December '02 - January '03 Peace Gazette
Work for the Common Good
Doris "Granny D" Haddock walked across the United States at age 89
to promote campaign finance reform. At age 90 she was jailed for reading the Declaration of Independence
in the Rotunda of the Capitol Building!
In a speech to students at Penn State University on November 7th
she said: "Peace in any family requires fairness, kindness, honesty, shared financial and physical
security with a positive and creative view of the future for each individual, and respect for the land
that sustains us. When those basic conditions are not present, happiness fails and bad things begin to
happen. Bad behavior begins to happen…
"If you want peace and safety in America and the world, work to
make fairness and kindness and justice and economic security the common condition of the world.
If you want terrorism, then drop bombs, support dictators, steal
resources, use all your weapons, whether or not you can even pronounce their names...
"For here is our new reality: The world is too small these days
for us to do harm over there and hide over here. The world has found us…"
read the full text
What the American Flag Stands For
By Charlotte Aldebron
The American flag stands for the fact that cloth can be very important. It is against the law to let the flag touch the ground or to leave the flag flying when the weather is bad. The flag has to be treated with respect. You can tell just how important this cloth is because when you compare it to people, it gets much better treatment.
Nobody cares if a homeless person touches the ground. A homeless person can lie all over the ground all night long without anyone picking him up, folding him neatly and sheltering him from the rain.
School children have to pledge loyalty to this piece of cloth every morning. No one has to pledge loyalty to justice and equality and human decency. No one has to promise that people will get a fair wage, or enough food to eat, or affordable medicine, or clean water, or air free of harmful chemicals. But we all have to promise to love a rectangle of red, white, and blue cloth.
Betsy Ross would be quite surprised to see how successful her creation has become. But Thomas Jefferson would be disappointed to see how little of the flag's real meaning remains.
Charlotte Aldebron, 12, wrote this essay for a competition in her 6th grade English class. She attends Cunningham Middle School in Presque Isle, Maine.
World Peace Through World Domination?
By Bob Maxwell
Back in 1991, a group in the Pentagon came up with a plan calling for the United States to fill the power vacuum left by the fall of the Soviet Union and, in effect, create an American empire that would ensure the peace of the world. The reaction to this plan was so negative that it was hastily withdrawn.
Years later, a group of private citizens dredged up this same plan, expressing outrage that the Clinton Administration had done nothing to pick up the mantle of empire "history" had placed at our feet. Today the most prominent members of this group hold high positions in the Bush Administration. But it took the hysteria generated by the September 11th terrorist attacks to transform their dream of a "Pax Americana" into public policy.
Many now argue that such a course is the only way our values can prevail in the world. Yet even a casual glance at the "Pax Romana" it is modeled after suggests that the price of empire may involve not only blood and treasure but those very values we hold so dear. After all, it didn't take the Romans long, after enslaving the rest of the known world, to be enslaved themselves by the despotism of the caesars! This is a point apparently lost on Attorney General Ashcroft who, never a friend of civil liberties, does his part in all this by using the threat of terrorism to curb our freedoms at every possible opportunity.
There is no short-cut to peace if we are to enjoy both peace and freedom. We must continue to work for a disarmed world under law with international economic planning to mobilize the resources liberated by the end of the arms race to close the gap between the rich and poor nations of the earth.
End U.S. Sanctions Against Haiti
Haiti has been under a de facto economic embargo since its disputed elections in May 2000. The seven Senators whose elections were contested resigned in an effort to settle the dispute. Despite this, the United States continues to block international aid and loans to the Haitian government.
"Not only has the United States suspended development assistance to Haiti," wrote Representative Maxine Waters, "the United States has been blocking loans from international financial institutions such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Inter-American Development Bank. U.S. policy has effectively prevented Haiti from receiving $146 million in loans from the Inter-American Development Bank that were already approved by that institution's Board of Directors. These loans are desperately needed by the people of Haiti."
- Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.
- HIV/AIDS has now infected more than 4% of the Haitian population. This means 163,000 new orphans and 30,000 new adult cases annually.
- There are 1.2 doctors for every 10,000 Haitians.
- Only 40% of Haitians have access to potable water.
- The infant mortality rate is now 74 for every 1,000 births. Of these 1,000 babies born, five mothers die in childbirth.
- The UN has designated Haiti the 3rd hungriest country in the world.
- The average life expectancy in Haiti is only 53 years.
Urge Rep. Ellen Tauscher to support House Concurrent Resolution 382 (H.C.R. 382), "New Partnership for Haiti" which was introduced by Congresswoman Barbara Lee. If Rep. George Miller is your representative, thank him for signing on as a co-sponsor of the resolution.
Then, write the White House and let the Bush administration know you want the sanctions to end.
BRIEF ITEMS
- According to Eric Margolis, a columnist with the Toronto Sun, "The real target of the coming war is Iran,
which Israel views as its principal and most dangerous enemy...though barely noticed by North American media,
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon called for an invasion of Iran "the day after" Iraq is crushed...Pentagon superhawk
Richard Perle, told the TVO program Diplomatic Immunity that the U.S. was prepared to attack Syria, Iran, and Lebanon."
(Toronto Sun, 11/11/02)
- A committee of the United Nations General Assembly voted to approve an international treaty to eliminate
torture and improve prison conditions. It would require inspections of prisons globally. It rejected a U.S.
amendment to remove funding by the general UN budget. In December the body of the General Assembly will vote
on this treaty. The U.S. has declared itself opposed, not only on the basis of the cost but because it doesn't
provide for surprise inspections. The draft was approved by a vote 104 in favor to 8 against (China, Cuba,
Israel, Japan, Nigeria, Vietnam, Syria, United States), with 37 abstentions. Both Human Rights Watch and Amnesty
International have criticized the U.S. for siding with some of the world's worst human rights violators to weaken
this important treaty.
- Marine life is under deadly assault by the U.S. Navy and by federal research scientists. The Bush administration
has allowed this by exempting them from federal environmental laws. The Navy, to detect submarines, now deploys
"active" sonar which sends out frequencies that rupture the eardrums of whales and probably inflict brain damage
leading to death. Two years ago the Navy took responsibility for a mass stranding of whales in the Bahamas. It now
appears to be more sanguine about its operations. The Natural Resource Defense Council is in court to stop this
disruption of marine mammal life. The National Science Foundation and other scientists are engaged in research to
map the ocean floor by detonating airguns in the waters off Baja California. Decibels on the order of those produced
by the Navy's sonar are created with no apparent regard for underwater life. Again, an environmental group has sued,
with the result that in late October a federal court ordered a stop to the use of this dangerous technology in
mapping the ocean floor.
- The Information Awareness Office (IAO) is a new division of the Pentagon's Defense Advanced Research Projects
Agency. Its director is John Poindexter, former national security advisor under Pres. Reagan and convicted Iran-Contra
felon. The IAO's Big Brother-like logo, depicting an all-seeing eye scanning the world, ominously reflects its
mission: Total Information Awareness. With the motto, "Scientia Est Potentia" - "Knowledge is Power", it's pretty scary.
Veterans For Peace
By Arne Westerback
Not all veterans groups are hawks! The Veterans For Peace held their convention in Duluth, Minnesota this past August at which 14 resolutions were passed. The following is a summary of most of the "therefores."
- US must end endless wars and must become a responsible member of the community of nations.
- Opposes any military action against Iraq.
- To have peace in Israel and Palestine, Israel must abide by UN Resolution 242 by returning to the boundaries defined in the resolution.
- Calls upon US to stop its unjust, short-sighted opposition to the International Criminal Court and join it.
- It is in the best interest of the people of Vietnam and the United States to pursue a policy of peace, reconciliation and friendship.
- Urges a halt to military exercises on the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico.
- Supports HR 2459 to establish a Department of Peace, sponsored by Rep. Dennis Kucinnich (D-OH).
- Endorses the annual School of the Americas Watch demonstration at the gate of Ft. Benning, Georgia on November 15-17, 2002 to close this "School of the Assassins."
- Calls on the US to join the Ottawa Ban on Landmines Treaty, remove and destroy all anti-personnel landmines planted or in stockpile, and pass a bill outlawing production, stock-piling or use of anti-personnel landmines.
- Pay all debt in arrears to the United Nations.
- Urge Congress to pass a bill mandating an instant run-off election for all Federal elections.
WOW! That was some convention!
Losing Our Morality
By Karen Allen
How many innocent people will die because Americans are so afraid of
terrorism that they won't even try to find ways to share the Earth's resources and live peacefully with their world neighbors?
On November 4th, the CIA, using an unmanned Predator drone, killed six people in Yemen. They were after one person who they believed was an Al-Qaeda leader who had been involved in planning the bombing of the USS Cole.
A State Department spokesman was quick to say that the "targeted killing" in Yemen was not comparable to what Israel does to Palestinians. Exactly what aspect of the attack the State Department considered "not comparable" was left unclear. However, the State Department condemns Israel's use of extra-judicial killings against Palestinians but it refrained from condemning the CIA, so perhaps that's where the two cases lose their similarity. "We're the 'good guys,' so if we do it, it's okay," seems to be the message.
From a purely pragmatic viewpoint, however, it is hard to understand why anyone would propose assassination as a tactic for fighting terrorism. There is simply no way to guarantee that only "bad guys" get killed. U.S. intelligence errors in Afghanistan are merely the most recent examples of failures in that regard. Besides which, killing people is simply not a way to make friends: it is, however, a darn good way to make lots of enemies and new terrorists.
Regrettably, many Americans support "targeted killing." Their fear of terrorism is so great that they are willing to turn off their moral compasses and ignore their usual skepticism concerning the competency of U.S. intelligence agencies. Even knowing that the U.S. judicial system cannot guarantee that every person on death row is guilty, they are either willing to believe that the CIA can always get it right or that mistakes no longer matter.
Unfortunately, a person assassinated by the CIA never gets a chance to prove he is innocent. Of all people, Americans really should find this to be unacceptable.
Innocent until proven guilty" is, after all, a basic American value.
Questions to Ponder
From The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, Nov. 2002
What is the average cost, per U.S. citizen, of the 2002 defense budget?
a) $1,211
b) $2.27
The United States will spend about $1,211 per citizen on defense under the 2002 budget. It will spend about $2.27 per citizen on international peacekeeping efforts.
Which of the "axis of evil" countries possesses a missile that can fly far enough to strike the United States?
a) Iran
b) Iraq
c) North Korea
d) None of the above
None of the above. Government officials claim that North Korea's Taepo Dong II missile could reach Alaska, but this highly inaccurate weapon has never flown anywhere near that far.
How many nuclear warheads did Russia and the United States promise to destroy under the Moscow Treaty?
a) Zero
b) Zippo
c) Zilch
Yes. The much ballyhooed Moscow Treaty on Strategic Offensive Reductions, signed in May by Presidents Bush and Putin, does not require the destruction of a single nuclear warhead. Only the number of "operationally deployed warheads" will be lowered. The warheads being "reduced" will be placed in storage and remain available for later use if desired. The reductions are due to be completed by December 31, 2012, the exact date on which the treaty will expire.
The Cost of Gulf War-I
One hundred forty-seven (147) service personnel lost their lives during the last war against Iraq (
most as a result of "friendly fire").
Since the end of the war, 7,758 more veterans have died as a result of the Gulf War Syndrome and
198,716 have filed claims for medical and compensation benefits (156,031 claims have already been granted)
(April 2002 Veterans Affairs report).
This represents 28% of the total number of personnel sent to Iraq during the Gulf War. A 28%
casualty figure is not insignificant!
In the Schools!
Do You Know Who Has Access to your Children's School Directory Information?
According to a letter from the United States Department of Education dated October 9, 2002,
and signed by Rod Paige, Secretary of Education and Donald H. Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defense, military recruiters do.
"Recognizing the challenges faced by military recruiters, Congress recently passed legislation
that requires high schools to provide to military recruiters, upon request, access to secondary school
students and directory information on those students. Both the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 and the
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002 reflect these requirements."
"In accordance with those Acts, military recruiters are entitled to receive the name, address, and
telephone listings of juniors and seniors in high school." As clarified in the enclosure, providing this
information is consistent with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, which protect the privacy
of student education records. Student directory information will be used specifically for armed services
recruiting purposes and for informing young people of scholarship opportunities."
COST IN DOLLARS OF GULF WAR-II
Getting the military to the Middle East: $9 - 13 Billion*
Conducting the war: $6 - 9 Billion/month*
Occupying Iraq/"Nation Building": $4 Billion/month*
*Estimates from Congressional Budget Office, Sept. 30, 2002
The Peace Registry
On May 20, 1970, The Mount Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church Board of Trustees voted to establish a Peace Registry. "We seek to provide the opportunity for young boys and girls to state their feelings about peace (and war) and nonviolent alternatives to war. This will be an official record of the church and will be carefully and securely kept and maintained."
The Peace Registry is a collection of statements made by young people about their feelings about nonviolence. Each statement is dated and signed by a witness and entered into the book for safekeeping. If a young person should later choose to consider becoming a Conscientious Objector these records will help establish a history of their beliefs. Young people are encouraged to revisit the Peace Registry from time to time and update their statements.
Recently, young people from the church requested information about the Peace Registry. Mollie Fujioka, Peace Center Supporter, church member, and one of the early witnesses for the Peace Registry, spoke to the young group about her experience. Mollie was a high school student in an American internment camp for Japanese Americans and began her commitment to peace and early activism while still in the camp.
If a young person would like to write a statement about their beliefs about nonviolence. Witnesses are available through the Peace Center and the MDUUC Youth Directors Please call 925/933-7850 to schedule an appointment.
Nation Wide Days of Action State of the Union
While President Bush speaks on television, join thousands of people across the country at protests at every Congressional district office.
Date not yet announced' traditionally the last week of January.
Emergency Response to a War on Iraq
On the day of the attack we will gather for a prayer and reflection vigil at 5:00 PM at Civic Park in downtown Walnut Creek. Please bring a candle with you.
The following Sunday after the attack
1:30 PM-March from the Concord BART Station to Todos Santos Park in downtown Concord.
COORDINATOR'S CORNER-Jeanelyse Doran
People have accused me of being a pacifist. And in theory, perhaps I am, but I am a fierce mother bear when it comes to my children and grandchildren. To my amazement, I am finding that it also extends to unknown young men in uniform.
While walking in the Houston airport, I was startled by a young man in a new, military, dress uniform, who looked younger than either of my children. I blurted out without thinking or censorship, "You are way too young to go off to war"! He stopped, looked at me with unbelieving eyes, and appeared to be confused. Upon thinking, he righted himself and said, "It is the beginning of a good life for me". I, still in amazement and now with tears in my eyes, said, "I pray you will have a life left to live when it is over".
He walked off to join the other young soldiers, all men of color, all too young. I remembered the television ads with active young men and women, many of color, working on airplanes while the ad promised a chance for an education and an opportunity to see the world while developing marketable job skills. I, too, never heard them mention war! I wonder if the recruiter mentioned it.
This young man's face is now just as clear as my grandson's. I hold them both in my heart and pray for a world that will empower them to be all they can be and will allow them to live long enough to know the joy of being a grandparent.
Grandmothers Gather
On October 21, over 100 grandmothers, and a few grandfathers, gathered by the lake on the Rossmoor golf course as a gesture of peace. We stretched a third of the way around the lake holding hands, in silence and connecting with each other, joining with the grandmothers from across the state, the country and the world affirming a commitment to peace.
The second gathering in November resulted in plans for more gatherings in January. Be sure to watch the calendar for more information.
Grandmothers from Rossmoor and around the county are invited to join together on January 18, 2003, 10:00 AM - 12:00 Noon, to meet for round table discussion and walk the Labyrinth for Peace and Healing at the Walnut Avenue United Methodist Church in Walnut Creek.
Call the Peace Center 933-7850 or Gina Kozak 930-6228.
Maintaining the Vision of a Culture of Peace in Times of War
A culture of peace is possible, and many people and organizations are dedicating their life and mission to accomplishing it.
The Peace Center's Raising Nonviolent Children and Race Awareness Programs are contributing to a future generation of peacemakers. Our Actions for Peace committee is working to bring information, education, and peaceful actions to our community now. The newsletter mailings and community events offer us time to share our concerns, hopes, and dreams for the future.
The Nonviolent Peaceforce project is creating the world's first large-scale nonviolent peace organization made up of trained, unarmed, paid civilians from around the world. Peaceforce teams will go to areas of conflict at the invitation of one or more local groups and apply proven nonviolent intervention techniques to prevent death and destruction, and to protect human rights. Local groups will then be able to struggle nonviolently, enter into dialogue, and seek peaceful resolution. For more information see www.nonviolentpeaceforce.org.
The Center for Human Development in Pleasant Hill offers Community Conflict Resolution Panels. Mediation with Conflict Resolution Panels (CRP) is a free, private, voluntary process for people who live or work in Contra Costa County. An impartial panel of trained volunteer mediators facilitates communication between people to promote agreement. For more information call Central County 925/798-6132, East County 925/754-3729, and West County 510/234-5010.
As we update our website, connections to these and many other organizations will be available. If you know of others who are helping to build a culture of peace, please let us know about them.
Peace Through Art & Writing Contest
Take a look at your Peace Center calendar to see examples of the incredible artwork done by Contra Costa students for last year's contest!
This year's topic is: What would our world look like if we were to embrace world peace?
Categories: Essay, creating writing (poem, story, play), art (any medium).
Awards: $75, top two in each category. Awards dinner, Sat. May 17, 2003.
Submission deadline: Friday, February 28, 2003.
Call the Peace Center for more information: 925-933-7850.
Writers Needed for the Peace Gazette
Please get your articles to us by the last Friday of the month. Mail them or drop them off at the Peace Center, or e-mail them to ka@cooper.cpmc.org.
The committee meets the first Friday of the month at 7:30 p.m.
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