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Honk For Peace

Today marks the day the U.S. went to war. Whether or not you are for the war–people are dying. Most people who support the war will not look you in the eye and say, “I’m happy people are dying.”

Well, that’s a common ground we share then. I’m not happy people are dying or that our soldiers are experiencing some awful situations. As a matter of fact, I’m not happy anyone is suffering. And there is a lot of suffering in this world that I just wish I could help make better. I can write about it and show you what I find.

Oh, I bet another common ground that conservatives/liberals share is dismay about all the taxpayer money being spent. Unless of course, you are one of those getting rich off the war..

Now, being PRO-PEACE, I would much rather see soldiers come home, Iraqi civilians safe, and almost 3 billion taxpayer dollars shifted towards more savory ventures. Like education, health care, art, environmental research, legal aid, housing…..

There are many points I could make here, but its late and the most important realization I have is that it’s not bad to go and demonstrate that you want our country to be a better place. You know right now I’ve got a few sponsorship requests out in the field and I think to myself, “Maybe this isn’t good footage to put up right now.” Yep, that actually crossed my mind. Thing is, there isn’t anything happening in this video that should disgust someone. And if they are, well, I can’t not be me. Just thinking about this stuff is why I hesitated in seeking sponsorships last year. I’ve kinda got a rough situation here-Matua has secured a ton of sponsors talking about kindness and compassion, which is at the root of building a Peaceful world. Meanwhile, I’m traveling 20,000 miles to explore how individuals and communities define Peace. It shouldn’t be a shame to talk about making Peace and in the process discussing the horrible travesties of war. But, it gets some dirty reactions. That my friends, means it must be worthwhile……..

And as far as worrying about this being a sensitive subject, I say, Assume the best about somebody if you want to see them do their best.

Enjoy the video:

Stop Funding the War from Alix Bryan on Vimeo.

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My City Council says, “Yea, Peace”

No shamrocks about it, my City Council agreed to hold a vote for the Department of Peace. It is now on the agenda and the vote is set for April 7, 2008. If you are a local, show up, the support always helps.

And, shucks, no shamrocks about it, instead of chugging a Guinness at the local pub, I attended my first City Council meeting. There’s always time later for a creamy Irish stout, but these meetings get started early. Apparently, they can be a lot of fun; people were in full peace gear, with buttons and signs. The best part about the evening was that a group of high school kids got together to introduce the legislation! One councilman spoke first and held the stance that City Councils should not be involved in federal proposals-a bunch of hogwash.

As the Peace Alliance’s website says, here are the PRECISE reasons why City Council action is SO important. (And it’s my favorite-doing it from the bottom up)

There are many reasons for enrolling your local governing body in adopting a resolution to support legislation for a U.S. Department of Peace:

  1. It helps show broad public support for the Department of Peace
  2. It educates the public about the Department of Peace
  3. I generates free publicity that comes with open and televised City Council meetings, plus follow-up electronic and print media coverage.
  4. It gives you something to send to your Members of Congress to assist you in continuing to positively influence them.

The Peace Alliance caught my attention last year and this year I considered donating monies raised from P.E.A.C.E SCOOT 08 to their organization. However, they seem very well funded so for now I’m just going to spread the word far and wide.

Their page says:

“There is currently a bill before the U.S. House of Representatives to establish a United States Department of Peace. This historic measure will augment our current problem-solving options, providing practical, nonviolent solutions to the problems of domestic and international conflict.

The legislation will pass from bill to law under one condition: that a wave of citizen interest rise up from the American people and make itself heard in the halls of Congress.”

A DEPARTMENT OF PEACE WILL WORK TO:

–Provide much-needed assistance to efforts by city, county, and state governments in coordinating existing programs; as well as develop new programs based on best practices nationally

— Teach violence prevention and mediation to America’s school children

— Effectively treat and dismantle gang psychology

— Rehabilitate the prison population

— Build peace-making efforts among conflicting cultures both here and abroad

— Support our military with complementary approaches to peace-building.

— Create and administer a U.S. Peace Academy, acting as a sister organization to the U.S. Military Academy.

Hopefully, that’s a good introduction, but don’t stop there. Check out their impressively informative website:
www.peacealliance.com

There are representatives in most every state, making it easy to join a local campaign. Click on their map to find yours.

Dept of Peace

Times have been busy and I haven’t held up on the blogging end. This will change as I get a lot of legwork for the long ride out of the way-by the way-exciting news coming in on that front.
However, it is a busy week, in D.C. and around the world, as we go into our 5th anniversary in the Iraq war. I’ve been enjoying a fair amount of local action and meeting community members working hard for Peace and Justice. I just don’t have time to go and protest in D.C. but I respect those voices taking to the streets to utilize our constitutional rights.
One huge action that I should have posted about earlier was Winter Soldier, brought to you by Iraq Veterans Against the War.

One pertinent point for those who believe that the only way to support our troops is to be for the war is that many Vets and Soldiers are speaking out against this war. Very important thing to consider- and all respect for those fighting and who have fought. Please, in honor of our soldiers, make a point to check out this website:
http://ivaw.org
Due to high traffic, I believe those broadcasts will be brought back. Their servers were actually shut down from the traffic, so keep your eyes out for Winter Soldier. The feedback I have heard is that the accounts from our soldier is quite shocking. I wish I could find a way to hack these broadcasts into public TV! At least we can give thanks that we live in a time of information where we can sidestep (slightly)corporate control of the airwaves. But only if you know where to go look!

A customer of mine commented that he’s been a bit of an insomniac lately…after we ruled out the 8 shots of espresso he drinks daily…he supposed it was the terrible times we live in today….saying, “Maybe we are on the verge of an apocalypse.” I hadn’t even had my coffee yet, but I said,

“Are you sure you weren’t restless because of all the action taking place to better our world? Maybe we are on the verge of a deep shift…and that’s got you humming.”

Because I tell you, I spend day in and day out researching groups working for Peace and it amazes me the amount of awareness and commitment that groups around our country have. Thank You.

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Putting Peace on the Map

Hey Lookers!

This summer Peace will be put on the map.

Yep, literally. I will drive a route that creates a Peace sign around the U.S.

The route starts at the White House and ends in Crawford, TX.
What’s in Crawford, TX?
Well, that’s George W. Bush’s other home.

The way I see it, don’t exclude. Include. He’s a world leader and he’s also a citizen. First off, this ain’t an anti-war demonstration. It’s a pro-active Peace Demonstration. I am asking all Americans to define Peace with me this summer, Mr. President included. It’s important that our world leaders have a working definition of Peace, and help us to achieve it. You know that quote, “Be the change you want to see in world?”

Well, I think change occurs when we have a working definition of what we want. And accountability to incorporate the changes. So, the focus this summer is INCLUSION. And diversity. I bet there are a lot of responses to the question, “How do you define Peace?”

Regardless, let’s not define what we are by what we are not. Let’s transcend.

Sure, its hard to rise above lies, suffering, injustice, but that’s what I am trying to do. This summer, let’s point TWO fingers, not one. (that makes a peace sign)

The trip is estimated to be 9,000+miles and will take over 2 months.
It is a creative campaign to hasten Peace in our country, in our world and works with these themes:

  • The seeds of our beliefs. What does Peace mean to you?
  • Environmentally friendlier forms of travel!
  • Community: demonstrating our interconnectivity!
  • And yes. I want to see this war end.

I am asking the public to offer me your definition of Peace. I will be filming the dialog I have with people, and other events also.

I have a memorial planned to honor dead U.S. soldiers when my odometer marks that number. (unfortunately)

Peace isn’t just a revelation reserved for hippies, anti-war protesters, and the “left.”
It’s how we take care of our bodies, our children, our communities, our neighbors-global and local, and our environment.

Everyone of us has a future and is responsible for the co-creation of it with others.

What does it look like to you?

Remember: Point two fingers, not one!

 

“Mankind must put an end to war, or war will put an end to mankind…War will exist until that distant day when the conscientious objector enjoys the same reputation and prestige that the warrior does today.”
— John F. Kennedy