Congressman calls for creation of US "Peace Department"

AFP via Yahoo News ^ | April 8, 2003 | Politics - AFP

[pubmom]

WASHINGTON, April 8 (AFP) - A US congressman and anti-war activist on Tuesday revived his proposal for the creation of a "US Department of Peace" to be headed by a cabinet-level official on a par with the secretary of state or secretary of defense.

Democratic congressman Dennis Kucinich, a presidential candidate and an outspoken critic of President Bush's policy on Iraq, unsuccessfully introduced similar legislation in July 2001.

But he said he is reintroducing the bill because, especially during this time of war, Washington needs a peace department.

"Now, more than ever, this legislation is urgently needed," Kucinich said.

"Our current foreign policy makes our nation less safe and will make it impossible to meet our domestic needs," Kucinich said.

The proposed legislation calls for a department that would advocate non-violence and peace education. It would support international disarmament treaties and help resolve potentially violent conflicts around the world, Kucinich said.

The Department of Peace would also promote non-violence as an organizing principle in our society, and would generally seek to "help to create the conditions for a more peaceful world," he said.

"This legislation offers a path towards peace and prosperity," Kucinich said.

The department also would support the creation of a "Peace Academy," with graduates being granted degrees in peace studies after successfully completing four years of education.

The Peace Department also would analyze foreign policy and make recommendations to the president on the protection of human rights, said Kucinich, who said his bill has the support so far of 47 members of the House of Representatives.

[pubmom]

I'd hate to see where the Iraqi people would be today with this type of approach.

[martin_fierro]

I see stupid people.

(yes, I KNOW it's been retouched)

[Use It Or Lose It]

I'd like to see this prestidigitator make himself disappear.

[freelight]

Isn't that called the State Department?

[Cobra64]

Just what we need... more government, more taxes, more BS.

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[SB00]

The lefty Democrats always want bigger government.

[billorites]

Grown men shouldn't wear Prince Valiant haircuts.

Emo Phillips excepted.

[Oldeconomybuyer]

Dennis Kucinich is a communist and wants to shape America in the image of his hero Joseph Stalin.

How the voters in Ohio elect this vermin is beyond me.

[areafiftyone]

Its really a creation of the Puke Department!

[Leo Carpathian]

How about department for idiot politicians, three stupid statements and you qualify to be transfered there. Time for American Pendulum to swing back, enough of liberal crap and idiocy, time for Bush Spring cleanup!

Freep & Roll!

[pubmom]

Here's what I'd like to know, "Who are the 47 members of the House who would support this?"

[katze]

Inner city and many ethnic Eastern Europeans in the Cleveland area.

[Psycho_Bunny]

Lol....this man is truly an ass.

[NavyCaptain]

We already have one. It's called the Department of Defense. It has kept the peace for quit some time now!

[Kenton]

Dennis Kucinich is an evil gnome.

[CaptRon]

He's not the first to propose this ridiculous idea. He's just the last in a long line of people who really really care about peace, unlike the rest of us. /sarcasm

[XJarhead]

He's my congressman.

His district is a composite, but the majority are ethnic blue collars who liked the fact that he stood up for the "little guy". Or at least, that's how he is perceived. But his antiwar stance is not going to play well there at all.

[thegreatbeast]

When did it become criminal to deliver a good but completely necessary horse whipping to a raving maniac? Just when?

[JmyBryan]