May 6, 2006,

LETTERS

Moms, peace and apple pie

JULIA Ward Howe, the founder of Mother's Day, was also a peace activist.

To honor Howe's passion and activism, as well as mothers everywhere, many Americans from all across the country will take part in actions on May 12 to support the establishment of a U.S. cabinet-level department of peace and nonviolence.

On the Friday before Mother's Day, we want to let our members of Congress know that peace wants a piece of the pie!

All across the nation, people will be taking pies to their congressional representatives' office in a request for a very small percentage of the U.S. national budget (less than 1 percent) to be spent on proven, effective programs to reduce violence.

This ground-breaking legislation would address both domestic and international issues.

More than 60 percent of the money would be spent in the United States on programs that have proven to decrease violence and build stronger communities.

Innovative programs around the country are paving the way in reducing recidivism rates, domestic violence, child abuse and gang-related violence.

The legislation will provide hope and purpose to our generation, and will answer the desire for peace. It is designed to systematically apply the power of peace to eradicating the root causes of violence.

Mothers everywhere — and their families — will benefit.

For more information, readers can visit the national Web site at www.dopcampaign.org.

JULI KRING
Houston