Irish peacemaker returns - Next journey, Dublin to London

by Susanne Mc Sun Apr 27, 2008 02:01

What a truly inspiring story. I see this was covered by Australian Television, but I never heard anything about it in our own media? Are we getting like the UK or US, where positive news is never reported?
Congratulations Frank.
S

by Mick Galway Sun Apr 27, 2008 14:38

It seems this guy has no boundaries of what he can do. That may not be a bad approach to life where we all do tend to think more of what we can't do rather what we can. MG

by the pooka Sun Apr 27, 2008 15:15

when is he going to walk to Baghdad?

by paul o toole Sun Apr 27, 2008 16:48

Who are those people either side of him??. Are they those now defunct 'guardians of the peace', at least theres three of them not in Shannon giving the Terrorist Bush free passage to his genocidal war in Iraq or harassing peace protestors.
As admirable as it is to see the great lengths this man has gone to for peace, and I hate to sound so cynical (because i'm not)about one so dedicated to his art but I'm afraid that the notion of peace being everywhere -that you only have to imagine it -is a ludicrios one.
That peace is a matter of 'perception' is just about as viable a point as the notion of his imaginary friend Harvey in the wheelchair.
That 'war and peace are really just feelings' goes a bit to far. I wish frank well in his journey and hope that he achieves peace through his work, but first of all he has to find different people to do photo=ops with because these cops are part of the problem. If they did do their job mabey they might help the continnued genocide in Iraq or mabey in Franks imaginary world the cops actually do their job//. Id love to visit

by newsmedia - newsmedianews Sun Apr 27, 2008 17:29

The point is - if everyone thought peace and rejected war, who would be there for the politicians and military leaders to send off to fight?

The problem is not the theory - it is effecting that change of perception.

by Anne Sun Apr 27, 2008 19:42

I understand from the comments above, however a press release only gives you an example of what Mr Muldowney is doing. I heard him on the radio last year, when the peace agreement was announced here in Ireland, and he was the most interesting person to listen to, even with his speech and comprehension problems.
The way understand it is, he I not looking for solutions between nations and high level politicians, he is concentrating on inner happiness in the individual. A happy person has no desire to fight. It is only control and fear can create an army.
Mr Muldowney met so many ex soldiers in Melbourne who now refuse to go back to war in Iraq and Afghanistan, who walked with him on his journey, bringing a lot of humour as well I may add.
So to me, he is not trying to 'changing the world' instead he is leaving by example of different ways of looking at a problem and doing something about it.
Anne

by William Sun Apr 27, 2008 20:22

I met him in Sydney! I walked across the bridge with about 12 others. He is a very intelligent and interesting guy. He met some pretty high up people in politics in Canberra and became very popular but got forgotten when Bush's visit in Sydney. In what I felt was he is using lunacy and comedy to catch people off guard, and then passing very powerful messages into peoples thoughts, and minds. I thought he was a trained psychiatrist, but in fact he cant even read, but I guess when you have brain damage, you are bound to have a different perception of the world. He is right about one thing, no one has exactly the same view of the world only your own.

He gave me a card with a message on it (when he couldn't remember my name) and I still cant get it out of my mind
"If we all lost one of our main senses, hearing, speech or sight, there would be no war. i am one of those happy, lucky people where war doesn't exist in my world. Which world would you rather live in?" Then he walked away with a smile.

by MCX Mon Apr 28, 2008 00:13

Only heard about this in the Sunday Tribune last year. I am a little disappointed, that our own media didn't follow this up. Terry Fox ran half across Canada because of something he believed in, and the nation loved him 'because' the media followed his story. This looney ( I mean that in the nicest possible way) is doing something different that 'he' believes in and he has covered more miles and apparently over a year. Maybe he's right, perhaps, the media have got brainwashed that bad news, like war, sells well, look at what we are reading here in indymedia, how often do I read an inspirational story.
Fair play to the looney !!

by Aoife Mon Apr 28, 2008 10:20

"The point is - if everyone thought peace and rejected war, who would be there for the politicians and military leaders to send off to fight? "quote from above"

I like the comment of newsmedia.

The walker is clearer questioning other peoples ways of looking at a problem, and if Mr Muldowney starts leaving doubts in peoples minds, that also questions young men decision to join the army, or a terrorists group. Apparently the walker is doing this by one person at a time, hence the ripple effect will touch even more.

If I ignore the mass media, and focus on my own happiness, of course I will become a happier person, ignoring the war that is going on. However, by doing so, would I be opening doors to friends around me to a more peaceful way of living, leading by example, rather living in fear of what is going on?

Fascinating way of looking at things.

by skeptomaniac Mon Apr 28, 2008 13:33

I truly think that Mr Mulrooney is on a track to help enlighten people to their own internal happiness which can be envisioned through self awareness and changing their 'perception', which for the individual is a wonderful transformation and is to be admired for the individuals sake.
Any attempt to change the way things are is an awesome , thankless and daunting task but focusing on the individuals 'perceptions' and levels of awareness I believe is a self serving journey. Necessary for some in need to find a basis for their own existence but selfserving none the less, and as such dosent serve the greater good in any viable way unless there is a follow on process which encompasses the wider community and the world as a whole.
I cant see an economic conscript in Flint Mn. having been trained by the US military to be a psychotic killer as most are, holding fire one afternoon because he took time to envisage peace. Or a revolutionary Iraqi insurgeon dropping his weapon to embrace his killers. The last time that happened was Christmas day 1914-w.w.I, when both sides saw the humanity in their 'enemies'. The response was to put the leaders of the truce from both sides in front of a firing squad.
Most people today ignore the problems of the world and are more interested in the goings on in Coronation Street and the Soccer world, which is their search for 'happiness' .
Mabey if Frank had a meeting with Bertie he might change his mind about his despicable treatment of the innocent civilians in Iraq, those he already helped to kill and those Cowen is continnuing to help kill.

by Carthage Mon Apr 28, 2008 13:56

Paul O'Toole your message sounds cynical because it is. There are many ways to help achieve peace - you sing some great songs, the plowshares and others do non-violent disarmament, some of us just live peaceful lives. Frank chooses to walk.

I had the pleasure of meeting Frank in Sydney and I was greatly impressed by him. He is truly an inspirational character. There are many roads to peace and while we might have our own preferences we should supoprt all who choose the way of peace. There are enough profiteers and politicians belittling peace efforts without difference peace movements attacking each other.

by Erris ex Mon Apr 28, 2008 14:38

I wonder of any of those smiling cops will hold back from attacking the peaceful protesters the next time they are in Rossport. As GW Bush said on another matter- "Doubt it."

by S-Mc Contact Mon Apr 28, 2008 16:07

Wow... I will contact Frank and tell him of this site, maybe he does. I know him well, he will be smiling from ear to ear to see people adding comments, and discussing methods - visions - ideas etc etc by creating peace. I think it is fair to say that is what he is looking for.
I read one of his blogs in his own web site when Frank met the leader of the Greens Party in Canberra - Australia, where her speech was about, "how can we create peace, where in the house of parliment, there is no agenda to allow peace to be discussed. Instead, we discuss finance, security and war" That is a scary thought and is the same in the US.

In that way, what Frank is doing he is showing how backward society is! This explains to me, why Frank does almost everything backwards sideways or even upside down, so of course he is a lateral thinker.

Every comment here, positive, negative, creative or cynical, is what Frank want's. Getting people to talk about peace, and different ways of thinking about it.

Thanks Eva for the article

by Stephen Mon Apr 28, 2008 16:11

What a madman - but what a message.

by paul o toole Mon Apr 28, 2008 19:09

Carthage, I dont think of myself as cynical but a realist, which appears to an awful lot of people as cynicism, i made clear in the begining that i wasnt. It also sounds deliberately insulting which I assure you is not the case. Apologies however.
I also made it clear that I admire Frank and any effort on his or anyones to promote peace is to me a truly worthwhile effort-regardless of the result-I count my own 'efforts' among them with far less results than Franks-of course.
Mabey there is a viable path that Frank can envision and will be fruitful in the end-or the beginning as Frank might see it. I dont see it, I wish I could
I dont believe in meditation for peace, or praying for peace, or growing your hair for peace or singing for peace, however I do recognise the immense value in Franks work as a talking/thinking point and awareness building for the issue which is absolutely invaluable in these times with a monopolised media un-shaking in its support for killing and warmongering, and you are right there are enough people on the outside doing the attacking on us all for me to start on the inside. Apologies.
I think it was 'an Garda Suichana' in their typical hypocritical double role that always gets me boiling. Just like the cops in Shannon getting their heads shaved for UNICEF when most of UNICEF money goes to Iraq-the contradictions kill me.
Apologies again.P.

by Alex Mon Apr 28, 2008 20:03

What a joy to hear this story, and the comments below.

Mr O' Toole above, I fully understand your point of view, and the other people who commented also.
I do not see a realistic way to peace either, but from what I read, is not what Mr Muldowney is aiming for, I think!
He says, peace is hear, he seems to be just showing that he has found his own way to inner happiness and peace in himself. He is walking with his dream, carrying other peoples dreams too. When one individual experiences inner peace, then you live without fear, (I have a feeling Mr Muldowney has learned a lot about Gandhi's philosophies and are using them) , as when one lives with no fear, war is just a challenge, and laughs in the face of death.
It seems far to fetched to be understood, but many have, ML King, Lennon for example.
If Mr Muldowney inadvertently started to get popular with his way of thinking, which is a little a little like, tribes in Sth America, or just extreme poor natives, or those with autism, or amnesiacs, they have no concpet of war, then it seems it is only people with careers, and have wealth, and have a TV, are the only people who knows and worry about war, as they are afraid of losing their wealth? So, if there is no media, and less money, would there be war at all?
The more you think about Mr Muldowney's way of thinking about perception even makes me think differently.
Peace is here ,,, just testing the feeling!!

by glaway34 Tue Apr 29, 2008 06:55

Superb Idea. Congrats to Frank and keep up the good work.

Maybe Mr. O Toole you want to look inside yourself as to why you get so agitated re the Gardai and your obvious dislike for the Gardai, also if your negative/cynical or whatever name you would like to put on it towards Franks campaign well then again, thats nothing to do with Frank, thats all about you and whats going on inside you. FRANKS' MESSAGE IS 100 PE CENT positive but yet you slight it.

Best Wishes Frank

by paul o toole Tue Apr 29, 2008 12:50 pauljotoole at eircom dot net

This photo would make more sense to see the cops pose withBertie, Bush and Blair, their cashing in on Franks goodwill and hard work for peace which they have contributed Zero-in fact the opposite is true.
I do not slight Franks message in the slightest, in fact I think i wrote more in support of frank than many on this thread, and it is insulting to be accused of such. But if you choose to see it as slight then so be it. Im sure Frank would have a broader view.
If a comment cannot be taken within context, then theres little possibility for debate and no room for logical debate.
I never criticised Franks work if you read back. I support it fully. I also apologised for any inference that may have been taken in reference to it and said that some would see it as criticism or cinicism-its not. His work is inspiring. There is no negative inference in my comment either-if you see it that way then Im afraid that says more about you than I.
The path to peace I believe is an up hill struggle which will involve massive upheavels in the way we think and act. Some believe it to be an armed struggle- I dont but it could be-history has a world of support for and against armed violent struggle.
I support fully Franks enthusiasm for enlightenment and highlighting the issues about the struggle for peace which I do not undermine, but I differ in his opinion about his notion of ...'war and peace are really just feelings'... , and that..... 'peace is everywhere-you only have to imagine it',......this for me goes a couple of steps into the etheral realm and dosent hold true when there are 1.2 million dead, 500,000 widows and 5,000,000 orphans in Iraq now. Everyday there is bloodshed, terrorism and fear - and not... 'alleged terrorism' - its real - Im sorry. If all suffering and death is imaginary then I would agree with yourself and Frank.

The Gardai Suiochana are no longer the guardians of the 'peace'. They support the new breed of facists. Thats just the way I look at it. If you dont agree thats fine-challenge me on it and dont hide behind Frank and cast aspersions on me.
I believe that until we grasp the notion that the Gardai have been derilict in their jobs of upholding the Irish constitution they've sworn to do we are all wasting our time dealing with them.
That all departments in the Government have deliberately let the cause of peace down in their deriliction of duty for profit and power, that our politicians have all gone dumb on the issue, RTE , the church, the media, the art and music world including Bono and Geldoff whos position is secured by the fact that they remain not only Dumb-but actually prevent debate on their friends warmongery - but you may not see it that way either-and thats fine. But Im still entitled to my view on the matter.

by Aoife Tue Apr 29, 2008 12:58

So many times, I have got bogged down with complexed situations and it seems like an unending weight on my shoulders. Later in my life I noticed that the simplest solutions are the most effective ones. Ask a 4 year old for an answer to create world peace, and their answers are as valid and effective as the decisions made by top politicians, as none have achieved it yet.
When I read that Frank thrives on comedy and perception, he is actually taking the pain away from those who cannot forget of forgive the memories of like the holocaust or terrorist bombing, hence I believe Frank is giving a different look for the victims so their own hate will not turn into revenge. Hate breeds hate and we all know what hate creates.
Ridicule is more painful to a terrorist, than a bullet. I think thats the angle he is coming from.
When I see who Frank's heroes are shown in his site, Gandhi, King, Dr Patch Adams, the film, Life is Beautiful, Einstein, Billy Connolly, is it pretty clear to me that wisdom and comedy is a beautiful balance of a happier life.
I hope i hear more about him. A.

by Carthage Tue Apr 29, 2008 13:09

Mr O'Toole, my intention was not to have a go at you but at the fact that we (including myself) dont all support each other. Once someone is using a peaceful way to attempt to increase the peace - through thoughts or actions, I feel we should all row behind them as there are enough people on the other side trying to tear us apart. I do however understand your displeasure at seeing the cops. They, in my opinion, are the sh*t on the shoe of Irish society.

Also, please dont belittle your own efforts as there are many of us who have really enjoyed them.

by Tom C Tue Apr 29, 2008 14:36

Hi, I was fascinated by this article and the comments written after.

Now I am not getting into a personal discussion, however what I understand about Frank's philosophy is about the importance of the individual, not the thinking in the global sense.
The thousands killed in Iraq, cannot be change, its history already, and even if i was going to happen again, Frank and the others writers on this tread are not going to change it. So the way I understand Franks approach is, to focus on your own feelings, that's what he says, hence keeping ourselves away from aggression and hatred to others, that is where this way of thinking does change the mind set and may actually manifest a more peaceful way of thinking to many.

Every comment here is correct, as as Frank is saying we all have our own perception. The beauty about this idea, is I believe Frank is disarming both soldiers and police alike, as Gandhi said, 'love the enemy'. When you achieve that, you are then in a position to make serious changes, I am only guessing that's what he is doing.

These comments are really positive as you all seem to support Frank, and adding your own ways of creating peace too and none of us will be thinking the same way.

Great stuff

by Aleana Tue Apr 29, 2008 17:25

I rarely comment to news items, however this one is so different, it makes my life more bearable.

I left Iraq 9 years ago and the idea of 'pretending we have peace' and questioning if war is real, is as much as a solution than any. It even doubts the mind of soldiers before the shoot, when they are not sure whether this is real or not. Doubt, illusions, propaganda has been used for years to ''create a war'' so perhaps you can use the same method to end one.

Creating love, happiness, and peace during a conflict, is one of the few things that keeps one sane. It is the reason why we live.

I feel Mr Muldowney has tapped into something that could do more good that he can possibly imagine. God bless him on his path.

Peace A.

by Padraig Byrne Wed Apr 30, 2008 10:59

It is nice to see someone who has found his own way to happiness, spreading it to others. The ones who disagree with Frank's own beliefs, don't seem to be as happy as him! Well done Frank.

by AWI supporter Wed Apr 30, 2008 11:19

This is fuckwit stuff.

Excuse my language, but, seriously, 'peace' is not going to be achieved through pushing empty wheelchairs and doing photocalls with smiling police who enforce Irish collaboration with the US war machine.

I'm with Paul O'Toole on this. Realism is not cynicism. And this Harvey nonsense is just downright delusional.

What we need is a large and vibrant global anti-war movement that will force this fuckers to stop killing us. The ruling elite and political belief systems are responsible for war NOT the 'ordinary people'. It's going to take a lot more than 'positive thinking' to end the mass killings.

by Caroline Wed Apr 30, 2008 16:17

To AWI supporter

I feel you made your own perception of what Mr Muldowney is doing. He is clearly ignoring the political way of finding peace, which is always the easy way out using generalised thinking. He is focusing on peace in the individual, thus making it harder to embed hate into the youth's minds. I feel you have already fallen into that trap already as your comment is full of hate. Hate has never achieved peace.

Your own solution was generalised ways of actions to combat against those who kill, are these just words or are you going to act on them. What exactly are you doing right now spreading peace? Mr Muldowney has already done something about his methods and thoughts, rather just make comments and critisize others.

An eye for an eye? That mentality has been going on since the years of the Roman Empire, and this is 2008, I prefer something more new and creative which I believe Mr Muldowney is doing something just like that. He is making friends, not making enemies.

by AWI supporter Wed Apr 30, 2008 16:38

Good luck with finding inner peace and all that other self-indulgent gobblydegook, but please don't expect anti-war activists to take this stuff seriously as a strategy for achieving peace in our time.

What am I doing? Opposing imperialism and actively participating in the anti-war movement. Hopefully my beads of sweat will help in some way to eventually overturn the capitalism economic system for which war is just business. I work positively to end the root causes of the mass killings that happen on a daily basis.

You're taking care of yourself and YOUR conscience.

by Dreamer Wed Apr 30, 2008 16:38

In your own words

"What we need is a large and vibrant global anti-war movement"

So, who is 'we' and are you the one to create this movement?

Until you have done something yourself, Ill support the guy who walked across a continent making friends in all types of society, that is realty.

Good on you Frank, humour , friendship and making people think, you have done more than most.

Alan

by AWI supporter Wed Apr 30, 2008 16:44

I've spent years working in the anti-war movement and I've done plenty to oppose war and make my voice and those of others heard by those directly responsible. I've done plenty but nowhere near enough.

Along the way and in life I've also made many many friends on many continents from many backgrounds. I didn't need to push an empty wheelchair for a couple of thousand miles to achieve that.

by Alan Wed Apr 30, 2008 16:55

Calm down, jeez

it is not a competition! You dont have to be so jealous of the other guys achievements. You dont even know him. :-)

You said your piece ok, and fair play to you for trying to make a difference, but I am baffled why you want to condemn a guy who is trying something different, to change the mind set. You are not exactly making friends! That is the idea isn't it in creating peace.

It is fine to have a comment but it is not positive in anyway to criticise with work of another peacemaker.

by Ahmed Wed Apr 30, 2008 22:22

i like the story, makes me fel happy i hope he keeps going
-

by Deirdre Thu May 01, 2008 08:19

Please do not knock the good work that Frank has done. Just because he is doing things a
little differently than others doesn't mean it's wrong or not worthwhile. I personally feel that
it will open peoples minds who have not being open previously re war etc.

Who are we to judge? Seems some are. The worrying thing is thst the people judging
are ant war activists? Should they not be encouraging Frank and his like?

The AWI is hardly over flowing with it's membership. The comments above will not do
anything to help the weak numbers who now turn up for meetings etc.

Frank walks, Paul sings, both doing positive things for the movement.

Are the views expressed above the general view held by members of the AWI?

Less of the insulting commentary to Frank who has acted and not talked.

D

by paul o toole Thu May 01, 2008 10:03 pauljotoole at eircom dot net

Frank Muldooney is a breadth of fresh air which is becoming increasingly rare on this planet we call home. He is an inspiration to many ,myself included, though I differ with his views in many ways on how to go about achieving this goal we all seek.
Awareness is an invaluable tool and its use can not be under estimated. Without awareness there are no issues brought to light only people who suffer on in silence. Nothing is achievable without this, which Frank is able to muster in great quantities-not without with huge effort it should be said.
Rosa Parks done 'nothing', only sit on a bus and refuse to get up to let a man sit in her seat-a white man. From doing absolutely nothing (tongue in cheek) the Civil Rights Movement began and gave us Martin Luther King and Rev. Jessey Jackson and a whole raft of Civil Rights Laws which never existed before.
The Catholic Workers here in Ireland disarmed a US military plane and a jury of ordinary Irish citizens acquitted them.
Which makes it 'Legal' to disarm military planes parked in Shannon. The people spoke-ordinary people.
There are many people I know who count me as their friend who would not take one step outside their front door if it meant there was nothing in it for them. They would not walk a mile in anyones shoes unless there was something to be gained. Yet heres a man with severe disabilities walking 4,000 miles across a whole continnent to bring his message to those who otherwise might not be aware or mabey would not even be interested in what Frank Muldowney is saying.

Whatever about the nay-sayers in Ireland and elsewhere Im absolutely sure of one thing- that those in Iraq and Afghanistan who continnue to suffer at unimaginable lengths would be greateful for Franks efforts-and dont forget harvey, as so many others could care less in our afluent comfortable soap opera we call life.
Good luck to you both on your journey to London, Ill be with you(s) in spirit. Mabey a british soldier will have a change of heart about going back to kill innocent people and mabey a life might be saved, mabey it could be the soldiers himself....the possibilities are endless.

by Horsham Thu May 01, 2008 11:54

G'day!

So the bloke is still at it! Good onya, ye must be proud to be Irish with comedians like this. Not sure what happened to him after when Bush arrived, Sydney was sealed off , never hard of frank since.

Right on Paul, i like your style, doing your bit and so is he. Cool words.

"brain damaged Irishman" is that a contradiction in terms!!!

Im joking! Im joking

Shane, VIC

by Deirdre Fri May 02, 2008 08:29

Am glad to see that your last message was very positive re Frank.

Either I misunderstood the sentiment expressed in your first post
on this topic or maybe it wasn't expressed as clearly as you did
in your latest post.

Either way your last post is very clear and very positive and I think
as you that if you make .one person change their opinions, challenge
their beliefs well then thats a success.

That must be maddening if some? of your friends/family would't do
amything unless it was for personal gain?

Anyhow off to work.

D