Cville City Council Takes Up Support for U.S. Dept. of Peace

By Alix Bryan

Spirits where high tonight at the City Council meeting and it had little to do with the St. Patrick's Day festivities taking place around town. Except for the full St. Patty's regalia that the Murray high school teacher wore as she introduced the Department of Peace motion to City Council members. Kelly's high school students and supporters of the legislation nearly filled the meeting hall.

Kelly's outfit was worn to represent the violence ravaging Ireland for 400 years. She also presented horrific statistics accounting U.S. involvement in global wars, coups. assassinations, and violent imperialist strategies. Her conclusion was that it is time for legislation that provides practical, nonviolent solutions to the problems of domestic and international conflict.

David Brown initiated the Council's responses to the motion with an opening statement of support for it and the power of Kucinich's appeal for it back in December. He then firmly stated his belief that City Council should have no involvement with such federal legislation. He drew parallels to citizen appeals to the Council for impeachment of the President.

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. It 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.*info from The Peace Alliance website

The Vice Mayor spoke next and thankfully, not only supports the idea, but the Council's involvement to in moving this up the ladder in VA. However, the testimony of retired servicemen (did not catch his name) particularly moved me. He stated that he had seen the devastation of war and wanted to help support any motion that helps work towards world peace. The Mayor chose to put this motion on the next agenda for vote. Success!

Upon my arrival, however late, I noticed the jovial, playful mood of those in attendance. Council Member Brown did give honorable mention to the presenters for the singing and musical accompaniment. Thankfully, there are ways to improve our nation, our world, without massacre. The Department of Peace is truly a historic piece of legislation that will provide non violent solutions to our domestic and international conflicts. Please show up to voice your support at vote-April 7 and also contact your state representatives to express your support. Thank you to the high school students for investing in our future!

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I would rather us make history creating Peace, than become history in its absence.