[Peace-discuss] Bush and society

[Dlind49 at aol.com]

Bush wants us to divert our funds to help the poor that our government has 
abandoned while he pushes for war and spends millions of $$ per day to blow 
up other countries and people that could be used to feed the hungry, provide 
housing for people in need, and ensure education is funded.   Maybe it is 
time for us to reclaim our legacy as a nation!  Freedom. Peace, and Security! 
  We all must call and write our legislators to demand a reallocation of our 
nation's resources from war to peace  (Free Washington D.C. phone number:  
877-762-8762)
 
Please join me:

A Commitment to Peace
Doug Rokke


    As I sit here tonight unable to sleep, my mind is considering the 
ramifications of potential and ongoing military actions and economic 
sanctions. As a disabled warrior with combat experience in two wars, Vietnam 
and Desert Storm, I can only hope and pray that the outcomes of these actions 
do not leave another trail of adverse health and environmental problems.  I 
have concluded that we must unite in a concerted effort to prevent additional 
suffering.  Throughout the history of the world those who make a commitment 
to peace have endured isolation and retaliation when they challenged the 
individuals and governments seeking economic and political advantages.  A 
vision of peace where all nations can live together for the common good is an 
ideal dream but may be unrealistic.  War is the ultimate weapon a nation or 
leaders can use to control the allocation and use of food, water, terrain, 
shelter, and mineral resources.  War occurs when nations or individuals fail 
to reach a satisfactory compromise on sharing of these limited resources.  
Today we are reaching another crossroads in history where we must decide 
which road we follow. We can select peace or go to war.  One means life the 
other means death!  The prevalent modus operandi at this time of those 
seeking power and control is to threaten economic sanctions or military 
attacks in order to achieve their goals and objectives.  This is 
unacceptable. We must act to with a unified and strong voice to prevent 
nations and leaders from imposing their demands on others. At the same time 
we must make sure that those nations and leaders who pose a viable threat to 
peace are checkmated. But that does not mean that we result to military 
force.  There are many options but only wise persons are willing to discuss 
and mutually select the option most beneficial to all.   Today information 
control is used to prevent discussion and debate.  If a person does not have 
adequate and validated information they will be unable to contribute to the 
resolution of serious problems.  We just ensure the complete dissemination of 
information even if that information reveals illegal or disturbing actions by 
our own or any other nation.  These ways to achieve peace will require a 
commitment of time, financial resources, knowledge, attitudes, life, liberty, 
and willingness to endure isolation and retaliation by any person who wishes 
to contribute towards the resolution of local, state, national or 
international problems.  The choice is ours.  We can select a life as a 
mushroom or we can select to act.  I select action for if peace is to be 
achieved then I must "let peace begin with me".     

** Bush's latest request**




December 21, 2002
Bush Urges Americans to Aid the Poor
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

 
Filed at 10:19 a.m. ET

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Bush urged Americans on Saturday to fill the 
``pockets of despair in America'' by aiding the poor and destitute this 
holiday season.

``By reaching out to a neighbor in need, we make our country a more just and 
generous place,'' the president said in his weekly radio address that also 
sent holiday greetings to U.S. troops.

``They stand between Americans and grave danger. They serve in the cause of 
peace and freedom. They wear the uniform proudly, and we are so proud of 
them,'' Bush said.

Bush used his radio address to say Christmas brings a deeper concern for 
fellow citizens in need.

``Our country is prosperous, yet we must also remember there are pockets of 
despair in America,'' he said. ``Some men and women are facing the struggles 
of illness and old age with no one to help them or pray with them. Other 
Americans fight against terrible addictions. Some young men have no family 
but a gang. Some teenage moms are abandoned and alone. And some children 
wonder if anybody loves them.''

``We all share a responsibility to help, both through our government and 
through individual acts of compassion,'' the president said. ``In this season 
of giving, I hope all Americans will look for opportunities to donate and 
volunteer where the need is greatest.''

Bush reflected on the religious roots of Christmas.

``For over two millennia, Christmas has carried the message that God is with 
us, and because he is with us we can always live in hope,'' he said. ``The 
world we live in is very different from the world of ancient Bethlehem. Our 
need for that hope is still unchanged. In all the challenges and dangers of 
our day, we still seek the promise of peace on Earth.''

The president and first lady Laura Bush were spending Saturday through 
Christmas Day at Camp David, Md., then flying to their Crawford, Texas, 
ranch, returning to Washington on Jan. 4.