Peace Of Mind: Local Efforts To Secure Our Future

It’s become the #1 stereotypically patented answer for beauty pageant contestants and perhaps “wishful thinking” for the rest of us, not to mention a fairly controversial political topic as well. It’s the notion of world peace and now a local Long Island organization is jumping on this altruistic band wagon, doing it’s part to bring the dream one step closer to reality.

The Sea Cliff organization known as Long Islanders for a Department of Peace (LIFDP) is a faction of The Peace Alliance, a national nonprofit, bi5rparisan citizen lobbying attempt at generating a U.S Department of Peace (DoP).

The movement was first conceptualized by an Ohio congressman and presidential hopeful back in 2003 and based on a bill (now in both houses of Congress) would extend already in-place problem-solving techniques to include and provide nonviolent solution to domestic and international opposition.

Those who support the bill anticipate that this cabinet-level peace department would deal with issues such as domestic abuse, child abuse, gang violence, prison reform, and preventative strategies to address foreign conflicts.

Still, they note, that they are neither anti-military nor anti-war supporters. In fact, members assert that they are prepared to going to war, but only as a last resort, and after ALL peaceful policies and attempts have been exhausted.

Should the D0P be established, it would feature a Secretary of Peace, similar to the already established Secretary of Defense. who would advise the president on local and foreign affairs. And, it’s mission would be to protect our nation by sending a strong signal to the world that United States is committed to using its power and strength to foster and participate in peace.

It would also be a first in that it would be the first department (added) since the induction of the Department of Homeland Security in January of 2003. Additionally the DoP would create and oversee a U.S. Peace Academy, offering a four-year degree program geared at teaching civilian hoe to mediate nonviolently, successfully deal with conflict communications and enhance the way our current defense system addresses confrontation, in a program similar to those offered at traditional military academies.