Peace Resolution Update: “Courage Award,” Gathering for Peace, and Do Pass
March 23, 2007
Hearing on SCR 4022
We were quite a presence at the House Government and Veterans Affairs Committee on Thursday, March 22. We overflowed the room with peacemakers once again. Thank you for attending, contacting your legislators, and/or offering powerfully peaceful testimony. This is peace culture in the making.
The testimony of most of those who presented is now available for you to read. Other testimony will be available soon.
“Gathering for Peace” after the Hearing
Wow! What a wonderful gathering for peace with dancing, cookies, flowers, community, peaceful presentations, and music by Kristin Kitko (www.kitko.org) and Ben Suchy (www.bensuchy.com). To have offered such life and joy in the midst of the legislative session was a gift to our community. Over 75 people participated, including many legislators. LTC Dave Thiele of the ND National Guard attended, acknowledging that we all agree on this — We support our troops. Cameron White, Iraq war veteran and peace activist, spoke about the nonpartisan nature of peace work.
“Courage Award”
At the Gathering, the North Dakota Peace Coalition presented both Sen Tim Mathern (D-Fargo) and Rep Bill Kretschmar (R-Venturia) with a “Courage Award.” This was in honor of their courage and compassion in co-sponsoring the Peace Resolution and doing the work of true peace. We hope they feel our gratitude and admiration.
“Do Pass” Recommendation on SCR 4022
The committee discussed our resolution that afternoon. They voted unanimously “Do Pass” on a less watered-down (but still watered-down) version. They made two changes...
The Senate version said: “A successful conclusion of their [the troops'] efforts is desired to bring our troops back with honor and the appreciation of our citizens.”
The new version says instead: “At the conclusion of their efforts, it is desired to bring our troops back with honor and the appreciation of our citizens.”
This is stronger language because it indicates that their efforts can be concluded in the absence of “success.”
The Senate version said: “BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Secretary of State forward copies of this resolution to each member of the North Dakota Congressional Delegation.”
The new version adds “and the President” to the end of that sentence.
This is stronger language because it affirms that we as people have a right to communicate our wishes to the Commander in Chief.
Overall, in terms of the resolution, the language is no where near as strong as it needs to be or as the American people feel about the war. Even so, the resolution does speak specifially about peace. As Senator Mathern has said, “We know what peace is. It doesn't mean people shooting at each other.”
Our work is more than a good start. It's crucial.
The House could vote any time on the Resolution. Please contact your Representatives and urge them to “VOTE YES ON SCR 4022.”
Peace and gratitude to you.