Mobility Cart is a ‘machine of peace’

By technologists

Maker of the PET Mobility Cart since 1994.

Will you help spread peace thru a Mobility Cart?

Give the Gift of Mobility, Dignity, and Opportunity!

Mobility Worldwide MO-Columbia update 8/4/17

Earl Miner, the designer of the Mobility Cart, emphasized that it was a “machine of peace”. “You cannot mount a machine gun on it,” he said. It has now been placed in 104 countries, and without any regard to race, creed, politics, sexual preference or the language of the persons in need.

Six years ago on June 22, 2011, a rather large crowd gathered at Mobility Worldwide in Columbia and we planted a “Peace Pole”. The Columbia Chamber of Commerce was present to help cut the ribbon of dedication (Susan Williams & Mel West center), and Charlie Christy put it in place. On its four sides our staff artist, Margie Baima, had printed the words for peace in 37 different languages. Clergy from three faith groups, Muslim, Jewish and Christian, made comments of their group’s understanding of peace. Today it stands, six feet tall, at our entrance, surrounded by the lovely planters Gary Moreau keeps fed and watered.

Today it stands, passed by without notice or understanding by most.

The worldwide Peace Pole movement began in 1995 in Japan when Masahisa Goi wanted to make a strong statement about peace. Since then peace poles have been planted at sites including the tomb of Confucius in China, the pyramids in Giza, and the magnetic North Pole in Canada. Many of the “peace churches” and campgrounds across the USA have peace poles.

I had a dream that Columbia, MO, might become a “Peace Pole City,” with interesting peace poles planted at many churches and similar settings. None have. I had a dream that all our Mobility Worldwide affiliate shops might plant a peace pole at their doorstep. None have. Peace is not a popular topic.

But the Peace Pole at 1908 Heriford, Columbia, MO, stands firm. Each day we see signs or hear messages asking us to “buy this,” “eat this,” or “do this.” Our post stands firm to remind us to work for peace.

****************
“Five great enemies of peace abide within us; avarice, ambition, envy, anger, and pride. If those enemies were to be banished, we should infallibly enjoy perpetual peace.” – Petrarch

Mel West, Director Emeritus
DBA Mobility Worldwide MO – Columbia