Connecticut Statewide Forum on Peace
an article by Sohair Mahmood, Students for Culture of Peace

Since I am new to the peace movement, I would like to share my very first peace conference experience with everyone.

Actually, this peace conference was the Connecticut Statewide Forum on Peace held at Central Connecticut State University in late October. The title was "END THE OCCUPATION OF IRAQ...BRING THE TROOPS HOME NOW." The keynote speakers addressed exactly that and touched on more issues, such as, the Israel & Palestine conflict and the results of this year's presidential election. The Forum consisted of a lively, responsive crowd that felt passionate about these various topics.

Mid-way through the Forum, a panel discussion was held to discuss different perspectives and strategies in order to get more people involved in the Peace Movement. Speakers included representatives from United for Peace & Justice, ANSWER, U.S. Labor Against the War, Iraq Veterans Against the War, Campus Antiwar Network, and Not in our Name.

Some key points mentioned throughout the Forum:
- The war is taking a toll at home.
- Students are being eliminated from pell grants.
- 4,000 teachers have been laid off in Detroit.
- Another solider has been killed from Waterbury, CT.
- Free trade should be linked with the people's rights, not just the corporation's rights.
- In 2004, a Conference of 1,000 Mayors called for Nuclear Disarmament.
- The 'call' has to be for justice, understanding, and peace, not just 'order.'
- The U. N. Declaration of Human Rights (1948) needs to be studied.

Unfortunately, I did not stay for the workshops included in the Forum. However, I brought home many pamphlets and ideas to share with my club, the Students for Culture of Peace at Naugatuck Valley Community College.

DISCUSSION

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How can the peace movement become stronger and more effective ?


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MAKING AN EFFECTIVE PEACE MOVEMENT

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The peace movement can become stronger and more effective in two ways: recognizing peace movements in other countries such as Iraq this week, and in the US by continuing the momentum. On April 15th, several actions are planned reminding tax payers how much of their tax dollars go to fund the war machine, April 29, Bruce Gagnon's Global Network vs. Nuclear weapons in Space will meet in NYC, followed by the Mayors for Peace Non-Proliferation Treaty renewal rally in Central Park.
And Jonathan Schell will be speaking at the West Hartford Town Hall on Tuesday April 12 at 7:00 p.m. He is one of the leading philosophers of the peace movement.

This report was posted on December 28, 2004. The moderator is CPNN Administrator.

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