We hold these truths to be self-evident...
“Some people project their fears onto others. They believe that if we are aggressive enough, and attack the ‘other,’ we will be safe.
But security does not come from violence. Indeed, all of the people and empires that have tried to defend themselves by attacking others fell in a dramatic fashion. The saying "those who live by the sword shall die by the sword" comes from the simple fact that violence cannot provide lasting security.
Instead, real security comes from cooperation, justice, dignity and freedom. When there is cooperation, and when people enjoy justice, dignity and freedom, they are not motivated to commit violence on others. That brings real security.” – Prayerfully.net
How about a Department of Peace to contribute to national security strategy in addition to the Department of War Defense? Let’s consider our government's argument that the US military's use of force after invading other countries that did not attack us is an effective strategy for our national security. And then let’s step outside the box of war, and consider the potential contribution that a Department of Peace might make for US national security.
First, let’s consider the credibility of the witness giving the testimony, the "leadership" of the Democratic and Republican parties. The findings from our own government reports document that the US wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are based on lies. The disinformation was fully known to be false BEFORE being told to the American people, Congress, and the world as justification for invasion, destruction, horrific suffering, and mass murder. Don’t believe me (or the spin from “leadership” of either the left or right sides of our one-party oligarchic government), check the evidence yourself here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here. If they’ve lied their way into war, what would you rationally conclude of their honesty during the war? They would continue to lie to extend a war that they lied to begin, yes? And didn’t your mother teach you that violence just begets violence? Don’t you have spiritual/religious/philosophical values of peace first, then appropriate self-defense and justice under law?
Actually, everyone in politics is in agreement that the current US invasions are illegal Wars of Aggression except the oligarchs of the Democratic and Republican parties. Among the Dems, Congressperson Dennis Kucinich appears the strongest voice pointing to the evidence that the wars were foisted upon the world with lies. He called for impeachment as a presidential candidate and introduced Articles of Impeachment in the House . Among the Reps, Congressperson Ron Paul is their strongest voice for factual analysis rather than blind belief in heal-clicking allegiance to party doctrine. The Greens find the wars illegal, as do the Constitution Party, and the Libertarians.
This recognition of fact that we were lied into war is a political game-changer. To facilitate the end of such criminality, once a critical mass of citizens finally embrace those facts, I recommend a policy response of Truth and Reconciliation, discussed for its efficacy here.
In light of NATO war planes bombing most of the inhabitants of a small Afghan village into charred remains yesterday, Dennis Kucinich called for withdrawal of US soldiers from combat operations in Afghanistan. Similar to our findings of the Vietnam War in bombing villages, Kucinich adroitly noted: “If we want to avoid killing innocent civilians, we must end the war.” This reminded me of Dennis’ advocacy for a Department of Peace to contribute to comprehensive policy for national security and building a brighter future. Walter Cronkite discusses this proposal with Dennis in an 8-minute interview below for your attentive consideration.
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Comments
A big yes to this one! Let's take the profit out of war. Then everything will change.
Nice work again, Carl, as usual. The links are also greatly appreciated.
After all the bombings in Afghanistan, including Thursday's air strike, Afghans are probably thinking to themselves:
With "friends" like this, who needs enemies?
Kids ages 9-12 at a camp where I was counselor were told on the first day to form a "pretend" international U.N. between the cabins. My cabin was the largest, and therefore, the most powerful and intimidating. The very first idea the kids proposed (with no prodding!) was to have a Dept. of Peace, and to send an Ambassador for Peace to the other cabins, with cookies and an invite to a summit. Nice idea, and out of the mouths of babes.... by the way, there was no Dept. of War or Defense in their plans at all.
Great post. Not sure if we need another Government department but we need to listen to the founders advice and follow the Constitution and we will stay out of trouble, avoiding entangling alliances, pre-emptive wars, and nation building.
I remember that in Denver CO during the Bush years, Department of Peace advocates had a public event at a local park. I talked to many members there about how Impeachment and Prosecution of Bush and Cheney were critical to achieving the Peace your group wanted. Amazingly, none were interested. I was amazed how hostile everyone at the peace event was to impeachment.
Our Impeach Colorado Coalition performed over 150 impeachment protests in two years and as far as I could tell, no U.S. Campaign for Peace/Department of Peace member ever attended.
Rep. Kucinich is the so called Progressive congressman who dropped his impeachment efforts as soon as his re election was threatened and sold out Single Payer for a ride on Air Force one.
Protecting our Constitution, enforcing our Federal Laws and forcing our Congress to be an effective check against abuse of Presidential Power
ARE THE KEYS TO PEACE.
Your group apparently doesn't get that!
John:
I’m for a Department of Peace, yes, but am not part of any formal group for it. I write that US wars go beyond impeachment; they are treason.
Dennis Kucinich has gone further than anyone else for impeachment, John. When you know the history of your namesake, President Kennedy, and that he was assassinated for daring to think that he was the president rather than the dark fascist masters who order presidents to dance as their puppets, then you look to death threats as possible motivation to force key opponents to submit. Friends and family members can be murdered.
So we all move forward as we see best. I appreciate all you do to build a brighter future.
Reassess every law and regulation to consolidate them to legally, morally, and ethically dismantle The Police States of America - begin by reducing the number of public law enforcement to one County, Independent Cities who can afford it have their own, one State, and one Federal - NO US Marshals.
Education is a must to deal with corrupt, toxic, and evil people!
Americans like Charles Koch and David Koch of Koch Industries with their associations and supporters benefit few Americans!
It is crucial for US military veterans and those still serving to preserver the Freedom of Expression to protect Civil Rights and Civil Liberties against enemies and historically the most dangerous have been and continue to be are Americans to include public and private organizations.
Americans continue to oppress and suppress anyone with credible information from the workplace and in public.
Americans must MAXimize the Freedom of Expressions to defend the eroding Civil Rights and Civil Liberties and have laws that protect employees and employers hence the US Labor Department should be pro employee and the US Commerce Department should be pro business.
Well said. Thank you, Max.
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