If it were all so simple! If only there were evil people somewhere
insidiously committing evil deeds, and it were necessary only to separate
them from the rest of us and destroy them. But the line dividing good and
evil cuts through the heart of every human being. And who is willing to
destroy a piece of his own heart? - Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does
not become a monster. - Friedrich Nietzche
hatred bounces. - e. e. cummings
Could a greater miracle take place than for us to look through each
others eyes for an instant? - Henry David Thoreau
War is the invention of the human mind. The human mind can invent
peace with justice. - Norman Cousins
Queries
Why do so many people hate America?
Will a war increase or decrease our security?
Will bombs and a war end terrorism?
Should we choose the international rule of law or of military force?
Would the thousands killed on September 11 prefer killing 6000 or 60,000
more, or actions to prevent future killings?
Should we support actions that put thousands or millions of people at risk
of starvation and death in Afghanistan?
What can we do that is consistent with our principles and goals of peace
and justice that will decrease reasons for terrorism in the future, and
increase security for everyone?
Peace and Social Order Committee
For consideration by Peace & Social Order Committee:
What would YOU propose as a proper response to the terrorism of 9-11-01?
One proposal:
Respond vigorously to the events of 9-11-01 in the international equivalent
of a domestic police action. Capture, arrest, and bring to justice all criminal
terrorists.
Halt bombing in Afghanistan
Work with the UN in joint action
Feed starving Afghan people and Afghan refugees
End economic sanctions that limit food to Iraqi people
Freeze assets of terrorists and supporters
Economic sanctions, embargo, and/or blockade of countries supporting terrorists
Press and support Israel and Palestinians to reach a just peace settlement
Press and support India and Pakistan to reach a just peace settlement on
Kashmir
Look for root sources of terrorism (justice, economic, respect, etc.) and
try to change. Take long range view and choose actions that will leave all
grandchildren better off 50 years from now.
Consider a Marshall plan type of world support for needed development of
poor countries.
Consider seriously right sharing of resources with poor persons and countries.
Develop World Federal structure to provide and enforce international safety,
justice, and conflict resolution.
Markedly limit or eliminate all international trade in all weapons.
Reduce stockpiles of chemical and biological weapons and materials and guard
against unauthorized use.
Abolish all nuclear weapons development and production.
Collect all nuclear weapons materials and safeguard or destroy.
Destroy most nuclear weapons. Put remaining ones under UN control.
Develop world and national population policies in all countries to end growth
of world population.
Support only programs for sustainable activities.
Support democracy worldwide.
End terrorist/undemocratic activity by our government.
Support human rights worldwide.
Campaign finance reform to make rational legislative action possible.
Reexamine world trade agreements to protect workers, environment, and safety.
Protect environment worldwide.
Shift basis of economy away from consumption.
Decrease consumption in the U.S. of energy, resources, electricity, oil.
Queries
1. Do I belong to and support organizations that work for peace or to relieve
hunger and poverty throughout the world?
2. Do I write to my political representatives to tell them to stop the bombing
& any further military actions, and to invest time and money in building
peaceful world-wide coalitions?
3. Do I work to stop the cycle of escalating violence?
4. Do I try to minimize my dependence on gas and oil?
5. Do I support Muslims in my community to help protect them from discrimination
and abuse?
6. Do I build relations with Muslims in my community?
7. Do I try to learn more about the Muslim world and the anger that provoked
the 9-11 attack?
8. Do I participate in community responses to the war?
9. Do I carefully consider the ramifications of military attacks and the
alternatives that might effectively prevent terrorism in the future?
10. Do I express my opinions openly and directly, but without hostility
toward those with differing viewpoints?
11. Do I speak the language of light to ward off the darkness of fear, anger,
hate and confusion?
12. Do I look for that of God in all people?
13. Do I pray for peace? --Peace and Social Order Committee
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