The greatest men and women of history were people of love, courage, wisdom and martyrdom who were unarmed and selfless and believed in nonviolent struggle to achieve their goals and dreams for others.
Jose Rizal, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, J. Hudson Taylor, David Livingstone, St. Augustine, Polycarp, Mother Teresa, Abraham Lincoln, Nelson Mandela, Ninoy Aquino, etc., were all great revolutionaries in history who shunned violence as their means of helping the destitute and needy, and effecting changes and transformation in their own countries and beyond (politically and otherwise, but not for "logo"), and who impacted even the whole world with their stories of gallantry, sacrifice, benevolence and heroism. They shaped the course of life and history for all — without taking arms.
The twelve and original disciples of Jesus Christ died a martyr's death, including later Paul the Apostle, except for John the Beloved, who was made to die a natural death to write the Book of Revelations.
Lucifer rebelled in Heaven against God. Hence, he was cast from Heaven down to the bottomless pit, and now he continues to be in rebellion, deceiving and recruiting people to hell and a miserable, horrible existence on Earth. Isaiah 14:12-15.
"A creature revolting against a creator is revolting against the source of his own powers — including even his power to revolt. It is like the scent of a flower trying to destroy the flower." C.S. Lewis
Lay down your arms and embrace life again in the real world. There is every reason to be a hero, but not a rebel. The government has its arms wide open (anew) to receive you back. Thus, go out and fight your battles in a peaceful, sane, sensible, and realizable way.
By the way, you don't get into a peace talk with the government by setting preconditions even before the negotiations commence. Otherwise, it is not negotiation, but manipulation or dictation, if not deception. It smacks of sincerity and seriousness on your part. Do and behave right.
Finally, Max Ehrmann wrote the famous Desiderata in 1927, yet its contents remain true and relevant anywhere in the world until now. Ehrmann echoed what should echo in the heart and soul of every person on the planet. Take a glance at these final lines:
"Whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy."
Surrender to God and the government.
Hands up.
(renivalenzuelaletters@yahoo.com)