Skip to main content

The Many Faces of Peace

By Grant Sheehan

Embracing Peace: The Legacy of the Sheehan Family

As I sit down to write this blog post, I am inspired by the deep-rooted values and meanings embedded in my family name, Sheehan. Originating from the Gaelic word "O'Síothcháin," which translates to "descendant of Síothcháin," my surname encapsulates a beautiful legacy of peace and tranquility. In a world often filled with conflict and noise, the concept of peace is more important than ever.

This blog post is not only a reflection on my family's heritage but also a heartfelt exploration of what peace means in today’s context. The Sheehan family has long been a symbol of harmony, and it is my hope to delve into this rich meaning and examine how we can carry forward the ideals of serenity and understanding in our lives and communities. Join me as we explore the significance of peace, both personally and universally, and how this legacy can inspire us to cultivate a more compassionate world. 

As an example, The Many Faces of Peace

In discussions about war and conflict, the term "peace" is often tossed around as a universal goal. It conjures visions of tranquility, harmony, and resolution. However, the reality is far more complex. The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia illustrates how the word "peace" can mean vastly different things to different parties involved.

When we hear leaders calling for peace in Ukraine, we assume we're all referring to the same idea. Yet, as we dig deeper, we discover a myriad of interpretations that shape the narrative of this war.

For Ukraine, peace represents a restoration of sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Ukrainian government seeks to reclaim territories occupied by Russia and reaffirm its borders as recognized by the international community. A sense of security is paramount; Ukrainians aspire to guarantees that future aggression will not threaten their sovereignty again. Political stability is also essential, as they aim for a government accountable to all citizens, free from external influence. Additionally, the road to peace is tied to rebuilding a devastated country—a clear recognition that recovery requires significant support for its infrastructure and economy.

On the flip side, Russia's concept of peace shares little resemblance to Ukraine's. For Russia, it may revolve around maintaining influence in the region, seeking recognition of its historical claims and interests in former Soviet territories. The idea of security is equally important, but it translates into demands for a halt to NATO's eastward expansion. Russia desires agreements that would ensure its own national security by limiting Western military presence near its borders. Furthermore, Moscow's vision of peace might include legitimization or at least autonomy for regions within Ukraine that lean towards Russia, such as Donetsk and Luhansk.

These contrasting definitions reveal how simplistic it is to talk about peace as if it's a one-size-fits-all solution. Each party's understanding of peace is shaped by historical grievances, national narratives, and strategic goals. This divergence complicates negotiations and creates barriers to compromise.

As we navigate discussions about peace in any context, it's crucial to recognize that when people use the term, they may be referring to fundamentally different ideas. To forge a path toward lasting peace, we must first engage in honest conversations about what peace means to each party involved. Only by acknowledging these differences can we hope to bridge the gap and find common ground.

In the case of Ukraine and Russia, the road to peace will be challenging and filled with complexities and nuances. However, understanding the varied meanings of "peace" is a critical first step in addressing this conflict and striving toward a resolution that respects the needs and aspirations of all parties involved. As we advocate for peace, let’s ensure we don’t lose sight of the diverse interpretations that shape our world. 

@mythoughts
Grant Sheehan CEO
www.SheehansConsulting.com 
305.951.3306
ceo@llcmiami.com


Comments

Post a Comment

Please no profanity or political comments.

Popular posts from this blog

Dolphin Debit Drives Efficiency

  Contact Us   4k Surcharge-Free ATMs for Free   Dolphin Debit Access | 1340 Rayford Rd | Spring, TX 77386 . Joe Woods, CUDE  | SVP, Marketing & Partnerships Dolphin Debit Access, LLC | A Euronet Company 1340 Rayford Park Rd., Spring, TX 77386 (M) 614-378-0367   www.dolphindebit.com ================================================= Remember, you're not alone with  NCOFCU.org Join/Upgrade Check out some of NCOFCU's additional features: First Responder Credit Union Academy Financial Literacy Podcasts YouTube Mini's Blog Job Board
Post a Comment
Read Complete Article HERE>»

Sunday Reading - Social Security 101

  Social Studies   Social Security 101 The US Social Security   system is best known for providing income to the nation’s elderly population based on the amount of money they earned during their working years.   The Social Security Act of 1935 established the program  amid the worsening poverty crisis that older Americans faced during the Great Depression. By 1934, more than half of those aged 65 and older lacked sufficient income to cover their basic living expenses.    Today, most US workers are familiar with seeing a percentage of their pretax income deducted from their paychecks and contributed to the nation’s Social Security trust funds. Starting a...
Post a Comment
Read Complete Article HERE>»

“The CU Teller of the Future”:

  “The CU Teller of the Future” : Credit union tellers will continue to play an important role, but their work will shift from routine transactions to relationship-driven financial guidance. Technology will handle more basic tasks, freeing tellers to focus on personalized service, financial coaching, and member trust. What Future Tellers Will Focus On The teller of the future will deliver member-centric, personalized experiences by anticipating needs, offering proactive guidance, and explaining financial products in simple, supportive ways. They’ll need to be comfortable working across multiple channels —in person, mobile, chat, and video—while keeping service seamless. A security-first mindset will be essential, including fraud awareness and helping members practice safe digital habits. Tellers will also play a growing role in financial wellness , assisting with budgeting, saving, debt management, and long-term planning. Strong knowledge of compliance and documentation will...
Post a Comment
Read Complete Article HERE>»

'Tis the season for fraud! Teller questions if member fraud is suspected.

  When a credit union employee suspects a member may be subject to fraud, they should initiate a careful conversation focusing on the nature of the transaction and external influences. The goal is to help the member identify red flags without the employee asking for sensitive personal information that the credit union should already have on file.  Initial Verification Questions    .pdf Before discussing the specifics of the suspicious activity, the employee should confirm the member's identity in accordance with established internal protocols.  Questions About the Transaction/Activity If the member confirms they are conducting a suspicious transaction (e.g., a large wire transfer or purchase of gift cards ), the employee should ask questions to help the member pause and think critically:  "What is the purpose of this transaction?" "Do you personally know the person or business you are sending money to?" "Have you ever met the...
Post a Comment
Read Complete Article HERE>»

Advice On Winning Over Gen Z In ’25

NEW YORK—As 2025 approaches the close of Q1, how can credit unions win over Gen Z? By tailoring credit rewards for a digital-first generation, a new report recommends. Gen Z is reshaping the workforce and redefining financial behaviors. As of 2024, this generation is poised to surpass Baby Boomers in workforce size and will make up 30% of the workforce by 2030. This rapid growth presents a major opportunity for financial institutions to tap into a younger, digitally native audience with distinct spending habits and financial needs, emphasized a GlobalData report authored by Zachary Johnson, specialist, campaign execution & strategy, financial services at VDX.tv. “Unlike previous generations, Gen Z’s economic journey has been shaped by inflation and delayed career starts due to the pandemic and skyrocketing living costs. These factors have made them highly dependent on credit, with Gen Zers being 23% more likely to own a credit card than Millennials at the same age, and carrying...
Post a Comment
Read Complete Article HERE>»

‘No One Wants a New Car Now.’ WSJ Columnist Offers His Take on Why

NEW YORK–That new car smell isn’t quite the intoxicating perfume it has been for a long time, according to one automotive analyst. Under the headline, “No One Wants a New Car Now. Here’s Why,” the Wall Street Journal’s well-regarded automotive columnist, Dan Neal, observed that “America’s fleet of cars and trucks is also getting long in the tooth.” Neal’s reference was to a study by S&P Global Mobility that found the average age of vehicles in the U.S. is now 12.6 years, up more than 14 months since 2014, with the average age of passenger cars hitting14 years. All-Time High Burden “In the past, the average-age statistic was taken as a sign of transportation’s burden on household budgets,” Neal wrote. “Those burdens remain near all-time hig...
Post a Comment
Read Complete Article HERE>»

IRS Issues Ruling on Federal Credit Unions and COVID Credit

WASHINGTON–The Internal Revenue Service has issued a ruling that credit unions can receive a 2021 COVID Credit, but not 2020. In other words, federally chartered CUs can’t claim the employee retention credit for periods in 2020 but can do so for periods in 2021, because later amendments to the terms of the credit made them eligible, according to the IRS. Specifically, FCUs can’t claim the credit for wages paid after March 12, 2020, and before Jan. 1, 2021. The ruling was issued by the IRS Office of Chief Counsel in a newly released legal  memorandum . According to the IRS, FCUs are able to claim the credit for wages paid after Dec. 31, 2020, and before Oct. 1, 2021, the IRS said. The Employee Retention Credit (ERC) – sometimes called the Empl...
Post a Comment
Read Complete Article HERE>»

Chairman Hauptman’s Remarks for FLEC Public Meeting (Trump Accounts)

  As Prepared for Delivery on February 6, 2026 Meeting Focus: Implementation and Outreach for Trump Accounts Good morning and thank you to our colleagues at the U.S. Department of the Treasury and members of the Financial Literacy and Education Commission for convening today’s important discussion. I also want to express my appreciation for this body’s leadership in encouraging savings and advancing the broader goal we all share—ensuring that every American has a meaningful opportunity to build financial capability, resilience, and long-term financial security. There’s a lot to like about Trump Accounts, including how easy it is to start the process when filing your taxes. These accounts were clearly designed with behavioral economics in mind. That is to say, things that are easier to do are more likely to get done. Trump accounts also turn all these kids into investors. The more Americans that identify as investors, the better off we are. Investing done by regular people turns Mar...
Post a Comment
Read Complete Article HERE>»

President Trump will name Kyle Hauptman to the NCUA Board.

The White House announced on Monday that President Trump will name Kyle Hauptman to the NCUA Board. Hauptman is currently Sen. Tom Cotton’s (R-Ark.) economic advisor as well as the Staff Director of the Senate Banking Committee’s Subcommittee on Economic Policy. Board member J. Mark McWatters, whose term expired last August, had said he would remain on the Board until a replacement was named. McWatters is one of two Republicans serving on the Board – the other is Chairman Rodney Hood. According to a statement from the White House, prior to joining Senator Cotton’s office, Mr. Hauptman worked on the 2016 Presidential Transition Team. And served on the United States Securities and Exchange Commission’s Advisory Committee for Small and Emerging Companies from 2015-2016. Previously, Mr. Hauptman was a fixed-income trader in Tokyo, New York City, and Sydney, Australia. He earned his MBA from Columbia University and his B.A. from UCLA. It is unclear when Hauptman’s nomination will be discu...
Post a Comment
Read Complete Article HERE>»