[Peace] Big Regime Change Needed---in US

[jencart]

Doug,

Y're preaching to the choir.  Logical arguments for peace do not refute the REAL goals of the US gov't--Republicans need a well-timed diversion from domestic issues to boost votes for Republicans up for election this fall.  Republicans AND Democrats want a gov't in Iraq that is VERY friendly to US need for OIL, which is what the regime change is all about...... An attack on Iraq would allow Bush to maintain his popularity, ensure his continuing as Commander-in-Chief another 4 years.

The REAL question is, How can we prevent the US from its unswerving determination to accomplish THESE goals?  Millions turn out to express their feelings about soccer--maybe similar numbers in the streets demanding Peace would have an effect, but we're not this strong yet, prob won't be by time US goes ahead, despite anything and everything, w/ its attack on Iraq..... I refuse to give up, but what's gonna accomplish OUR goals?

Jenifer Cartwright



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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".