WHO
WE ARE
We
are a group of seniors committed to using our energies and imaginations to
work toward a more peaceful, nourishing world for people everywhere.
We invite you to join us.
Not so long ago, it was assumed that with our diverse cultures we
couldn’t find values that are shared by all people.
We know better now. When
they are asked what is most important to them, people all around the world
say they want much the same things:
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Adequate
food and shelter, health care, and a life secure from violence. |
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A
deep sense of belonging, balanced by some autonomy and “space of
free movement.” |
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Social
institutions that value the human spirit and provide fairness. |
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A
setting in which we feel we can “make it” - do what is required of
us and get what we need. |
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A
sense of meaning in our lives and a feeling of our own worth. |
Some of these are outer conditions, some are inner perceptions,
feelings, thoughts. What
behaviors satisfy these needs differs greatly in different cultures, but
the core needs and values are the same.
The larger context for all of us is that we live in an
interdependent world with limited resources and increasing populations.
We all need to be concerned about developing systems for living
that will be sustainable over time and will serve the well-being of all
the world’s citizens, with extra help for the most vulnerable.
Finally, we are approaching or may already have reached a point of no return in threats to our life-support systems on Planet Earth. Arctic ice is melting rapidly, sea levels are rising, and basic ecosystems are in trouble. These changes could trump all other threats unless we deal with them immediately.
What US
policies would lead toward a more secure and nourishing country and world
community?
Here
are some things Elders for Peace will be working to achieve:
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§ A responsible, open national government that we trust, working for the common good. |
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International
cooperation and commitment to the rule of law. |
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A
policy of working toward win-win solutions abroad, building national
and international institutions that can identify conflicts at an early
stage and engage in resolving them. |
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Response
to violence with actions aimed at healing rather than more violence. |
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Recognition
that in our interdependent world we in the US cannot be secure or meet
our own needs unless we work to help others meet their needs too. |
Much of the best of what America has stood for seems at risk at a time when America’s best is truly needed to help build the kind of world we all want for ourselves and others and for those who will come after us.
Elders
for Peace joins others in studying the roots of what is wrong and how we
can participate in creating necessary changes. In this website we
consider several current problems that need citizen concern and
action. We invite your ideas.
Statement
on Iraq as of November 1, 2004
Elders for Peace believes the time has come for the United States
to begin the process of removing its armed forces from Iraq.
Reports from military officers and other observers on the ground
document that the war in Iraq is a major and worsening disaster.
A guerilla war exists and is expanding.
The American occupation aggravates the situation and is powerless
to correct it.
The USA has been unable to restore the damaged infrastructure and
cannot provide security for Iraqi citizens or the Iraqi police force, or
for humanitarian workers. The USA cannot adequately address the rising incidence of
disease. Massive
unemployment, absence of basic services, resentment, and overwhelming
frustration turn more people against the Americans.
The USA has created a breeding ground for terrorism.
The loss of American and Iraqi lives continues daily.
Withdrawal is the only solution.
In preparation for withdrawal, we support the following:
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Make it clear that we will not leave permanent military bases
in Iraq;
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Nullify the Bremer orders, which have illegally begun to privatize the state economy and sell Iraqi businesses to foreigners; cancel contracts made so far;
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Negotiate a trusteeship for Iraqi oil under Iraqi control;
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Stop the hiring of foreigners for reconstruction jobs;
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Transfer the training of Iraqi security forces to Arab or other neutral nations.
Elders for Peace endorses an Iraqi-controlled government with full
sovereignty. To further reconstruction and development of Iraq, we support
an international collaborative effort in which the Iraqi people will be
free to access the services of the United Nations System. In this effort, we will support US generosity with the
purpose of help rather than control.
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