During my free time, I enjoy exploring Santa Barbara and the surrounding area. The highlight of my week, however, was attending a peace discussion. This initiative was started more than 20 years ago by Frank K. Kelly, who opened his home every Friday evening to anyone interested in conversations about peace and nuclear disarmament. After his passing, Nancy Martin, the director of the UN Association of Santa Barbara, chose to continue this tradition.
Last week, she invited me to join the discussion, and I was delighted to see people from so many different backgrounds—teachers, poets, politicians, and volunteers—all deeply engaged in the conversation. At one point, we even had a lively debate.
I found the experience truly inspiring. Being in the presence of people so dedicated to the cause of peace reaffirmed my belief that such gatherings can spark meaningful change, and that individuals committed to this mission are genuinely capable of making the world a better place.