Tom and I talk about peace a lot. We have great admiration for the peacemakers of the world. One of our favorite Congresspersons ever is Dennis Kucinich, America's most courageous politician. I like him for his brave stand on many issues--ending the war in Iraq, protecting the environment, being aggressive in pursuing renewable energy technology, and fighting for workers' rights. Many people think he is a wack job because this plucky little man is gutsy enough and honorable enough to create and fight for idealistic legislation so visionary that it seems beyond hopeless to dream that it could ever become law. He doesn't seem to care about what it does to his reputation as long as he stays true to himself and his ideals, does what he thinks is best for his country, and gets the opportunity to raise the public consciousness about the issues. He is also the most liberal member of Congress, another reason why I like him of course, and why many do not!
One of the basic provisions of his bill is the creation of a Peace Academy, modeled after the military academies except the 4 year course of study is 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 it also provides grants for peace studies departments in colleges and universities throughout the United States.
There is a lot more to the bill, much of it having to do with reducing violence here at home and international peacebuilding. Read about it on the The Peace Alliance website and just imagine if it became law what a different world this would be.
David Cook is also a peace maker. He teaches a course in Peace Studies. His story is below. I wish there were more like him. Maybe there will be soon. We need them.
Oh my, oh my, what a fabulous post - along with the one by Cook. I don't believe I've even heard about a Dept. of Peace, not even back in the 60s. It will take several readings to absorb all of this. It's incredibly profound.
ReplyDeleteJudy, I would very much like to copy this one to my blog - of course with full credit to you and your blog. And then, I would like to link to Cook's piece. They're both so extraordinary that I think it's important to promote them as much as possible.
You certainly may. I am so glad you like it.
ReplyDeleteHi there!
ReplyDeleteThanks for putting me up on yer blogroll.
I am so happy you like it. I think I remember you guys from Common Dreams.
I love Dennis the menace. His composure at the debates, how he has elevated the level of political discourse, how he scores hot chicks. What is not to love? A vegan, meditating President? We were so close. I cannot even think what that would have done for the world.
Obama broke my heart when he distance himself from MLK at his Nobel acceptance speech, inferring MLK's ideas were naive. I wept at that one.
I think all progressives need to do now is finally levitate the pentagon. Remember Abbie Hoffman? I think we need more of that. You guys have that Yippie feel that I love.
I want to live to see a day where the kids get to vote on what statues we build, what monuments we erect. I want to see superheros, The Turnipseeds, John Lennon statues all over this great land.
I weep extra salty tears when I think of all the beautiful people who deserve to be known and respected. No offense to Paris Hilton...but enough is enough already.
The Department of Peace, it's time has come. Can we get Obama do promise this will become law in his next term? I hope. I hope.
I love the idea of a Peace Academy. I am going to start on the script. Who plays Dennis? That's a tough one...I'll get back to ya.
I did a little parody piece on Dennis if you like comedy. I think we can start Peace Academies in our own backyards.
My idea is to take over the commons, have the place for the kids to go after school, no video games. Ping Pong. Pool. Board Games.
Maybe instead of 'Fight Club', we have 'Hug Club'. It can happen.
"The first rule of 'Hug Club' is don't talk about 'Hug Club'. Oh, I didn't mean it, let's hug.'
Anyone could come in and eat or drink, the price would be in hugs. You would have to stand outside and hug 10 people for that sarsaparilla.
Is there anything better than birch beer.
Treverse.
All kinds of classes and lectures by whoever they want. Video-conferencing with other kids in other parts of the world.
How do we do this though? The library, the local colleges can certainly help. I love tea shops.
I like the idea of the movie 'Chocolat'. Kind of a gypsy ethic. Take back the commons through art and theater if you have to.
hey took Kombucha off the shelves here, maybe nationally. It seems the FDA is concerned about the alcohol content. Ah-ha. It reminds me a bit of 'Invasion of the Body Snatchers' but in reverse.
Anyway, love the site.
I am so happy you like it. I think I remember you guys from Common Dreams.
ReplyDeleteI love Dennis the menace. His composure at the debates, how he has elevated the level of political discourse, how he scores hot chicks. What is not to love? A vegan, meditating President? We were so close. I cannot even think what that would have done for the world.
Obama broke my heart when he distance himself from MLK at his Nobel acceptance speech, inferring MLK's ideas were naive. I wept at that one.
I think all progressives need to do now is finally levitate the pentagon. Remember Abbie Hoffman? I think we need more of that. You guys have that Yippie feel that I love.
I want to live to see a day where the kids get to vote on what statues we build, what monuments we erect. I want to see superheros, The Turnipseeds, John Lennon statues all over this great land.
I weep extra salty tears when I think of all the beautiful people who deserve to be known and respected. No offense to Paris Hilton...but enough is enough already.
The Department of Peace, it's time has come. Can we get Obama do promise this will become law in his next term? I hope. I hope.
I love the idea of a Peace Academy. I am going to start on the script. Who plays Dennis? That's a tough one...I'll get back to ya.
I think we need to run Dennis in the 2012 Primary to wake up Progressives TFU!
ReplyDeleteSorry about the confusing comments but it was the computer malfunction or something. I reposted I guess, it kept erasing it.
ReplyDeleteI just happen to be in a military town. I forgot how bad things are in the real world. since I have been in the boonies for awhile.
I am looking to get out of here any day now but things are a bit intense. I maybe should have posted this in your recent post but you are right. Don't trust anyone, even contractors that come to your house. It seems to be a good ole boys club and as you point out, the connections to the military are there.
I hate to sound like a crackpot but if I disappear, you know what happened.
What a brilliant piece. We are forever waging war without stopping to wage peace. I was so hopeful about Obama - but alas. He has also fallen for the peace through annihilation tactic which has a long history of failure.
ReplyDelete