In the Footsteps of Peace – Chris Brennan

Editors Note: Our writer, Chris Brennan, is the front man for one of the Southwest's most popular bands, Reviva. Click here for more info about Chris. The video below for their song, Take Me Away, was recorded in Albuquerque, New Mexico and stars 10 year old author Marisol Paramo. Marisol, an ward winning author for her book, Bella the Caterpillar, is Native American (Navajo) and Colombian American. Find her book, Bella the Caterpillar here. 

Hi My Name Is

Hi, I’m Chris! I’m a 38-year-old, white, heterosexual male who grew up in downtown Albuquerque in the infamous Jesse Pinkman’s house from “Breaking Bad”. Yes, I did host a lot of parties in that basement without my mom knowing as she was asleep upstairs. She sold the house for dirt cheap after the pilot wasrecorded by AMC because she was a single mother raising my sister and I on a teacher’s salary. If you don’t believe me, you can look up “The House From” on Netflix. There’s a reason I chose music over politics: My father was a politician.

Peace in Nicaragua

As a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer who served in Nicaragua, I’ve witnessed authoritarians take over a country first-hand. With only 4 TV channels in my tiny apartment and no internet, I could see what was happening with Daniel Ortega and his wife slowly manipulating the country through religious beliefs they didn’tfollow. What started as a voter intimidation turned into you must have a party flag over that of the country flag hanging outside of your house, and if not, you will be threatened. Some of my current neighbors have chosen to hang an upside-down US flag, which to me is a disservice to those who have served in the Military as well as the Peace Corps. One thing that really stood out to me during my service in the community of Pearl Lagoon was how people said “Good Morning” or “Good Evening” to all of their neighbors, regardless of political party or religious beliefs. I chalk this up to the fact that while I was there nobody had smartphones or Wifi. We had to pay to go to an internet café with unreliable service. I often just popped into homes during my daily walk and would be offered food or a cold beer by anyone who had the means to offer. Things have changed since I left, as the government built a road that connects the capital of Managua to the Caribbean Coast.

Now everyone has smartphones. The crime rate is up 1000%. The last time that I visited I was told to not walk down the same streets that I used to as there are criminals waiting in the shadows. I could foresee the outcome of the election over a year ago when my buddies told me that the odds of the president-elect winning were -200. I urged my family and friends to be more desperate in how they approached the situation, yet they told me everything would be fine. Much like what happened to Nicaragua, social media has completely changed how people interact with each other. I said “Good Morning” to three of my neighbors while running my dog this morning, and not
even one responded.

True Blue

New Mexico is one of the few states that “went (or remained) blue”. As I work in healthcare development, we have already had many inquiries from providers who want to work in a place where they can practice their skills without fear of retribution. After all, the United States was founded on separation of Church and State. Make no mistake, the President-elect is not a savior or the second coming of Christ. If one thing 18 years of Catholic School taught me, it is to “Love Thy Neighbor,” regardless of religion, race, or immigration status.

Spilling Tea

The Tea Party which is now the “T” Party pushed the right more right. If progressives are to ever win another election, they need to make the party more progressive, which means universal healthcare and free higher education. It is a tenant of authoritarians to ensure that the population remains uneducated or only is allowed to read certain books and watch certain channels. And when you hear your neighbors saying, “I’ve done my own research”, they haven’t. I know only because I have good friends who I hang out with daily who I know only look at YouTube videos, X, and Truth Social who claim that is research. I don’t blame them, as it is a product of both technology and intentional distraction from investments by wealthy people to privatize and control education. I wish the best to the incoming Administration but have little faith that they will be able to help the economy or prevent WWIII. I hope that I am proven wrong and am going to golf with some of my friends this afternoon who feel victorious about the election.

Deportation en Masse

I will shake their hands and tell them “Good Afternoon”. Mass deportation of Dreamers is immoral. Things will get worse in the country once the new cabinet enters. There will not be a sudden end to the war in Ukraine or help for the Palestinian people on the way, and China is intent upon taking over Taiwan. Our
adversaries will utilize the vulnerability of the incoming president to take advantage. And yes ,I do look at Russia and China as our adversaries, not the people, but the governments. They do not want to see the US succeed and they are licking their chops right now. For those feeling depressed and anxious as I am, I urge you to look within. I don’t believe in either political party .It is okay to not be okay. Climate Change will eventually bring us together as we will have to work alongside our neighbors regardless of race or political party.

Don’t get it twisted. The president-elect will attempt to do everything he said he would, starting with mass deportation and the erosion of democratic principles. I’ve seen authoritarianism happen first-hand. While serving in the Peace Corps in Nicaragua, there were only 4 state-control media outlets. I am fortunate enough to have a wide circle of friends whom I love deeply. I stay in close contact with my friends from high school, Notre Dame, the Peace Corps, and my fellow musicians. During these next extremely difficult years call on your friends and be sure to pick up their calls. Remember to always “love your neighbor as yourself.”

Chris Brennan

Chris Brennan’s monthly blog, In the Footsteps of Peace, discusses peace at all levels and in all forms. He is a graduate of Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies program and served 4 years overseas in the Peace Corps.

Chris is also a singer-songwriter as the Lead Vocalists for the band Reviva and has embarked on a solo career as Irie Kristoff as well. Find out more about Chris and to read previous articles of In the Footsteps of Peace, click here.