Complimenting Matt on his "Umbrellas for Peace," a reader remarks that not many people are willing to go to conspicuous effort to do good.

Matt responds:

I think many people are looking for good things to do.  All we have to do is look at the yellow ribbons on trees.

A lot of people would say it’s stupid to paint an umbrella.  I say better to be stupid doing something than intelligent doing nothing.

Only thinking about something and imagining it, without taking action, does shit.  Doing something and making a mistake is one of the greatest achievements in the world.

If we can come together under a mundane instrument like an umbrella, then we can let each other alone and not kill each other for different ways of worshipping god or having a different skin color than somebody else.

We must bridge the gaps between our perceptions, our doubts, and our hatreds to come together in acceptance and love of each other.

So the umbrella is as good an instrument as any to bring that about.  We tried the gallows, the rack, burning people at the stake, gassing them and putting them in ovens.  We didn't get it right.

Now is the time of the umbrella, and maybe, perchance, from that umbrella will shine the peace that God or The Universe will bring to every one of us, whether we agree or disagree on the particulars.

So join the group, paint the umbrella, dance in the street, and be a part of the wonderful, joyous crowd!

Matt