Since the 9/11 tragedies, nearly 100,000 people have been murdered in the United States. (Source: Aug. 14, 2007, New York Times, Editorial Desk.)

In spite of such rampant violence within our borders, we Americans don’t appear to pay strong attention to this trend, and even remain mostly occupied with the violence outside of our borders. But I believe we must deal with violence in our own backyards, and the time is now!

Solving the issue of violence within our society needs to be our number one priority. We need to deal with violence at all levels of society - in the homes, in schools, in colleges, in the workplace and in society. Violence is also expensive, costing the American taxpayers billions of dollars. These dollars need to be recycled within our society to teach the benefits and dividends of a nonviolent nation

Yet the questions remain: What does a nonviolent society look like? How do we get there?

First, we need to be aware of the facts, such as the statistic quoted at the top of this article. Second, we need to make this effort a national priority. And lastly, we need to act rather than remain in dialogue. I strongly believe that this is a solvable problem. We Americans are a resilient bunch and, when we put our minds and national attention to a problem, we routinely succeed.

Think of the accomplishments when we as a nation have unified – the advancements of science, the impeachment of President Nixon, the goal of a man on the moon.

For the goal of a peaceful, nonviolent society, we can focus on the results exemplified by the work of the Tariq Khamisa Foundation, which has drastically altered the direction and beliefs of many youth – away from gangs and violence and towards empathy and forgiveness. It’s true we cannot defeat violence with violence. You cannot defeat darkness with more darkness. Only light can defeat the dark.

It is time we unify to take on violence in our society with much fervor. It is truly the best gift we can give to our country and the world. For, what happens in America happens in the world. A nonviolent America will precipitate a nonviolent world.

I realize I am more sensitive to this than many as I lost my only son to a senseless violent act. However the fact remains I paid a huge price and do not plan to quit. I, along with Ples Felix, the caregiver of my son’s killer, have committed our lives to combat the violence among our children and youth. We are experiencing exemplary success at teaching nonviolence and peacemaking to our kids. The same can happen for adults and decision makers as well.

So at a personal level I now teach the concepts of forgiveness to adults in the corporate world and other venues as an antidote to violence. However - I cannot do this without everyone’s help. I need all of you to be engaged in making the stand against violence within our borders the most important priority period!

We can win this war; the war we are presently fighting in other lands can never be won. Think about it - what does wining the war against terrorism look like? Think about the victory of establishing a nonviolent society. The choice is ours.

I promise to stand with you on this issue and promise to do all that I can to achieve a nonviolent America - my question to you is: are you willing to do the same?