Kucinich and creating a Department of Peace

[Eric J in MN]

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/17/politics/campaign/17kucinich.html?pagewanted=2

At a rally later in Lincoln City, nearly 200 people packed the Bijou Cinema, where Mr. Kucinich was presented with a quilt bearing the logo "Dept. of Peace." This referred to his proposal to create such a cabinet-level agency to promote harmony and conflict resolution, a notion much ridiculed on conservative talk radio shows as emblematic of the sort of fuzzy-headed thinking common among this particular strain of liberal.

---------------------------------------------

If the thinking of conservative talk radio shows got us into the mess in Iraq, then it's time for Kucinich's type of thinking.

[corporatewhore]

1. A resolution for A Dept. of Peace passed in the Travis County (texas)

dem convention

[Desertrose]

2. we have some serious support for the DoP here in 'Zona

I can see the day when people are embracing Dennis' ideas....all of them...he has been proven right on so much of what he's said...starting with the war & the "WMD" ...or lack there of.

DK :yourock:

I am so happy to hear the great reception he is getting now in Portland!!!!

:bounce:

Peace
DR

[no name no slogan]

3. Couldn't agree with you more

The wrong-headed policy of the NeoCons just points out how important it is that we should focus on Peace as an organizing principle, not as some pie-in-the-sky ideal that we always wish we could have.

Kucinich's Department of Peace plan is really quite visionary: it would not only address international relations, but also conflict resolution and the teaching of peace studies in our schools, too.

I believe it was ex-WaPo columnist Coleman McCarthy who said "if we spent as much time studying peace in our schools as we do studying war, we probably wouldn't have as many problems". This isn't word-for-word, but a recollection of a lecture I heard him speak at.

Although operatives in both parties scoff at the very notion of a Department of Peace, I think that the vast majority of the population is ready to embrace such an endeavor-- especially given the destructiveness of war, domestic violence and violent crime in our society. And considering DK would fund it with only 1% of the existing Dept of Defense budget ($400,000,000,000 for this year alone), it makes even more sense.

Great post, and glad to hear another voice in the chorus!!!

:D

[Pachamama]

4. Maybe it can replace the Homeland Security Department...

...and help really make America and its citizens safe...

[izzie]

5. I think this guy is right about things but maybe just to early.

His time has not come. To bad a good man.

[LWolf]

6. There are currently 48 cosponsors

to HR 1673 in the house, ten from my state of CA, and 9 from NY. Not my republican rep, of course!

http://www.dopcampaign.org/endorsements.htm

It is definitely time for Dennis' type of thinking. And the DOP doesn't rise or fall with his campaign for president; it has a campaign of its own, which will continue for as long as it takes.

"The time for peace is now. At the dawn of a new millennium, there is no better time to review age old challenges with new thinking that peace is not only the absence of violence, but the presence of a higher evolution of human awareness with respect, trust and integrity toward humankind. Our founding fathers recognized that peace was one of the highest duties of the newly organized free and independent states. But too often, we have overlooked the long-term solution of peace for instant gratification of war. This continued downward spiral of violence must stop to ensure that future generations will live in peace and harmony." -Congressman Dennis Kucinich

[goodhue]

7. There are more than that . . .

My rep, Sabo, signed on at our congressional district endorsing convention a few weeks ago. Kucinich got 25% of the vote in our district, so Sabo was smart to sign on rather than take grief from the delegates present. We presented him with a MN4DK Kucinich peace poster signed by dozens of Kucinich delegates in attendance at the convention.

His name has yet to show up on www.dopcampaign.org list, but Sabo will be held to his commitment no doubt.

[mr715]

8. Well...

I think we should also develop a Department of Happiness, a Department of Warmth, a Department of Not-Hungry and a Department of Fluffy Kittens.

What a ridiculous notion

[goodhue]

9. Learn something maybe: Benjamin Banneker & Benjamin Rush

Some history . . .

* * *

In 1792, the blueprint for the Department of Peace was suggested by two highly patriotic humanitarian reformers: Benjamin Banneker, a noted black scientist, surveyor and editor; and Benjamin Rush, a medical doctor and educator who signed the Declaration of Independence and trained Meriwether Lewis prior to the Lewis and Clark expedition.

A friend of Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, Rush published articles on, among other topics, anti-slavery, anti-capital punishment, education for women and patriotism. In fact, he supplied his friend Thomas Paine with the title to “Common Sense.” Rush served as physician general during the Revolutionary War, but in 1778 he resigned his military office in protest of the treatment of soldiers in hospitals.

Among other contributions, Banneker published Banneker’s Almanac, for which he made all astronomical calculations, tide predictions and weather forecasts. In his 1793 almanac, he included his correspondence with Jefferson, as well as an unsigned document — later attributed to Rush — titled “A Plan of a Peace Office for the United States.”

When Banneker and Rush came together in Philadelphia in 1792, they discussed the extreme drain that war has on a nation, its resources and its people. They were understandably concerned that although the U.S. government had established a Department of War, it made no provisions for a Department of Peace. Their goal to create a new Cabinet post was not some pie-in-the-sky idea. In the text of “A Plan of a Peace Office for the United States,” Rush wrote:

“In order more deeply to affect the minds of the citizens of the United States with the blessings of peace, by contrasting them with the evils of war, let the following inscriptions be painted upon the sign which is placed over the door of the War Office:

“1. An office for butchering the human species. 2. A Widow and Orphan making office. 3. A broken bone making office. 4. A Wooden leg making office. 5. An office for creating public and private vices. 6. An office for creating a public debt. 7. An office for creating speculators, stock Jobbers, and Bankrupts. 8. An office for creating famine. 9. An office for creating pestilential diseases. 10. An office for creating poverty, and the destruction of liberty, and national happiness.”

http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2004/04/20/9326

[mr715]

10. Hey

Regardless of the history, I dont care if Thomas Jefferson wanted to establish one, the notion of a Federal Department of Peace is utterly ridiculous.

[goodhue]

11. Thanks. We disagree.

Establishing non-violence as an organizing principle in society may seem utterly ridiculous to some, but remains a growing endeavor.

[LWolf]

25. I love this.

Thanks for bringing it to our attention, goodhue.

We cannot continue to allow people to marginalize our ideals, and to separate our values from our practice. It's time to counter the determined spin dictating our nations policies.

And I can't think of a better way to begin than by acknowledging that peace is a better principle to organize around than aggression or war. One of the things that I like about the DOP is that it recognizes the relationship from the individual, to the family, the community, the nation, and the world. From the bottom up and from the top down, we can choose to be peaceful.

The first step is with ourselves. Not to advocate peace for the big things, but to practice peace in the small, day-to-day disagreements and frustrations. To treat those that dissent with respect rather than with condescension. To listen, and to find common ground. I'm 44 and still learning how to do this with the mundane. I've got the big picture, but I'm still working on the small stuff, which isn't so small after all!

:thumbsup:

[Lydia Leftcoast]

12. Based on my experiences, I have come to believe strongly

that the people at the top set the tone. This is true in any school, company, church, voluntary organization, social club, or political jurisdiction. I have seen changes in leadership transform organizations for the better and for the worse.

If the people at the top give tacit permission to be mean and dumb, then the whole organization will have a "mean and dumb" flavor to it. If the people at the top model kind and intelligent behavior, then the whole organization has a kind and intelligent air about it.

Ever since Reagan came into office, the mean and dumb have been on the rise. Entertainment became meaner and dumber, and I began to see more and more pointless asshole behavior among people in general.

Starting a Department of Peace would send a signal to the nation and to the world that from this day forward, "mean and dumb" is uncool.

[mr715]

13. Dissent

Lydia - I understand your position, but I dont necessarily believe that it requires the establishment of a brand new bureaucracy which will effectively not do anything but create a perception. Then make an "Office of Peace"

As for the other comments, I do not understand how a department of peace will promote anything. We have a Federal Department of Peace - its called the Department of State. Proper management of that bureaucracy will yield worldwide peace. As for domestic peace, we have DOJ, HUD, HHS, etc.

It is not the Federal government's primary job to be society's babysitter. Violence is not inherently evil, and when it is evil it should be handled by police powers, not a department of crystal wavers and social workers.

[goodhue]

14. We have a US office of peace-- the USIP, founded in 1984.

http://www.usip.org/index.html

The United States Institute of Peace is an independent, nonpartisan federal institution created by Congress to promote the prevention, management, and peaceful resolution of international conflicts. Established in 1984, the Institute meets its congressional mandate through an array of programs, including research grants, fellowships, professional training, education programs from high school through graduate school, conferences and workshops, library services, and publications. The Institute's Board of Directors is appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the Senate.

http://www.usip.org/aboutus/index.html

[mr715]

15. Okay

So... why do we need a new one? Its circular now. We need a new one because the old one doesnt work? The old one doesnt work but the new one will?

[goodhue]

16. There are many differences between USIP and HR 1673.

As would be obvious by comparing USIP (http://www.usip.org/index.html ) to DOP (http://www.dopcampaign.org/).

Please note that in contrast to USIP, proposed DOP deals with domestic violence, gang violence, and violence in schools.

The goal of HR 1673 is to promote nonviolence as an organizing principle in throughout society. This ridiculous idea was promoted by Gandhi and Martin Luther King before they were killed.

The USIP is an independent foundation, not part of executive branch. Sen. Harkin can tell you all about the battle for its creation.
Despite its 20 year existence, it remains largely unknown and ignored.

[mr715]

17. Alrighties

I just read the statute and it seems to repeat the goals of the Dept of State and the Dept of Justice.

As I stated, a new department will do nothing to promote peace. Let existing agencies do their job and dont establish an agency simply cause it "feels good"

A Department of Happiness is a good idea too. Lets get my Congressman to start a campaign to create a Dept of Happiness. Hell, I'll write the statute.



M

[goodhue]

18. Responsibilities

For there record, here are the proposed responsibilities and powers in HR 1673 which you deem repetitive and unnecessary. While I acknowledge some overlap with Justice and State, I humbly disagree with your assessment as to necessity. Peace.

DEPARTMENT OF PEACE - HR 1673 in 108th CONGRESS

* * *

SEC. 102. RESPONSIBILITIES AND POWERS.

(a) IN GENERAL- The Secretary shall-- (1) work proactively and interactively with each branch of the Federal Government on all policy matters relating to conditions of peace; (2) serve as a delegate to the National Security Council; (3) call on the intellectual and spiritual wealth of the people of the United States and seek participation in its administration and in its development of policy from private, public, and nongovernmental organizations; and (4) monitor and analyze causative principles of conflict and make policy recommendations for developing and maintaining peaceful conduct.

(b) DOMESTIC RESPONSIBILITIES- The Secretary shall--

(1) develop policies that address domestic violence, including spousal abuse, child abuse, and mistreatment of the elderly;

(2) create new policies and incorporate existing programs that reduce drug and alcohol abuse; (3) develop new policies and incorporate existing policies regarding crime, punishment, and rehabilitation;

(4) develop policies to address violence against animals;

(5) analyze existing policies, employ successful, field-tested programs, and develop new approaches for dealing with the implements of violence, including gun-related violence and the overwhelming presence of handguns;

(6) develop new programs that relate to the societal challenges of school violence, gangs, racial or ethnic violence, violence against gays and lesbians, and police-community relations disputes;

(7) make policy recommendations to the Attorney General regarding civil rights and labor law;

(8) assist in the establishment and funding of community-based violence prevention programs, including violence prevention counseling and peer mediation in schools;

(9) counsel and advocate on behalf of women victimized by violence;

(10) provide for public education programs and counseling strategies concerning hate crimes;

(11) promote racial and ethnic tolerance;

(12) finance local community initiatives that can draw on neighborhood resources to create peace projects that facilitate the development of conflict resolution at a national level and thereby inform and inspire national policy; and

(13) provide ethical-based and value-based analyses to the Department of Defense.

(c) INTERNATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES- The Secretary shall--

(1) advise the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of State on all matters relating to national security, including the protection of human rights and the prevention of, amelioration of, and de-escalation of unarmed and armed international conflict;

(2) provide for the training of all United States personnel who administer postconflict reconstruction and demobilization in war-torn societies;

(3) sponsor country and regional conflict prevention and dispute resolution initiatives, create special task forces, and draw on local, regional, and national expertise to develop plans and programs for addressing the root sources of conflict in troubled areas;

(4) provide for exchanges between the United States and other nations of individuals who endeavor to develop domestic and international peace-based initiatives;

(5) encourage the development of international sister city programs, pairing United States cities with cities around the globe for artistic, cultural, economic, educational, and faith-based exchanges;

(6) administer the training of civilian peacekeepers who participate in multinational nonviolent police forces and support civilian police who participate in peacekeeping;

(7) jointly with the Secretary of the Treasury, strengthen peace enforcement through hiring and training monitors and investigators to help with the enforcement of international arms embargoes;

(8) facilitate the development of peace summits at which parties to a conflict may gather under carefully prepared conditions to promote nonviolent communication and mutually beneficial solutions;

(9) submit to the President recommendations for reductions in weapons of mass destruction, and make annual reports to the President on the sale of arms from the United States to other nations, with analysis of the impact of such sales on the defense of the United States and how such sales affect peace;

(10) in consultation with the Secretary of State, develop strategies for sustainability and management of the distribution of international funds; and

(11) advise the United States Ambassador to the United Nations on matters pertaining to the United Nations Security Council.

(d) HUMAN SECURITY RESPONSIBILITIES- The Secretary shall address and offer nonviolent conflict resolution strategies to all relevant parties on issues of human security if such security is threatened by conflict, whether such conflict is geographic, religious, ethnic, racial, or class-based in its origin, derives from economic concerns (including trade or maldistribution of wealth), or is initiated through disputes concerning scarcity of natural resources (such as water and energy resources), food, trade, or environmental concerns.

(e) MEDIA-RELATED RESPONSIBILITIES- Respecting the first amendment of the Constitution of the United States and the requirement for free and independent media, the Secretary shall-- (1) seek assistance in the design and implementation of nonviolent policies from media professionals; (2) study the role of the media in the escalation and de-escalation of conflict at domestic and international levels and make findings public; and (3) make recommendations to professional media organizations in order to provide opportunities to increase media awareness of peace-building initiatives.

(f) EDUCATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES- The Secretary shall-- (1) develop a peace education curriculum, which shall include studies of-- (A) the civil rights movement in the United States and throughout the world, with special emphasis on how individual endeavor and involvement have contributed to advancements in peace and justice; and (B) peace agreements and circumstances in which peaceful intervention has worked to stop conflict;

(2) in cooperation with the Secretary of Education-- (A) commission the development of such curricula and make such curricula available to local school districts to enable the utilization of peace education objectives at all elementary and secondary schools in the United States; and (B) offer incentives in the form of grants and training to encourage the development of State peace curricula and assist schools in applying for such curricula;

(3) work with educators to equip students to become skilled in achieving peace through reflection, and facilitate instruction in the ways of peaceful conflict resolution;

(4) maintain a site on the Internet for the purposes of soliciting and receiving ideas for the development of peace from the wealth of political, social and cultural diversity;

(5) proactively engage the critical thinking capabilities of grade school, high school, and college students and teachers through the Internet and other media and issue periodic reports concerning submissions;

(6) create and establish a Peace Academy, which shall-- (A) be modeled after the military service academies; (B) provide a 4-year course of instruction in peace education, after which graduates will be required to serve 5 years in public service in programs dedicated to domestic or international nonviolent conflict resolution; and

(7) provide grants for peace studies departments in colleges and universities throughout the United States.

http://www.dopcampaign.org/read_bill.htm

[no name no slogan]

19. Thanks for posting all this great stuff Goodhue

Glad to see you've got all the details on hand.

Just think of the difference it would make in society if we took even 1/100th of the $$ we spend on the DOD, Homeland Security, the FBI and the CIA and invested it in peace and nonviolence education.

In addition to learning about every war ever fought, our kids would also be exposed to the numerous peaceful, non-violent struggles which have brought about social change all over the world: from civil rights in the US, independence for India and the revelutions in all but one of the former communist countries in the Eastern Bloc when communism collapsed.

Not enough people know the power of peace and nonviolence-- a cabinet-level Department of Peace will go a long way to change that.

:toast:

[mr715]

20. Why?

Whhhhhhhhhhhhhy?

I read the statute on Kucinich's website. but I dont see how it will cause any change whatsoever.

Its a feel good department. It serves no purpose! If you want to promote peace, you politically support peace and do what you can to prevent it. You dont create a massive government bureaucracy that costs billions to promote something that can be promoted without a single government employee.

As for Defense budget - The role of the state, in its most rudimentary form, is to provide defense for its citizens. I am fine with the DOD receiving the lion's share of our tax dollars, so long as we dont use it on unjust wars ( like this one ) .

We all know the old paradox, the best defense is a good offense. I think its safe to say thata our bloated defense budget saved hundreds of thousands more lives than it cost.

A Department of Defense, when used properly, in accordance with an active and outspoken Department of State, would be our mission of Peace. Diplomacy with steel.

[goodhue]

21. an overall organized approach for peaceful solutions

http://www.dopcampaign.org/faq.htm

Question: Isn't this legislation a duplication of systems we already have in place and won't it just create more government?

Answer: The Department of Homeland Security combines dozens of agencies. It will take 10 years to figure out how it all functions. They saw a need for it, so they created it. There is nothing that the DoP duplicates, it is a whole new concept. The DoP would reorganize the current systems we have and extend new funding to effective intervention. There are 8 Federal areas that the DoP would bring together.

Q: Given the roles of other federal agencies and domestic and international organizations, why should the American public support the Department of Peace?

A: Again, there is no overall organized approach by the government for peaceful solutions to the problems we face domestically and internationally. There are some programs that addresses aspects of peace work, but not in any overall structure to a broad based approach to make the work of peace a national calling. We need to focus on peace proactively, giving peace the stature of a cabinet level position.

We are beginning to be able to predict wars through economic and social indicators. The CIA has compiled the data and developed powerful predictive indicators based on child mortality rates, access to market and a voice in their government. Our international policies and strategies need to include this awareness and the implementation of preventative measures. In addition we need to continually provide our Presidents with non-violent alternatives to war.

Similarly we can predict the likelihood of criminal behavior subsequent incarceration. It is common knowledge that early success in school leads to continued educational success, and economic success reduces the urge to violence. Trainings like "Alternatives to Violence" and "Nonviolent Communication" decrease prison violence and recidivism rates. Our national investments need to reflect these understandings.

Q: What would the DoP do about terrorism?

A: Terrorism is a challenge. 9/11 proved it. The issues go beyond the scope of the diplomacy between nations, the focus of the state department. It's time to reach out to other nations and take care of issues before they become problems. It's time to approach the world with an open heart. The DoP realizes that there are many ways to confront terrorism before it reaches a breaking point. It's always amazing where, in a discussion of causality, so few talk about cause & effect. People don't get the connection. There still hasn't been a national discussion about why 9/11 happened. Internationally many people feel critical of US policies, economic and political. An international dialogue to better understand these issues is long overdue.

Q: There are so many departments not getting the funding they need. Where is the money for the DoP coming from?

A: The budget for the Department of Peace suggested in the bill is 2% of the defense budget. But the deeper issue is that we need to fund that which we want to see. Ultimately violence, at every level, is too expensive a strategy. The work of the Department of Peace is to prevent violence, both domestically and internationally. The cost of any war in which we engage is billions. We spent $2 Billion in Somalia and $500 million in Rwanda. Iraq has cost us more than $86 billion to date. Preventing even one war would more than offset any expenses up front.

Similarly, in our own country, murder and manslaughter take 16,000 live per year. Every 15 seconds a woman is abused by a current or former husband/partner. The cost of incarceration is over $30,000 per year, per person. Yet the cost of programs that teach alternatives to violence in schools and prisons with a proven track record in reducing crime and domestic violence operate at a fraction of these costs. People who are operating these services receive no assistance in implementing and expanding their programs. We can't afford not to implement programs that will save us money and reduce suffering. We know what to do. Citizens involved in their communities know that effective alternatives exist.

We have the chance to change the world. It is more a matter of where will we find the money in the future if we don't more seriously look at stopping violence? What's the cost of violence? The DoP offers transformation in areas such as police departments, schools and prisons, because if you lessen the violence, you lessen the cost.

[mr715]

23. Still...

All the claims you've made on this post rely on the assumption that a Department of Peace would actually do something.

The DHS is a poor example to compare it to a department of peace. The culture of the intelligence community is one of high parochialism. When we talk about "Homeland Security", we use the DHS as a central circuit board for the forwarding of information.

Even IF we agree that the DOP and DHS will behave the same, I'm sure we both agree that the DHS does...absolutely... nothing... and is totally useless. Why would a DOP be different? Because it sounds good?

I agree that education is necessary. In both diplomatic behavior overseas (in the Dept of State), in conflict resolution training (offered by the office of the FBI and chief council in the DOJ). The Department of Education offers numerous training seminars and programs for nonviolence training in schools. My mother (a supervising school aide) is trained in them by the DOE and also by state and local agencies

As I said, there is no reason to believe the establishment of this agency will do anything other than create a new bureaucracy. Remember, the Bush administration wanted an OHS and not a DHS because an executive office of the President is more intimately tied to administration without oversight.

I'm sorry, a Department of Peace is nothing more than a Department of Fluffy Kittens.

Lets next establish a department of happiness. "To raise the spirits of Americans at homes and overseas, I, {NAME}, propose the establishment of a cabinet level agency promoting healthful use of foods, drugs, and spirituous beverages..."

Sorry, no dice.

[Radical Activist]

26. You sound like Rush on this post

If you're really a Democrat then you make me ashamed to be in the same party as you.

I've never heard a Democrat wine so much about "big government" and crystal wearers and fluffy kittens. What drives your close minded attitude that nothing good can come from the DOP proposal?

[mr715]

27. Then be ashamed

Look, I'm a democrat. I'm also an objectivist. The dismantling of the welfare state is a reality and big government is over.

A DOP will do nothing. And unless you can come up with some evidence to show me otherwise, I will not support the establishment of a massive government agency that serves no purpose but makes us feel good about ourselves and makes us feel less guilty about the fact that we're richer and more successful than the rest of the world.

Pragmatism leads me to oppose a DOP, and its not close mindedness. Its the fact that no one has given me any information regarding the proposal that would lead me to believe the department would work. Instead, you all tell me how its better than something else, not if it will actually DO anything.

Sorry if you dont agree with me, but what I believe is what I believe.

[redqueen]

32. LOL

"The dismantling of the welfare state is a reality and big government is over."

Were you a conservative until very recently or what? Are you a DLC'er?

I've yet to meet any other Democrat so accepting of the right's talking points!

[mr715]

35. I'm a Democrat

No, I'm a lifelong democrat.

As for the dismantling of the welfare state, I suggest you refer to a few cardinal cases in administrative law... We are in a neoliberal country now, were we perfer private ownership over government control.

Is it perfect? No. Is it optimal, I dont know. Is it a fact, yes.

As for the DLC, I hate Lieberman, Bayd, Breaux, and the other weakling democrats... but I am a proud member of Al Gore's party, of Bill Clinton's and of John Kerry's.

The DLC is vilified by the liberal left for being the centre, which, granted, isnt always right. I do not support the democratic leadership council, but I will support the worst democrat against the best republican. And no, Zell Miller is no democrat.

As for talking points - no, I just dont accept feel good arguements because I'm a pragmatist.

I dont think Kucinich is the messiah.

[Feanorcurufinwe]

38. Accusing someone of 'sounding like Rush' is the best you can do?

Why don't you try discussing the issue and skipping the personal attacks? Just a thought.

[salonghorn70]

22. Its A Bad Idea

I agree with mr715. It is this type of idea that turned the average American away from the Democrats in the 80s. Sure it sounds good. But everything that sounds good shouldn't be made into more BIG Government.

[cornfedyank]

24. it's a good idea

wage peace it's cheaper. 23,000,000 iraqis x 40hr/week x 50weeks/ year is 92 billion. put the cash in each person's hand. hire them all. give them a job . they can get married. maybe in a generation they will calm down. screw carpetbaggers.

this country when run by the mean and dumb has a tendency to dabble at peace and wage war. if rr had spent a bit of his star wars money on afghanistan after our stinger missles showed the ussr the door...we need to try it the other way for a bit. wage peace-- dabble at war. if we show that then maybe the world can calm a bit and we can work on hundred year things.

[redqueen]

34. Often left out of the accounting in discussing the costs of war

As many as 22,000 Iraq, Afghan war veterans already seek care from VA system
http://www.boston.com/dailynews/137/wash/As_many_as_22_000_Iraq_Afghan_:.shtml

[jsw_81]

28. What a foolish idea

This "Department of Peace" nonsense only makes our party look stupid and out of touch with reality. Kucinich and his nutty followers ought to quit smoking whatever it is that they're smoking.

[LWolf]

37. I haven't smoked anything, thanks.

:hi:

If believing that health care should be a right; that it's better to use diplomacy than force to resolve disagreement; that we ought to be using sustainable sources of energy; that every american should have equal access to a complete education; that we ought to defend and support civil liberties...if believing in all of these things is nutty, then I'm proud to be a nut.

If the democratic party no longer believes in any of these things, would you prefer that all of the "nuts" that do find other parties and candidates?

[goodhue]

29. San Fran event tomorrow night

http://www.dopcampaign.org/emails/sanfraninvite.htm





Join us for a night in support of a
U.S. Department of Peace

Wednesday May 19th, 2004 -6:30 to 9:00
San Francisco

Scheduled to appear
John Robbins
(Author of Diet for a New America, Founder Earthsave)

Jean Shinoda Bolen, M.D.
(Author of The Millionth Circle and Goddess in Everywoman)

Professor Michael Nagler
(Founder of Peace and Conflict Studies Program at UC Berkeley
and author of Is There No Other Way: the Search for a Nonviolent Future.)

Lynn McMullen
(Dept. of Peace Campaign Coordinator,
former Executive Director of RESULTS)

and more to be announced soon!
Plus a special musical guest...


Come join us for an inspiring evening of peace and empowerment as we mark the national launch of the North American Peace Alliance (www.DoPcampaign.org) and raise awareness about the campaign to create a U.S. Department of Peace (H.R. 1673).The Dept. of Peace was introduced into the House of Representatives by Congressman Dennis Kucinich and currently has 48 congressional co-sponsors. This bill establishes nonviolence as an organizing principle of American society, providing the U.S. President with an array of peace-building policy options for domestic and international use. This event is also a fundraiser for the launch of NAPA, a new 501 (c)(4) nonprofit which is an outgrowth of lobbying work in support of the Dept. of Peace started at the Global Renaissance Alliance (www.renaissancealliance.org). More information about the Dept of Peace and the event is below.
It isn't enough to talk about peace.
One must believe in it.
And it isn't enough to believe in it.
One must work at it.
~Eleanor Roosevelt

Reception: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Program: 7:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Location: Unitarian Universalist Church of San Francisco (1187 Franklin Street at Geary. For a map, click here)
Admission: This is a public event, just show up! Or you can let us know you are coming by signing up here.
Fee: No admission fee, donations requested without obligation.

PARKING AND MASS TRANSIT: There is a public parking lot at the Cathedral
Hill Hotel a 1/2 block from church. The church is accessible by the #38 and
38L ("Limited") MUNI bus lines which run along Geary. People coming in from
BART via East Bay should exit at Montgomery and walk north and west to Geary
at Kearny, take the 38 bus to Franklin St. OR the 38L from the same stop to
Van Ness/Geary, one block east of the church.

If you are taking BART from the South Bay, get off at Civic Center, walk a
few blocks or take a 6, 7, 71, 71L bus or F-line streetcar west to Van Ness,
and then take either MUNI bus lines #47 or 49 from Market St./Van Ness
(north towards the GG Bridge) to Van Ness/Geary, one block east of the
church.

Fares for MUNI bus and Metro lines are $1.25 for adults, make sure to get a
transfer which lasts a couple hours and is good for transfer to any other
line.


DEPARTMENT OF PEACE
We Can Make it Happen!

Dear Bay Area friends,

We hope you will join us for what will surely be an inspiring and educational night! Learn about the work we will be doing with NAPA, about this historic legislation, and how you can help make it a reality.

From international conflicts to domestic issues such as gang, school and domestic violence, the Department of Peace would systematically root out the underlying causes of violence in our culture. A Department of Peace is no new idea. George Washington was one of the first people to declare how important such an effort would be to creating real peace on Earth.

The thirteenth amendment abolishing slavery; the nineteenth amendment providing women's suffrage; the Civil Rights legislation of the 1960's, were all critically important shifts in direction for our nation. Yet they weren't efforts born from within congress. They were brought to the forefront by strategic, well organized, well funded efforts ignited out of the will of we the people -- citizens making demands -- that pushed these issues into the mainstream and got corrective bills passed into law.

Similarly, we believe the Dept. of Peace is worthy of our collective support. Over the course of history people have always dreamed of peace but we have never had a broad-reaching, well-funded, systemic structure to help make it a reality. We know that as a nation, now is the time that we must cultivate a real and lasting peace. The consequences of not doing so are almost too difficult to imagine. The Dept. of Peace legislation provides substance and meaning to the political yearnings of our generation. It systematically applies the power of peace to the eradication of root causes of violence.

We hope that you will learn more about this legislation and our campaign at our website: www.DoPcampaign.org. We also hope you will join us on May 19th, for an inspiring and educational night to help us launch this new phase of our efforts. If you have further questions about this event, you can contact our California office at: [phone].

This event will also serve as the first fundraiser for the North American Peace Alliance, which will be heading up the national campaign to create the political will to pass the DoP legislation. There is no fee to attend. As you probably know, every social change movement in history costs money. This effort will be no different. We will provide everyone an opportunity to make a donation with no obligation to give. You can also make a donation now to help us launch this new organization. Go to https://www.securedservers.net/renaiss/napadonation.html to donate now!

We hope you will join us for what will surely be an inspiring night!

Please help us spread the word!
Forward this email to everyone you know...



LEARN MORE: You can listen to a tele-conference call with Congressman Kucinich and Marianne Williamson to learn more about the legislation at http://www.dopcampaign.org/audio/kucinconf.htm



The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral, begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy. Instead of diminishing evil, it multiples it.

Through violence you may murder the liar, but you cannot murder the lie, nor establish the truth. Through violence you may murder the hater, but you do not murder hate, In fact violence merely increases hate.

So it goes. Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.

~Martin Luther King, Jr.

[usscole]

30. DK is a publicity hound

This is a silly idea.

[goodhue]

31. supporters

Abercrombie, Neil (D-HI, 1st)
Baldwin , Tammy (D-WI, 2nd)
Brown, Sherrod (D-OH, 13th)
Carson, Julia (D-IN, 7th)
Clay William (D-MO, 1st)
Conyers, John (D-MI, 14th)
Cummings, Elijah (D-MD, 7th)
Davis, Danny (D-IL, 7th)
DeFazio, Peter (D-OR, 4th)
Evans, Lane (D-IL, 17th)
Farr, Sam (D-CA, 17th)
Filner, Bob (D-CA, 51st)
Grijalva , Raol (D-AZ, 7th)
Gutierrez, Luis (D-IL, 4th)
Hinchey, Maurice (D-NY, 22nd)
Holt, Rush D. (D- NJ)
Honda, Michael (D-CA, 15th)
Jackson, Jesse (D-IL, 2nd)
Jackson-Lee (D-TX, 18th)
Johnson, Eddie Bernice (D-TX, 30th)
Kucinich, Dennis (D-OH, 10th)
Lee, Barbara (D-CA, 9th)
Lewis, John (D-GA, 5th)
Maloney, Carolyn (D-NY, 14th)
McDermott, Jim (D-WA, 7th)
McGovern, James (D-MA, 3rd)
Meeks, Gregory (D-NY, 6th)
Miller, George (D-CA, 7th)
Nadler, Jerrold (D-NY, 8th)
Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC)
Oberstar, James (D-MN, 8th)
Olver, John (D-MA, 1st)
Owens, Major (D-NY, 14th)
Payne, Donald (D-NJ,10th)
Rahall, Nick (D-WV, 3rd)
Rangel, Charles (D-NY,15th)
Ryan, Tim (D-OH, 17th)
Sanders, Bernard (I-VT, At Large)
Schakowsky, Janice (D-IL, 9th)
Scott, Bobby (D-VA, 3rd)
Serrano, Jose (D-NY, 16th)
Solis, Hilda (D-CA, 32nd)
Stark, Fortney (D-CA,13th)
Thompson, Bennie (D- MS 2nd)
Towns, Edolphus (D-NY, 10th)
Tubbs Jones, Stephanie (D-OH, 11th)
Udall, Mark (D-CO,2nd)
Velazquez, Nydia (D-NY,12th)
Waters, Maxine (D-CA,35th)
Watson, Diane (D-CA, 33rd)
Woolsey, Lynn (D-CA,6th)

http://www.dopcampaign.org/endorsements.htm#alph

[redqueen]

33. Excellent!

Nice to know the halls of power aren't totally filled with DLC'ers!

:D

[genius]

36. The Orange County Dem CC passed a resolution calling for all in Congress

to back the bill to create a Department of Peace. It passed by a 2/3 margin. Unforturnately, Loretta is taking too many contributions from the war profiteers to get on board.