Secretary of Peace is one of top 10 ideas for Change in America

"Our planet, our media, our social interactions our homes all suffer from the epidemic of inter-personal violence and warfare that plagues America.  With the establishment of a Department of Peace and Non-Violence, with a respected Secretary of Peace in the President's Cabinet, and a program to reduce violence in cities, nations, and even in our homes, we will all benefit from the growth of a culture of peace."  Read more by clicking the Title above.

I am impressed that "Secretary of Peace" idea qualified for the second round of voting and received 14, 994 votes during that period.  Let's keep track of the events and vote for this idea when the opportunity arises.  I welcome your comments about having a Secretary of Peace on this blog.

Reflections on Arun Gandhi January 22

On January 22 Arun Gandhi lecture at East High at 7 pm.  Arun Gandhi is the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi.  He says that (USA) has a violent culture.  Violence is learned and therefore can be unlearned.  Passive Violence is often the cause for overt violence.  Many of us have random acts of passive violence,  Therefore we need to reflect and meditate on our behaviors.  There are certain practices that would help us overcome our violence both internal and external.  He said that Israel and Palestine have been fighting for 60 years.  it is time they admit that the solution is not going to happen with more violence.  The solution can happen with non-violent practices.   He had many stories to illustrate his thesis.  He has also written some books with his thesis on non-violence as a solution.  I was grateful to have attended his lecture and see such a young interest audience of about 300.  

What are some options in Anchorage, Alaska?

Daisaku Ikeda submits a Peace Proposal to the UN every year since 1983.  Michael Nobel is working through the UN to build a global education program for peace.  The UN has an International Day of Peace on September 21.  Alaskans can also develop programs and activities to promote values, attitudes and behaviors needed for a peaceful world.  We invite you to share in the discussion to develop some options for communities in Alaska to develop a culture of peace.  Please enter your comments to this blog item.  Thank you very much for participating.

How can we measure people's progress towards developing everlasting peace on this earth?

The UN has asked many people of nations at war what are the prevailing attitudes, values and behavior of a nation at war.  The UN committee summarized the responses with 8 categories prevalent in nations at war.  See the reading list article: "Values, Attitudes, and Behaviors: A Culture of War to a Culture of Peace."  In this article each category in a culture of war has a corresponding category for a culture of peace.  On January 19 the Alaskan participants in the discussion covered each category along with the wisdom of  leaders, like Martin Luther King, in an effort to understand what transformations are necessary for humanity to develop a culture of peace.  For as we work for change and peace we would like to measure our progress.  After reviewing the reading list, enter your comments for this blog item.  How can we measure progress towards developing a culture of peace?

What should World Peace look like?

On January 19, 2009 thirteen Alaskans met to discuss developing a culture of peace for humanity.  We reviewed some of the concerns of great leaders, like Martin Luther King, Mahatma Gandhi, Pope Benedict, Dalai Lama, Michael Noble and Daisaku, Ikeda.  Peace has a fractal relationship.  We will have world peace when nation leaders value peace; to have such leaders citizens must value peace and have peaceful hearts.  So to have peace internationally, we need peace nationally, locally and individually.  Please join us in this discussion to this blog.  Enter your comments to answer the question, What should world peace look like?