled with words; the Lord makes mine sound like a song,
I have a dream of peace, so read my stuff and tag along.
Cooperating’s difficult, without a sense of peace,
A wheel turns much smoother, with a little dab of grease.
I’ve seen so many people, change their world with just a thought,
World peace it must be learned, it’s not a thing that can be bought.
A book is inexpensive; you can take it anywhere,
My words are thoughts and feelings, in a medium we share.
It isn’t hard to read, you don’t need license or degree,
And if you pay attention, my full vision you will see.
I tried to help with anger, deprivation, hurt, and want,
I ended up a lunatic, that spirits tried to haunt.
I then set out for peace, the kind that Jesus likes to give,
He said I’ll be your pilot, if you just get out and live.
I gained a new perspective; peace is easy if you try,
The mind takes time to change, and it can feel real good to cry.
It washes out the toxins, and it softens up the heart,
It doesn’t settle everything, but it is a big big part.
I had to face the fact, that all my loved ones did their best,
The Lord gave me the wisdom, how to figure out the rest.
Nobody born is perfect, but our Savior Jesus Christ,
Forgiving and forgetting, is a very simple price.
It makes no sense to hang upon, old grudges like a leech,
Like giving up a seat, inside a hot and crowded bus.
It’s Good Friday OT 2, and it is raining cats and dogs,
It’s nice if you are ducks, or monkeys, fish or even frogs.
I’ll finish up this poem, and be on my merry way,
Perhaps take in a meeting; see my buddies at NA.
I think I’ll go to bed, and wake up rested and alert,
I’ll follow my own program, so I get my just desert.
So it’s not too darn bad, to ponder words day after day,
It just might make a difference, serve to show a better way.
Some day I might be famous, like a Ghandi or Thoreau,
And people will ask questions, for the answers I bestow.
I want the world to recognize, that peace could be at hand,
Don’t just fall for anything, seek Christ and make a stand.
He gave his life for us today, so we’d be free from sin,
He conquered death and Satan, and he made us his own kin.
By Bruce T. Duncanson
Peace Army Reality TV
The Peace Army folk will be going through a lot that can teach us and the general
public. We could film intake interviews, family therapy and the whole process that
makes a Peace Army person special. This will be a way to multiply the lessons by
thousands and show the world what we are made of. We will delay airing untill those
on the film have been graduated several years so as not to make big heads or divulge
secrets without the person being damn good and ready for any criticism or
patronization.
Our patient reality shows will be several years in the making before they air. We will
film street and office initial interviews primarily for training but also for the patient to
see what they were like so they can more fully own their illness. Many patients will tell
you they don’t remember what they were like.
Being a mentally ill, it is of the utmost importance they know the mental reality they are
up against. They need to know it’s words, feelings delusional parameters and thought
trains. If we can get a person back to “reality” through medication or activities or both,
letting them know their illness is the other half of the cure. Patients who understand
medications and relationships are a must for mental health, are more likely to live an
enjoyable life. We will only release film to the public after about three years after, they
are competent to give permission. The heart warming victory over struggles witnessed
every day by our staff can be shared. Mentally ill people and their families can gain
hope and insight. The transformations will be remarkable and a big advertisement for
our hospital system. Produced by the Peace Army we will provide job skills and
meaningful employment.
Food for Thought
Views on life, for your consideration, with my best intentions.
The Hundredth Monkey Theory
I don’t know if this is the result of a recent or ancient experiment but I understand it is a
true story. Some people showed some monkeys who lived on an island how to wash
the grit off of their food in the ocean. Those monkeys showed other monkeys and
soon many were washing their food. When a hundred monkeys were washing their
food, monkeys on surrounding islands all started washing their food at about the same
time. How this relates to peace is that, when a hundred million people are practicing
peace, the whole world may turn peaceful.
Daily Journey
Every day I’m on a journey with my, Jesus Christ the Lord
Spreading Joy and Happiness, and Peace is my reward.
I try to see the brighter side; it keeps me keeping on
Each moment has a purpose, now I’m with my father Don.
I take him to the Perkins, where we sit and have a drink
We share what’s on our mind, and then we have a little think.
But back to generalities, the journey of my day
I try to make the most of things, and go my merry way.
The way of God is tough sometimes, but worth it if I try
It’s as varied as the people; it’s as open as the sky.
I make my way with diligence, a moment I can’t lose
Unless I am relaxing, it is up to me to choose.
The people on my journey, are a little taste of God
And even if they’re mean, for me to hate is really odd.
My best is what I’m after, something less is less than me
I’m going for the prize, and it is nothing I can see.
It’s laying down for sleep at night, and feeling satisfied
Talking to the Lord, without my wanting just to hide.
I make my way through chores, so I can cross them off the list
Progressing through my day, making the most of it’s the gist.
There was a time way back, when I was somewhat like a bum
I didn’t have much money, so I traveled with my thumb.
I talked a lot of politics; I talked a lot of spirit
I didn’t go to college; I had no other way to hear it.
I found that my great country, for some folks was not so grand
Oppression and depression, for some folks go hand in hand.
Poverty for life, can be a bitter pill to take
Cycles of abuse, are sometimes difficult to break.
Alcohol and drugs, can lead to cycles of abuse
And once you’re really hooked, you start to wonder what’s’ the use.
The drugs become the fun in life, the best part of the day
All other things are second, soon becomes the only way.
But now I’ve got my head on straight, and know which way is up
I do my best in little ways, and purchase my own sup.
I hope to help with this here book, and bring Gods mind to life
We need to do lots more, to really lessen people’s strife.
It isn’t hard to do, but it will take a little time
The way has been begun; you have it here inside my rhyme.
Peace and Justice daily, in a thousand little ways
Keep the home fires burning; watch Old Glory as she sways.
By Bruce T. Duncanson
From a Letter to a Detractor
I am aware that my ideas are out of the ordinary. Over the last 20 Yrs. I have been
reminded of that repeatedly. My Peace Army idea is a positive thing and my
motivations are noble, unselfish and I believe of God. My comparing myself with
Einstein was not the best analogy. I would say Clara Burton the founder of the Red
Cross would more in keeping with my line of thought. If she had listened to her
detractors we wouldn’t have a great worldwide organization like the Red Cross. I’m
pretty sure people said things like, ”What do you mean, going out on battlefields
caring for wounded soldiers, war is dangerous. If the Generals thought the soldiers
needed extra care they would see to it. (Generals had surgeons and Doctors that
followed them on campaigns) Your certainly not going to help enemy soldiers, are
you? Helping people in natural disasters? Do you know how big a natural disaster
could be? What is one person going to do?
Grace
Grace is such a simple word; it means a lot of things
Basically it’s a gift of God, you can’t pull any strings.
An inner will to do what’s best, though you may not know why
To drop an old addiction, even though you barely try.
Walk away from old behaviors, like your walking in the park
Undergo extreme conditions; enjoy a life that’s very stark.
You may say it before dinner, thank you Jesus for the food
Or ask the Savior for it, Jesus get me in the mood.
Grace may take you through trials, a success you can’t explain
Or get you through a failure, when you just want to complain.
Grace means a lot of things, and it has helped a lot of folks
To people in the show biz, it has saved a lot of jokes.
It is truly God fantastic, how a gift has blessed us all
We just need to pray for it, and then listen for the call.
It speaks in quiet whispers, or it’s auto pilot one
It knows how to heal heartache, and it knows how to have fun.
Grace carries us through trials, with our humor still intact
And operates with patience, when we have to be exact.
Sometimes we do not realize, what grace has done for us
It may wake us up early, cause we have to catch the bus.
Grace can’t be bought or bartered, it’s just a gift to be enjoyed
It makes you take a route, that has no traffic to avoid.
Grace lets you have the money, or it lets you have the tool
It makes you look important, when you could have been the fool.
Grace gives you an idea, that you knew by faith would come
An makes it be significant, instead of really dumb.
Yes grace can do a lot of things, the Lord will see to that
It doesn’t take intelligence; it never leaves you flat.
It’s doled out to God’s children, for emergency or fun
It keeps the Devil guessing, and his minions on the run.
The Devil tries to figure out, what will be our next move
How can I jamb them up, and get them flustered in their groove.
He thinks that this is wrong, but this time God says it’s all right
He thinks he rules the day, but he don’t even rule the night.
The Lord is super powerful, don’t let it lead to sin
Just do the next right thing, and take a real deep breath and grin.
It’s easy if you try it; you may be a bit surprised
You are never alone; God’s grace has got you supervised.
By Bruce T. Duncanson
THEN and NOW
REMEMBER WHEN The orange barrels lining the road were made of steel. AND NOW
They are made of plastic to minimize vehicle damage and are easier to move and
store. REMEMBER WHEN Most mentally ill people were locked up for the rest of their
lives. AND NOW Medications have let them out in record numbers with record numbers
floating around the country homeless and hungry. REMEMBER WHEN Working in the
garden was a given if a person wanted to eat all winter. AND NOW Many people
garden for the fun of it. REMEMBER WHEN Smoke detectors were reserved for high
value buildings like museums and banks. AND NOW Every rental unit in Columbus is
required to have one. REMEMBER WHEN High ranking officers were accompanied by
their own physician and enlisted were an after thought. AND NOW Medical Operatives
are imbedded with the front line troops and an enlisted man is medivaced in short
order, just like an officer when wounded to a MASH.
IF/THEN
IF We can afford a city the size of Las Vegas who’s’ sole purpose is fun, profit and
wasting water on decoration in the midst of a desert. THEN We can justify a Fully
Contrived Village to bring hope to the mentally ill and demonstrate the possibility of
energy independence. IF We afford our society Casinos for people to relax and
recreate at. THEN We can easily see our way clear to set aside parts of urban areas
to coddle the mentally ill and their support people. IF We build heart wings on hospitals
and the venture makes money. THEN We should be able to figure a way for the
common person to get the mental health treatment only the well insured now enjoy. IF
America can look at manned flight to Mars. THEN We can surly grapple with the
complexities of healing and rebuilding human lives. IF The world can get together
every four years to watch people compete in sports. THEN We could have a reality
show where the world gangs up on a city in an underdeveloped country and makes it a
base for helping the rest of the nation. IF Stem cells can be used to grow into healthy
body parts with the cells from the patient or a donor. THEN Friendly people can fill an
empty life, be they from the peace army, fellow patients or old friends we find for
them.
Writers Good Friday
Sometimes I get so wired, writing poems day and night,
I’m short on lots of money; this is my own way to fight.
I want to show a better way, to make the world worthwhile,
So I’ll continue writing, find a word and have a smile.
They said in times of old, the pen is sharper than the sword,
And doing for the Lord, is sort of like its own reward.
I like to splice my thoughts, that make world healing seem a breeze,
Put apathy in check, it is a terrible disease.
I’ve seen lots of little changes; they started with a thought,
Peace and cooperation, are the skills that can be taught.
The mind is filled with words; the Lord makes mine sound like a song,
I have a dream of peace, so read my stuff and tag along.
Cooperating’s difficult, without a sense of peace,
A wheel turns much smoother, with a little dab of grease.
I’ve seen so many people, change their world with just a thought,
World peace it must be learned, it’s not a thing that can be bought.
A book is inexpensive; you can take it anywhere,
My words are thoughts and feelings, in a medium we share.
It isn’t hard to read, you don’t need license or degree,
And if you pay attention, my full vision you will see.
I tried to help with anger, deprivation, hurt, and want,
I ended up a lunatic, that spirits tried to haunt.
I then set out for peace, the kind that Jesus likes to give,
He said I’ll be your pilot, if you just get out and live.
I gained a new perspective; peace is easy if you try,
The mind takes time to change, and it can feel real good to cry.
It washes out the toxins, and it softens up the heart,
It doesn’t settle everything, but it is a big big part.
I had to face the fact, that all my loved ones did their best,
The Lord gave me the wisdom, how to figure out the rest.
Nobody born is perfect, but our Savior Jesus Christ,
Forgiving and forgetting, is a very simple price.
It makes no sense to hang upon, old grudges like a leech,
Like giving up a seat, inside a hot and crowded bus.
It’s Good Friday OT 2, and it is raining cats and dogs,
It’s nice if you are ducks, or monkeys, fish or even frogs.
I’ll finish up this poem, and be on my merry way,
Perhaps take in a meeting; see my buddies at NA.
I think I’ll go to bed, and wake up rested and alert,
I’ll follow my own program, so I get my just desert.
So it’s not too darn bad, to ponder words day after day,
It just might make a difference, serve to show a better way.
Some day I might be famous, like a Ghandi or Thoreau,
And people will ask questions, for the answers I bestow.
I want the world to recognize, that peace could be at hand,
Don’t just fall for anything, seek Christ and make a stand.
He gave his life for us today, so we’d be free from sin,
He conquered death and Satan, and he made us his own kin.
By Bruce T. Duncanson
Peace Army Reality TV
The Peace Army folk will be going through a lot that can teach us and the general
public. We could film intake interviews, family therapy and the whole process that
makes a Peace Army person special. This will be a way to multiply the lessons by
thousands and show the world what we are made of. We will delay airing untill those
on the film have been graduated several years so as not to make big heads or divulge
secrets without the person being damn good and ready for any criticism or
patronization.
Our patient reality shows will be several years in the making before they air. We will
film street and office initial interviews primarily for training but also for the patient to
see what they were like so they can more fully own their illness. Many patients will tell
you they don’t remember what they were like.
Being a mentally ill, it is of the utmost importance they know the mental reality they are
up against. They need to know it’s words, feelings delusional parameters and thought
trains. If we can get a person back to “reality” through medication or activities or both,
letting them know their illness is the other half of the cure. Patients who understand
medications and relationships are a must for mental health, are more likely to live an
enjoyable life. We will only release film to the public after about three years after, they
are competent to give permission. The heart warming victory over struggles witnessed
every day by our staff can be shared. Mentally ill people and their families can gain
hope and insight. The transformations will be remarkable and a big advertisement for
our hospital system. Produced by the Peace Army we will provide job skills and
meaningful employment.
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