Wednesday, September 20, 2006 - Bangor Daily News [1]
Declaration of Peace
Maine’s senators are seen by many as moderate, independent and as advocates for the needs of the people of this state. However, as long as they continue to support this administration’s war on Iraq, they are not truly representing the will of the 70 percent who now oppose this war. Nor can the needs of the people of Maine be met as the war drains the dollars needed for programs in our state.
We have called on Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins to demonstrate independence and concern for the well-being of the people of Maine by signing the Congressional Declaration of Peace which calls for a comprehensive plan to end the war in Iraq. With letters, visits and phone calls we have urged Sens. Snowe and Collins to co-sponsor Senate Resolution 93 introduced by Sen. Tom Harkin.
The Declaration of Peace is a nationwide campaign to establish by Sept. 21 a concrete and rapid plan for peace in Iraq, including: a prompt timetable for withdrawal of troops and closure of bases, a peace process for security, reconstruction and reconciliation and the shift of funding for war to meeting human needs.
People across the United States are signing The Declaration of Peace pledge, a commitment to take action if this plan for peace is not created and activated by Congress by Sept. 21, the International Day of Peace.
From Sept. 21-28, just days before Congress adjourns for the fall elections, Declaration signers will withdraw their consent from this war and support a comprehensive peace process by taking part in nonviolent action, marches, rallies, demonstrations, interfaith services, candlelight vigils and other creative ways to declare peace at the U.S. Capitol and in cities and towns across the country.
In Bangor, at 3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21, there will be a vigil in support of the Declaration of Peace to be held in front of the Federal Building on Harlow Street in Bangor to be followed by visits to congressional offices. Please join us.
Ilze Petersons
The Peace & Justice Center
of Eastern Maine
Bangor