a thread on the Dept of Peace

[dweller]

needing some kicks and votes.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x1636146

Paineinthearse will be posting HR1673 when he gets a copy later tonite or tomorrow.

peace,
dp

[elshiva]

1. I will call Rep. Bartlett tomorrow if I have time and

if not then, Monday. Bartlett is a Bushbot, but I have to do what I can to support the Dept. of Peace.
Thanks!

[paineinthearse]

2. Sorry, still waiting for it, but

read Jim McGovern's speech in support - http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x3241485

[eridani]

3. Make peace a priority

http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2005/03/15/opinion/commentary/31405194340.txt
By: BOB RUSSO - Commentary

A bill to establish a cabinet-level Department of Peace in the executive branch of the federal government will be reintroduced for the 2005-06 congressional session sometime this spring. A similar bill was introduced in the session of Congress that ended in December, but never made it out of committee.

Local lobbyists representing Americans for the Department of Peace and California Districts 45 and 49 are hoping to gain support for this bill from Reps. Darrell Issa, R-Temecula, and Mary Bono, R-Murrieta.

So, what would a Department of Peace be all about? Briefly, it would involve the development of policies aimed at preventing and resolving international and domestic conflicts through nonviolent means of intervention and mediation.

On the international level, it would address such items as post-conflict reconstruction in war-torn countries and enlist proven strategies aimed at rectifying the underlining causes behind violent conflicts.

Domestically, it would administer programs focused on such issues as domestic and school violence, and rehabilitation. And, through its Office of Peace Education, it would work side by side with educators in schools and universities to teach our children and give them the know-how to resolve conflicts peacefully.

<etc.>

Bob Russo lives in Murrieta.

[genius]

4. So is it up?

[eridani]

5. Action Alert!

The Peace Alliance
Department of Peace Campaign
www.ThePeaceAlliance.org

Action Alert!
Contact Senator Barbara Boxer

Dear friends,

As you know, we are all making efforts to reach out to our Senators and Members of the House of Representatives in support of the Department of Peace legislation. The most recent meeting took place this morning in San Francisco, as several members of our staff and community volunteers met with Senator Barbara Boxer's office. Her staff was both interested and supportive. It was a very positive meeting and a great first step!

We need a sponsor to take a companion bill into the Senate. This is where you come in. Senator Boxer's aides stressed the importance of hearing from citizens regarding how they feel about this legislation. We are urging you to call, email and fax Senator Boxer (as well as your own senators). Whether you are a resident of California or not, the Senator needs to hear from you. Your voice will make all the difference. We have indicated that there is broad support for this effort, let us demonstrate that. We have two sample letters below (for residents and non-residents).


Write or call Senator Barbara Boxer at:

D.C. Phone: [phone]
CA Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email web form: http://boxer.senate.gov


It is important that you keep your letters and comments supportive and encouraging. Please personalize the letter by inserting your own comments.

Sample letter for Residents of California:

Your name
Your address
Your City, State, zip
Your Phone
Your Email - Put "Support a Department of Peace" in the subject line of emails.


Dear Senator Boxer,

Thank you for your courage on behalf of all citizens of the United States.

I am writing to encourage you to help establish a United States Department of Peace. Legislation will be introduced into the House of Representatives on September 13th by Congressman Dennis Kucinich and 53 other co-sponsors. We are seeking a Senator to put forth a companion bill in the Senate and we are hoping you will be our champion.

A Department of Peace would focus on nonmilitary peaceful conflict resolutions, prevent violence and promote justice and democratic principles to expand human rights. I would like to thank you for all the work you do to this end, and in particular for the work you do to help alleviate domestic violence. We feel that the time has come for our nation to organize in a more profound way to address the root causes of domestic violence at all levels; in our homes, in our schools, in our communities, at every level in our society as well as internationally. There are so many programs, projects and organizations that are doing powerful work to address these issues, but are given such little support from our government. This must change.

As a constituent of California, I urge you to sponsor legislation in the Senate to establish a Department of Peace. We cannot wait any longer.

Thank you again for all that you do,

Sincerely,

************************

Sample letter for Non-Residents of California:

Your name
Your address
Your City, State, zip
Your Phone
Your Email - Put "Support a Department of Peace" in the subject line of emails.


Dear Senator Boxer,

Thank you for your courage on behalf of all citizens of the United States.

I am writing to encourage you to help establish a United States Department of Peace. Legislation will be re-introduced into the House of Representatives on September 13th by Congressman Dennis Kucinich and 53 other co-sponsors. We are seeking a Senator to put forth a companion bill in the Senate and we are hoping you will be our champion.

A Department of Peace would focus on nonmilitary peaceful conflict resolutions, prevent violence and promote justice and democratic principles to expand human rights. I would like to thank you for all the work you do to this end, and in particular for the work you do to help alleviate domestic violence. We feel that the time has come for our nation to organize in a more profound way to address the root causes of violence at all levels; in our homes, in our schools, in our communities, at every level in our society as well as internationally. There are so many programs, projects and organizations that are doing powerful work to address these issues, but are given such little support from our government. This must change.

I am aware I do not live in your state, but I know that you are a courageous Senator who works for the good of our nation as a whole. I urge you to sponsor legislation in the Senate to establish a Department of Peace. We cannot wait any longer.

Thank you again for all that you do.

Sincerely,


EMAIL JOIN
To join our email list if you are not on it for Department of Peace updates, send a blank email to: [e-mail] or visit http://www.thepeacealliance.org/signup.htm
-------------------------------------
Our postal address is
P.O. Box 3259
Center Line, Michigan 48015
United States