| PHILADELPHIA
- December 19 - As stunned as we are by the horrific acts of September
11, in the midst of heartfelt grief, anger, and fear there are those among
us who believe that a call to war will do little to stop the tide of despair
and hopelessness from which terrorism feeds.
As we turn to thoughts of peace on earth this holiday season, here are 10
things you can do to support a call for justice, not war, vengeance or
retaliation:
1. CALL OR WRITE YOUR CONGRESSPERSON and tell them how you
feel. Encourage them to support peace not war and encourage them to seek
diplomatic international solutions not vengeance or retaliation. Support US
political leaders -- such as Barbara Lee, US Representative from California
-- who are calling for nonmilitary alternatives war and violence.
2. VOICE YOUR OPINION. Write letters to the editor in your
local paper. You
can use the AFSC media guide (www.afsc.org) to send e-mail
to local or national
media. Call radio talk shows and attend public forums. If
you participate in
opinion polls, be sure to suggest diplomacy or peace as an
option, since this
category is usually not available.
3. Young children NEED AN OUTLET TOO. Youngsters can draw
pictures to express their feelings, if they are too small to write.
4. ATTEND PUBLIC EVENTS. Organize a vigil for peace with
faith-based or
other groups in your community. Visit www.peaceresponse.org
to learn about
events near you.
5. LEARN ALL YOU CAN about the Islamic faith, particularly
Islam's positive
stand on peace and nonviolence.
6. WORK AGAINST VIOLENCE aimed at others because of race,
color, creed, ethnicity, religion, nation of origin, gender or sexual
orientation. Make a special point to reach out a hand of support to anyone
who is perceived as Muslim or Arab. Contact a local mosque or civic
organization to express your support and identify ways you can help.
7. LEARN ABOUT THOSE COUNTRIES that the US government holds
accountable for terrorist acts. Knowing the history, the geography, the
accomplishments, and problems facing countries like Pakistan or Afghanistan
will help us let others see the peaceful majorities that live in these
countries.
8. HOLD THE MEDIA ACCOUNTABLE for biased reporting. Don't
hesitate to call a local media outlet if you see evidence of unfair or
slanted reporting. Be sure to watch and read a variety of media sources and
include foreign press in your assortment.
9. INSIST ON MAINTAINING AND PROTECTING THE CIVIL LIBERTIES
that citizens in the United States have worked so hard to create; you have
the right to speak freely, to associate freely, to assemble in lawful groups
to express opinions, and, at the same time, you have the right to privacy.
Working in your communities to use and protect these rights in the weeks
ahead will guarantee that terrorism has not destroyed the fabric of liberty
or undercut our Constitution. True patriotism upholds the founding
principles of our country and embraces the Bill of Rights.
10. EDUCATE YOURSELF ON ALTERNATIVES TO WAR. Order a copy of The
Little Book of Peace, by Patricia J. Chui, which contains anecdotes from
well-known promoters of peace including Buddha, Martin Luther King, Jr. and
Mahandas Gandhi, as well as quotes from individuals who may not be as well
recognized for their nonviolent insight, such as: Jimmy Carter, Eleanor
Roosevelt and Malcolm X. Also available: Speak Truth to Power, a study of
international conflict that represents a Quaker search for alternatives to
violence. Its message is every bit as relevant today as it was when it was
first published in 1955. Both publications are available from the AFSC
Literature Resources Unit.
The AFSC No More Victims campaign is designed to highlight peace and promote
peaceful solutions in aftermath of the September 11 tragedies, in an attempt
to break the cycle of violence and retribution. For more information or to
make a contribution, access the AFSC web site at www.afsc.org.
Founded in 1917 to provide conscientious objectors with an opportunity to
aid civilian victims during World War I, AFSC is grounded in Quaker beliefs
respecting the dignity and worth of every person. AFSC has programs in the
United States, and in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East that
focus on issues related to economic justice, peace-building and
demilitarization, social justice, and youth. In 1947, the AFSC and the
British Friends Service Council received the Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of
the Religious Society of Friends for humanitarian service and work for
reconciliation during World Wars I and II, and the spirit in which these
were carried out.
The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) has published a new report
entitled After September 11: Standing on the Brink of a Brave New World that
explores the new challenges to basic principles of democracy and civil
liberties in the aftermath of September 11. To order an AFSC publication,
contact our Literature Resources Unit, at 1-888-588-2372, extension 2.
The American Friends Service Committee is a Quaker organization that
includes people of various faiths who are committed to social justice, peace
and humanitarian service. Its work is based on the belief in the worth of
every person and faith in the power of love to overcome violence and
injustice.
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