pro-active vs. responsive.

Even if one supports the war, we still ought to work for a future where
such things aren't necessary.

This is important: I feel that the "peace" movmements of the world are
always "reacting" to policies of those in power, and it needs to be
reversed---we need to be acting pro-actively, and they responding to us.

3 ideas, (and I'm speaking as an American here, though these things
can/should be International efforts):

1) Strengthen, and convince our gov't to support, a true World Court,
one where war criminals from anywhere on the globe will be held
accountable.

2) Correct me if I'm wrong here, but if we're looking for a good
"model" on how to topple a dictator/evil-regime, how about South Africa?
We did it through smart (non-civilian-destroying sanctions), and
international pressure.
Not war.

3) In the USA, there is an effort, led by Rep. Dennis Kucinich of
Cleveland Ohio, to create a Dept. of Peace, which would encourage the
above (and more) activities.

Let's go out and organize around these efforts.

Chris,

Thanks for the post. It is heartening to see someone reacting positively! I had similar thoughts the other night as I attended my first 'peace' rally in many a year, and thinking in the long term is the only way to go. The hardest part is feeling that these goals can become realities...

--- In metatuning@yahoogroups.com, Chris Bailey <chris@m...> wrote:
> 1) Strengthen, and convince our gov't to support, a true World Court,
> one where war criminals from anywhere on the globe will be held
> accountable.

Boy, you picked a hard one from the git-go! With the US refusing to be a part of the current world court, and their obvious non-problem with being (essentially) unilateral, how are we going to effect this change from within the country?

I've really been kept going by some of the other voices who are looking long-term and focusing on the positive as you have. Moveon.org and some of the other groups are bringing a new meaning to the phrase "wage peace". I hope I have the balls to continue to do so!

Cheers,
Jon