Ideas for Change in America

  • Establish a U.S. Department of Peacebuilding

    The science of peacebuilding deserves a seat at the table when it comes to making decisions about foreign and domestic policy. The use of violence to resolve personal and international conflicts needs to be a last resort. The Department of Peacebuilding will build the institutional structures needed to help put peaceful means at the forefront.

    - Ted Nunn Jan 20 @ 05:55PM PST

Comments (213)

101 older comments see the full discussion ^

  • Sharon Fortunak
    Mar 09, 2010 @ 10:34AM PT
    Sharon Fortunak

    It is time for a US Dept of Peace!  Enough warmongering, wasting $ and polluting the environment.

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  • Delene St. Clair
    Mar 09, 2010 @ 11:04AM PT
    Delene St. Clair

    People sometimes say to me they don't believe in peace, that war is always necessary.  The Peace Dept. is not just an international issue.  Domestic violence and violence to animals (which leads to violence to people) is at an all-time high, so we need this dept. to give people ideas and resources for other ways of resolving conflict (real or imagined) without violence.  EVERYONE wants love and peace.  That is one of the basic human needs and wants.  We have to have the will and a change of mind, that is all.  The old song still stands--Let there be peace on earth and YES, it begins with ME!

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  • Heather Koelle
    Mar 10, 2010 @ 05:38AM PT
    Heather Koelle

    "Teach your children well"(CSNY) it all begins with our kids.If they are raised in a loving home and taught to accept all cultures,they will grow up to be peaceloving people. "an eye for an eye makes the whole world blind"

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  • Marcos Aurélio Rondineli de Oliveira
    Mar 10, 2010 @ 11:30AM PT
    Marcos Aurélio Rondineli de Oliveira

    We shall understand, once and for all, that it will not be killing our enimies that we will bring peace to ourselves.

    Anybody has relatives and by killing one single person we acchieve one entire familly against our actions.

    So... I totally agree with the creation of a Peace Building Department.

    Peace is needed. War is unwanted. And we already know that since the last 6 milleniuns. It's time to act, not keep on speeching.

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  • Yaron Fishman
    Mar 10, 2010 @ 11:41AM PT
    Yaron Fishman

    I've sent a message about this to all our members on http://MyPeace.TV ...

    I hope it helps...

    Peace!

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  • marco cosimi
    Mar 10, 2010 @ 12:22PM PT
    marco cosimi

    RePower America is an assioma of "RePower World" and compareble with the Peacebuilding: these is "the new really point of view for future generation".

    Marco Cosimi

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  • marco cosimi
    Mar 10, 2010 @ 12:22PM PT
    marco cosimi

    RePower America is an assioma of "RePower World" and compareble with the Peacebuilding: these is "the new really point of view for future generation".

    Marco Cosimi

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  • Cynthia Gonzalez
    Mar 10, 2010 @ 02:35PM PT
    Cynthia Gonzalez

    "Averting war is the work of politicians; establishing peace is the work of education."

    Dr. Maria Montessori

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  • Gary Richardson
    Mar 10, 2010 @ 03:59PM PT
    Gary Richardson

    I agree that Peace is the work of education, but not the education we provide today. We need a new system of education that teaches Total Knowledge, not partial knowledge. There needs to be knowledge about the knower, not just the known. We need to implement a Consciousness based educational system.

    www.cbeprograms.org

     

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  • Brad Flaharty
    Mar 10, 2010 @ 05:52PM PT
    Brad Flaharty

    i continue to be content with how much peace that passeth understanding seems available to me.. but actively networking for more to share..

     

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  • mary jacoby
    Mar 10, 2010 @ 09:53PM PT
    mary jacoby

    peace!

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  • Linda Ohlson Graham
    Mar 11, 2010 @ 08:51AM PT
    Linda Ohlson Graham

       -c- LOG:

    Please hold the thought with me ...
      that Peace on Earth and thE END to Global Warming
        CAN
          easily happen …
              in a moment or two of silence
                   in ENOUGH of the collective mind.
    +  As Mankind calms his -nature- ...
         Mother will bE pleased:

    www.earthoceanheavens.com :  Products page
    www.lindaohlsongraham.com : (Please share globally:) -Writings- and -Poems- pages
    www.denverpenwomen.org/members/linda-ohlson-graham/  

    Linda  Ohlson  Graham                                                                    CO Department of Peace Poet Laureate                                                 CO DoP District 2 co-ordinator 2008-2010                                             Art chair: Denver NLAPW

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  • Good Vibe Benny
    Mar 11, 2010 @ 10:03AM PT
    Good Vibe Benny

    I recently discovered that Change.org promotes establishing a "U.S. Department of Peacebuilding." Despite good intentions, this is a dangerous idea. The institutionalization of peace will threaten our freedom to express it. Just as the U.S. Department of Education both privileges and oppresses various pedagogical approaches (ie. standardized testing vs. the more creative fine arts), it is logical to believe that the U.S. Department of Peacebuilding might discourage--or make criminal--particular expressions of peace, especially those critical of U.S. foreign and domestic policies.

    Rather than give the government the power to criminalize peace, let's create peace ourselves. Remember, it is institutions--governments and religions-- that wage wars; in fact, institutions wage wars in the name of peace! Only individuals can create peace. When was the last time you created peace?

    More from Good Vibe Benny @ www.thinkgoodvibes.com

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    • John Aaron
      Mar 21, 2010 @ 08:36PM PT
      John Aaron

      CHALK4PEACE draws on the sidewalks of the world to express visions and messages of peace. In some places, drawing on the sidewalk with chalk is still against the law, punishable by stiff fines. Other places, people have to get 24 hour permits to participate in such an arts action. I choose to think that a Department of Peacebuilding will advocate the relaxing of municipal ordinances nationwide that classify chalk art as a form of graffiti to pave the way for CHALK4PEACE to become an accepted public expression about peace. Some might ask, "Is this really a significant issue?" The fine for chalk drawing on the sidewalk in NYC is $350 or more. If you draw on the sidewalk there, you're an outlaw? Who's going to break it to the kids...? A Department of PeaceBuilding will naturally support efforts towards peace. It's what such a department would be about.

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    • Siddiqah Henighan
      May 08, 2010 @ 01:01AM PT
      Siddiqah Henighan

      HarmonyWise Holistic Healing Center is an media-stream dedicated to creating peace from within our Essential SELF.  The greatest barrier to individual progress is a slavish devotion to precedent.  We do what everybody else does; If Peace-Building get to be developed into a transient mental impression no harm can be done, but when an idea sinks into the subconscious mind, it comes forth as material results, and  while we do not realize it, we unconsciously FIGHT any opposition to these submerged tendencies.  This is the reason for NOT institutionalizing Peace-Building efforts. The efforts will become a long-established habit that individuals would have to constantly FIGHT TO MAINTAIN its precedent.  Example of this is the recent disaster of the BP Oil Drilling.  A long- established habit that America is too Addicted to let go.

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  • SACRED space
    Mar 11, 2010 @ 02:54PM PT
    SACRED space

    WE heard about this from Humanity Healing and on behalf of the NamaSpirit - you have our support!  We will pass the link on and believe that the only TRUE solution is peaceful conflict resolution on ALL fronts. 

    Even apply that same message to how we treat our bodies. Imagine how existence would BE if WE each loved our self and began the internal exploration of healing SELF.  I believe that before we can go out and "save" the world through peaceful conflict resolution, we need to heal our very own mind / body / spirit. 

    We have concluded that Healing BEgins with THOUGHT!

    Those who seek peace already know about the eternal truths and of our ONENESS in the human experience.  If in the process of dialogue about forming these Departments of Peacebuilding - it would not be a bad idea to have everyone participate in yoga together .. as it builds unity and strenght of character and body!

    http://om-times.ning.com/group/healthandwellness

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  • tom rossi
    Mar 11, 2010 @ 04:15PM PT
    tom rossi

    I hate to be the cynic, here, but I have very little faith in a government department.  Does anybody remember that they changed the name of the Dept. of War to the Dept. of Defense?  It was through this mechanism that we attacked Iraq, Vietnam, Panama, Granada, and countless other countries.  I fear that, whatever the original charter, a Dept. of Peace would turn into a mechanism for the justification of war.  I can hear the chants of "Freedom isn't free!" now.  They could easily change to "Peace isn't free."

    Instead of putting our energy into this idea, I think we need to concentrate on changing the overall tone of our foreign policy to reflect the "interests" of the people of the United States rather than our corporations.  Greed will never lead to peace, no matter what names you attach to anything. In my opinion, making up new names or entities that will essentially lack any real power will only serve to distract from the real work that needs to be done.  We can start by eliminating lobbying by those corporations that will profit from war.

    My two cents.

    -Tom

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    • Terry Adcock
      Mar 12, 2010 @ 07:38AM PT
      Terry Adcock

      Tom, the folks who had "very little faith in a government department" (and very little faith in the people of the United States who created the government) are the ones who changed the War Department to the Department of "Defense."  Very few people (and NO owners of the industrial part of "the Military/Industrial complex") are suggesting eliminating the DOD. 

      Without a contervailing force within our government, the ONLY voice that will be heard is that of the Military/Industrial complex.  What are the chances that "the corporations that will profit from war" will allow the people to listen to your call for "changing the overall tone of our foreign policy to reflect the 'interests' of the people of the United States" or "eliminating their lobbying?"

      Think about it.

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  • Janet Kemp
    Mar 11, 2010 @ 04:36PM PT
    Janet Kemp

    Why don't we focus on re-establishing the principles upon which this country was founded: the Counstitutional principles. Those principles - in and of themselves - resulted in the peaceful running of a very large and disparate peoples.  Free of "corporate" control.

    In addition, in these times, a "Department of Peace" is required. Supported by a renewed Constitutional Government. My - it's so easy. Eliminate special interests. (How?) Focus on healing. Think "sustainable" and "self-sustaining".

    Our future - our planet's future - is in jeopardy. To salvage this planet, we must forego petty political pandering and pull together. Aren't the Haiti and Chile devastations strong enough messages, just because they haven't hit California?

    I've been speaking since 1967.  It's time to start acting, "y'all".

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  • Ana Campos
    Mar 11, 2010 @ 04:40PM PT
    Ana Campos

    ((( REMEMBER ))))

    THE VOTE BUTTON MUST SAY VOTED FOR YOUR VOTE TO COUNT!!!

     

     

    (((( SIGN UP FOR MORE INFO ABOUT THE NATIONAL MOVEMENT HERE: ))))

    http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/696/t/1681/signUp.jsp?key=836

     

    (((( READ THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF PEACE BILL HERE ))))

    http://www.thepeacealliance.org/content/view/658/23/

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  • Kay mott
    Mar 11, 2010 @ 05:44PM PT
    Kay mott

    PEACE is a softness that will permeate the soul of the earth - one person at a time.  It's coming.  Feel the truth.  Stop the killing.  Peace-it's time!

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  • Liane Legey
    Mar 11, 2010 @ 07:06PM PT
    Liane Legey

    Done!

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  • Michael Ramsey
    Mar 11, 2010 @ 07:30PM PT
    Michael Ramsey

    Dear people embrace the truth and know the real enemy is not in the Middle East, or the Far East.  Its not someone with a strange accent or someone who dresses differently to you.  Its not those with weird traditions and indigenous cultures.  The US is safegaurded and protected on all sides. Today power corrupts, tomorrow power will be fatal.  The Enemy of the state is FEAR!  Eventually, false power will succumb to fear, and eventually, true power will overcome fear and transcend into global peace.  Love&Light Michael

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  • Lia Colquhoon
    Mar 11, 2010 @ 08:19PM PT
    Lia Colquhoon

    This idea raises issues pertinent to that long-held maxim of the "Golden Rule."  The Golden Rule ONLY works if everyone is willing to play by the same set of rules.  Why would I treat someone the way I want to be treated IF I BELIEVE I DESERVE BETTER TREATMENT than that person?  It operates under the premise that we're all really cooperative at heart and want to get along.  Well, we don't. 

    On the Macro level- the possibility of nuclear disarmament depends on a mutual trust between all parties that have nuclear capabilities.  Right now - we have a "balance of power" because of mutually assured destruction.  The only way we can disarm completely is if EVERYONE is willing to do so.  Let's pretend that Pakistan holds out and hides one - just one - bomb.  Then there's no peace. It flies in the face of human nature.

    I think spreading new ideas is an important step in righting wrongs.  I don't think that human nature can be necessarily changed, but can be overcome. 

    The problem with this approach, however, is they lack any specifics in how to Increase the Peace.  That is, achieving a state of "Peace" is ill-defined and any approach toward that end MUST include the variables of power and privelege.

    Until these issues are addressed, I do not think this will make much difference. Nonetheless, it is perhaps a good first step. I believe that Peace as an ideal is worthy of my time and attention.

    At the end of the day, I promote peace for the world simply by embracing peaceful thoughts. I am practicing peace by the peaceful way I treat myself.

    Peace truly begins within.

     

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  • Lia Colquhoon
    Mar 11, 2010 @ 08:29PM PT
    Lia Colquhoon

    This idea raises issues pertinent to that long-held maxim of the "Golden Rule."  The Golden Rule ONLY works if everyone is willing to play by the same set of rules.  Why would I treat someone the way I want to be treated IF I BELIEVE I DESERVE BETTER TREATMENT than that person?  It operates under the premise that we're all really cooperative at heart and want to get along.  Well, we don't. 

    On the Macro level- the possibility of nuclear disarmament depends on a mutual trust between all parties that have nuclear capabilities.  Right now - we have a "balance of power" because of mutually assured destruction.  The only way we can disarm completely is if EVERYONE is willing to do so.  Let's pretend that Pakistan holds out and hides one - just one - bomb.  Then there's no peace. It flies in the face of human nature.

    I think spreading new ideas is an important step in righting wrongs.  I don't think that human nature can be necessarily changed, but can be overcome. 

    The problem with this approach, however, is they lack any specifics in how to Increase the Peace.  That is, achieving a state of "Peace" is ill-defined and any approach toward that end MUST include the variables of power and privelege.

    Until these issues are addressed, I do not think this will make much difference. Nonetheless, it is perhaps a good first step. I believe that Peace as an ideal is worthy of my time and attention.

    At the end of the day, I promote peace for the world simply by embracing peaceful thoughts. I am practicing peace by the peaceful way I treat myself.

    Peace truly begins within.

     

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  • Lia Colquhoon
    Mar 11, 2010 @ 08:33PM PT
    Lia Colquhoon

    This idea raises issues pertinent to that long-held maxim of the "Golden Rule."  The Golden Rule ONLY works if everyone is willing to play by the same set of rules.  Why would I treat someone the way I want to be treated IF I BELIEVE I DESERVE BETTER TREATMENT than that person?  It operates under the premise that we're all really cooperative at heart and want to get along.  Well, we don't. 

    On the Macro level- the possibility of nuclear disarmament depends on a mutual trust between all parties that have nuclear capabilities.  Right now - we have a "balance of power" because of mutually assured destruction.  The only way we can disarm completely is if EVERYONE is willing to do so.  Let's pretend that Pakistan holds out and hides one - just one - bomb.  Then there's no peace. It flies in the face of human nature.

    I think spreading new ideas is an important step in righting wrongs.  I don't think that human nature can be necessarily changed, but can be overcome. 

    The problem with this approach, however, is they lack any specifics in how to Increase the Peace.  That is, achieving a state of "Peace" is ill-defined and any approach toward that end MUST include the variables of power and privelege.

    Until these issues are addressed, I do not think this will make much difference. Nonetheless, it is perhaps a good first step. I believe that Peace as an ideal is worthy of my time and attention.

    At the end of the day, I promote peace for the world simply by embracing peaceful thoughts. I am practicing peace by the peaceful way I treat myself.

    Peace truly begins within.

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  • Lia Colquhoon
    Mar 11, 2010 @ 08:52PM PT
    Lia Colquhoon

     As for approaches to peace, I like this site - http://www.theglobalpeaceproject.com/ - if only because they have well defined goals and are taking into account the variables that affect peace (like inequality in education and religious tolerance).

    This site addresses material needs - http://www.davisprojectsforpeace.org/

     And while this is a little hokey, I like the inward focus - i.e., Peace begins within - http://www.the-peace-project.org/

    Whereas the "science of peacebuilding" seems a bit flaky to me.  And what are said "institutional structures" needed to help?

    You know, bottom line, you need a lot of cooperation and moreover, money.  However, I do like the focus on increasing wellness (as opposed to fighting illness).

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  • Jonathan Felt
    Mar 11, 2010 @ 10:25PM PT
    Jonathan Felt

    One of the places to start is with children's games.  We can teach peace and togetherness all we want on one hand, but if our children are still playing the games most of us were raised on they don't stand a chance.  

    Games can't be about who is the best or the toughest that just teaches competition.  If everyone is fighting to be on top there will never be equality.  We need to start with team building games.  Games that teach the ones who win are the ones who work best with others.

    Most of the so called entertainment out there would definitely have to go.  Even in all of the Disney films it is always the cutest, or the strongest, or whoever can outsmart the others who is the one who wins.  

    90% of how we act and react in life starts on the playground.  It isn't just in the home.  We can have the most peaceful and loving environment at home, and end up being a warmonger.  We learn all of our social skills for life on the playground.  How to react to things that happen in order to be liked.  Deep down that is the main human need is to feel needed and loved to be a part of something.  Why do you think people join gangs.  

    If we really want peace the home is a good place to start, but as long as our education and economy is based on who is on top there will always be wars.  After all our education and society teaches that it is the one on top who gets all of the spoils.

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  • Edward Kamara
    Mar 12, 2010 @ 01:56AM PT
    Edward Kamara

    I believe that this world will not be a better place if peace and peace infrastructures are not given a place. So I vote that America establishes a Department or Ministry of Peace and so be it for all countries around the world.

     

    Peace and joy,

    Edward Kamara, WANEP-SL

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  • Eckart Freihoeffer
    Mar 12, 2010 @ 04:57AM PT
    Eckart Freihoeffer

    First of all we have to create peace inside of us. After that we will have peace on the outside.

    Love Light and peace to ALL THAT IS

     

    Eckart

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  • Eckart Freihoeffer
    Mar 12, 2010 @ 05:44AM PT
    Eckart Freihoeffer

    If we use violence against violence we will only create more violence. Only with unconditional Love we will get Peace.

    Love Light and Peace to ALL THAT IS

     

    Eckart

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  • Dennis Branzei
    Mar 12, 2010 @ 06:44AM PT
    Dennis Branzei

    PEACE the most important word of my generation!

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  • Quintus Andradi
    Mar 12, 2010 @ 08:56AM PT
    Quintus Andradi

    PEACE Is the original quality of the self, in its purestform, peace is inner silence.It consists of positive thought, pure feelings and good wishes. To have peace you need patience. When you are peaceful, you create an atmosphere of peace. Peace in the world can only be realized when there is peace in the minds of man.

    A big brother is always concerned about the welfare of the younger ones, hence not attack them but direct them in the right path. America should be very sincere in her concern about bringging about world peace. This could be acheived only by being a shinning example to the rest of the world, and not by war...

    Quintus Andradi

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  • Betsy Hiteshew
    Mar 12, 2010 @ 09:16AM PT
    Betsy Hiteshew

    Change the only thing you can change--your feelings, attitudes and behaviors towards your family, friends and neighbors. Betsy Hiteshew

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  • Ana Campos
    Mar 12, 2010 @ 09:50AM PT
    Ana Campos

    ((( REMEMBER ))))

    THE VOTE BUTTON MUST SAY VOTED FOR YOUR VOTE TO COUNT!!!

     

     

    (((( SIGN UP FOR MORE INFO ABOUT THE NATIONAL MOVEMENT HERE: ))))

    http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/696/t/1681/signUp.jsp?key=836

     

    (((( READ THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF PEACE BILL HERE ))))

    http://www.thepeacealliance.org/content/view/658/23/

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  • Tamara Kincaid
    Mar 15, 2010 @ 02:54PM PT
    Tamara Kincaid

    I want a cabinet level Department of Peace.When do I want it now.

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  • Bill S
    Mar 16, 2010 @ 01:20AM PT
    Bill S

    I am for this Dept Of Peace! Thank You!

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  • Edward Laurson
    Mar 16, 2010 @ 10:26AM PT
    Edward Laurson

    THANK YOU LET'S GET IT DONE.

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  • Mark Newton
    Mar 17, 2010 @ 06:08AM PT
    Mark Newton

    I concur. If we are going to have a Department of Defense, and U.S. Military then we should also have a state department for peace on foreign and domestic values. Department of Peace has better ring to it though.

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  • SACRED space
    Mar 21, 2010 @ 06:26PM PT
    SACRED space

    I pray this is not taken as an over simplistic and childish viewpoint - but I am a simple child of the universe,  and there is no other way to say this, "What is it that we are fighting for? What is this really about?  Who profits off our division? The saying, United we Stand, Divided we Fall!  It was truth.  That was a big phat hint!  Hello??? 

    Yes to all those who say Peace begins within!  No doubt about it.  However, as there is much profit in war, sickness, pollution, consumerism - keeping us seperated and in the blame / hate / whine / cry / throw a tantrum stage of our societal evolution.  Yet... we are connecting and we are speaking and our voices are BEING heard! 

    WE the PEOPLE want peace.  Oh sure, maybe our governments don't ... but the simple folk are still trying to figure out why people fight in the first place.  There is plenty.  We have got enough.  So again, back to greed and manipulation and control.  IF we spent half the amount of collective brain power thinking peaceful thoughts (as those not quiet enlightened beings who promote hate, anger, division, abuse ... ) it could very well be the BEGINNING of that Reality We Dream about. 

    So, I am just sending a prayer out that all you peace makers : do - gooders continue doing exactly what you are doing!  BEing exaclty / authentically who you ARE.  A good place to begin is in learning how to love "self!"  It's harder than it sounds.  :-)  Keep up the good work and always think peaceful conflic resolutions.  Another simple solution, call me silly, Love is the answer - and it begins on the homefront.  Love the local and global family and bring awareness to "other ideas" that don't necessarily end with a body bag!  I mean what would it take for us all to get along?  Start the list!

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  • Katherine Gustafson
    Mar 25, 2010 @ 08:11AM PT
    Katherine Gustafson

    Does the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) not count? http://www.usip.org/ It is an independent, nonpartisan, national institution established and funded by the U.S. Congress. The Institute is building a new (and beautiful) headquarters on the Mational Mall (http://www.usip.org/building/index.html) near the Department of State. USIP provides the analysis, training and tools that help to prevent, manage and end violent international conflicts, promote stability and professionalize the field of peacebuilding.

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  • Katherine Gustafson
    Mar 25, 2010 @ 08:25AM PT
    Katherine Gustafson

    Does the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) not count? http://www.usip.org/ It is an independent, nonpartisan, national institution established and funded by the U.S. Congress. The Institute is building a new (and beautiful) headquarters on the Mational Mall (http://www.usip.org/building/index.html) near the Department of State. USIP provides the analysis, training and tools that help to prevent, manage and end violent international conflicts, promote stability and professionalize the field of peacebuilding.

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  • Raelin Hansen
    Mar 25, 2010 @ 08:17PM PT
    Raelin Hansen

    One thing that stands in our way is that corporations do not stand to benefit from peace. Why am i bringing this up? Because i'd like to ask you, while you're here, to pop over and take a closer look at another Top Ten winner: Move to Amend. I tell you this because one thing that every one of us, with our many causes, must realize, is that this is THE ISSUE on which all other issues ultimately hinge, because corporations have their fingers in EVERY LAST SINGLE PIE! Pass it on! Continue to work for Peace, of course, but please join the push to FIRST OF ALL do away with the absurd fiction of corporate personhood, because the recent Supreme Court decision in "Citizens United vs Federal Election Commission" affects ANY chance that you have of changing the current situation, and indeed threatens most of the few freedoms we still have! (Because "speech" with money is bigger and louder than anyone's rightful, individual free speech, and advertising [read propaganda] has a notorious power to whip up fear in more malleable members of society.)

    I will add this: the most powerful use of - and publicity for - this issue is to make it, for the midterms, a major (even better make it THE MAJOR) campaign issue. If organized groups of people confront the candidates and ask them "How will you vote, or better yet will you co-sponsor a move to amend our constitution, to do away with for once and for all this absurd conception of corporations as persons?" If they won't do that, they shouldn't have our vote! Our freedom and our control over the issues that affect us rest beneath it all on this one issue!

     

     

     

     

     

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    • Terry Adcock
      Mar 26, 2010 @ 01:21AM PT
      Terry Adcock

      I am in total agreement.  Corporate "personhood" is a concept that allows those who benefit economically from war to hide behind the legal fiction of "corporatehood" to pollute our country with filth and violence with only "limited liability."  It is time for the warmongers to take TOTAL liability for their unethical, corrupt, criminal, and immoral actions and forfeit their wealth if they refuse to do so.

      Having a Department of Peace can ameliorate our warring ways, but it will be very difficult without destroying the "personhood" of the legal fiction of "limited liability."

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  • Frank Swift
    Mar 26, 2010 @ 04:23AM PT
    Frank Swift

    Raelin and Terry have definitely identified the major problem that should be top priority. It is up to us to take the energy of our anger and use it peacefully for creative, positive, action.  I think we need not only to demand the restoration of our government as a true democracy, but also to tune in to our creative spirit in finding ways to communicate with the "better angels" of those corporate executives who are obsessed with money and power.  They are human beings and if they can be shown that their immense greed negatively affects themselves, their families and progeny, some of them will see the light and begin using their wealth and resources for enhancing life instead if destroying it. 

    Fortunately, some corporations and wealthy individuals have recently become socially responsible. They can be models for others who believe that doing so cannot be profitable. Maybe we can enlist their help in communicating their values to other corporations.

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  • Frank Swift
    Mar 26, 2010 @ 04:23AM PT
    Frank Swift

    Raelin and Terry have definitely identified the major problem that should be top priority. It is up to us to take the energy of our anger and use it peacefully for creative, positive, action.  I think we need not only to demand the restoration of our government as a true democracy, but also to tune in to our creative spirit in finding ways to communicate with the "better angels" of those corporate executives who are obsessed with money and power.  They are human beings and if they can be shown that their immense greed negatively affects themselves, their families and progeny, some of them will see the light and begin using their wealth and resources for enhancing life instead if destroying it. 

    Fortunately, some corporations and wealthy individuals have recently become socially responsible. They can be models for others who believe that doing so cannot be profitable. Maybe we can enlist their help in communicating their values to other corporations.

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  • Gary Richardson
    Apr 02, 2010 @ 01:48AM PT
    Gary Richardson

    If you want a new crop you must plant a new seed!

    Wars start in the minds of men, and cycles of conflict ensue. So, too, can wars be prevented in the minds of men, but not always in the conventional way one might think. A new technology of defense has now emerged from a most unexpected quarter and has scientifically shown itself to have intriguing potential to prevent war and create peace.... (more)

    http://www.theday.com/article/20100328/OP05/303289899

     

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  • David Darian
    Apr 02, 2010 @ 10:32PM PT
    David Darian

    Wasn't it Leon Pannetta, our CIA head who first promoted this?  I'm all for it if it could get results but goodluck with the Nkoreans and Iranians-it definately wouldn't have worked with the nazis or tojo  but after that, haven't nearly all our wars (and especially Iraq) been a waste of good lives and treasure? 

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  • Frank Swift
    Apr 11, 2010 @ 05:26AM PT
    Frank Swift

    These groups are meeting in July for a conference on how we can work together to end the wars.  Can you imagine what a powerful impact it would make to have these and even more organizations for peace hold a huge demonstration in DC!  Our voices for ending the insane mass murder and misery called "war" can't be ignored if we get thousands of us together for this, along with uniting in a meditation by even more who can't physically be there.

    After Downing Street, Arab American Union Members Council, Black Agenda Report, Campaign for Peace and Democracy, Campus Antiwar Network, Code Pink, Iraq Veterans Against the War, National Assembly to End the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars and Occupations, Peace of the Action, Progressive Democrats of America, U.S. Labor Against the War, The Fellowship of Reconciliation, Veterans for Peace, Voices for Creative Nonviolence, and Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom

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  • David Smith
    Apr 20, 2010 @ 10:25AM PT
    David Smith

    There has some mention of the work of the U.S. Institute of Peace in Washington, DC.   I work for USIP as the national educational outreach coordinator.  Though USIP is prohibited from taking a policy stance relative to the issue of a U.S. Department of Peace, we invite you to learn about our work at www.usip.org.  In particular you might be interested in knowing about our headquarters building which will be completed in early 2011.  The new headquarters will include a Global Peacebuilding Center directed particularly to youth  learning about the role of peacebuilding around the world (www.usip.org/building/index.html).   You can also become a fan of USIP on Facebook.  USIP is also on Twitter. 

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  • GREEN good@antelecom.net
    Apr 30, 2010 @ 08:00PM PT
    GREEN good@antele...

    I SUUPORT WAR YES . USA DONT HAVE  CREATE ANY PEACE OR  INTRFERE IN OTHER COUNTRY . PREIOD 

     

    UNITED NATION CREATE MORE PROBLEM .

     

    THEY BECOME TERRORIST ORGNAZTION . 

    WE DONT USE OUR MONEY WISELY .

     

    IF YOU CANNOT HELP YPURSELF NOBDY CAN HELP YOU .  PEACE  ARE YOU JOKING

    CREATE MORE WAR ???  WE ANIMAIL  NOT ALL OF US !!   BUT OUR NATURE IS LIKE ANIMAIL .

    REDUCE BIRTH RATE  THIS BRING SOME PEACE !!!!!!!!!

    UTOPIA

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  • ted shrader
    May 07, 2010 @ 06:26PM PT
    ted shrader

    The effort to establish a department for peace has my support. I find it difficult to accept much else in the way of rights and benefits programs, when they are divorced from declarations and committments of personal responsibility. I suggest this organization urge the United Nations to come up with support for UNESCO's effort to committ to a Declaration of Human Responsibilities. To date they have been unsuccessful

     

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  • Ana Campos
    May 21, 2010 @ 07:49AM PT
    Ana Campos

    Please Remember to support "The Peace Alliance" and their pro-peace movement.

    National Website: http://www.thePeaceAlliance.org

    National News Alerts: http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/696/t/1681/signUp.jsp?key=836

    Donations Accepted Here: https://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/696/t/1681/shop/custom.jsp?donate_page_KEY=2573

     

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  • Bill Back
    Jun 17, 2010 @ 03:44PM PT
    Bill Back

    "We got to solve it individually."   Realize the Unity.  Teach it and think it and feel it and breath it.

    "Eliminate the enemy, open your eyes from the nightmare, see the Big picture, and the life that we all share."

    We should be Earthlings first, over nationality and beliefs.

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