Thank Congressman Ellison for His Support!

Dear [[First_Name]],

CONGRATULATIONS!

On January 14, 2008, the Star Tribune reported that Congressman Keith Ellison's recent trip to Norway inspired him to recommit to the establishment of a U.S. Department of Peace. As the paper explained,

"The Minnesota congressman, who spent last week studying peace and climate issues in the Scandinavian country, favors a Cabinet-level agency to help avoid war."  

It goes on to quote the Congressman, saying,

"'This trip ... helps me to see that is an important part of legislation that I'll push with renewed energy and vigor,' Ellison said. 'I intend to continue to organize community around peaceful resolution of conflict.'"

You can read the full text of the article here.

We know that a major reason Congressman Ellison has such a clear vision and can take such a public stand is because he feels the support of YOU--his Minnesota constituency.

We'd like to thank Congressman Ellison for his courage, commitment and bold public stance.

Action Items:

1. Please call the Congressman's office to thank him and let him know you support his position. You can make this call regardless of whether or not you voted for him or would vote for him in the future, and whether or not you're in his district (but especially if you are!).

   Congressman Keith Ellison
   Minnesota Office: 612-522-1212
   DC Office: 202-225-4755

2. Consider also writing a Letter to the Editor of the paper. You can use their online letter form. If you do send a letter to the editor, please let us know by sending a copy of your submission to press@thepeacealliance.org.

Thank you again for your support and congratulations on all the Minnesota Campaign for a U.S. Department of Peace has already created!

In partnership,

The Peace Alliance Staff

Caucus for the Department of Peace

Attend your precinct caucus on Tuesday, February 5th at 7 p.m. It's Minnesota's own town hall meetings, right in your neighborhood. It's fun You can find the location of your caucus at www.sos.state.mn.us.

Introduce a resolution supporting the Department of Peace at your precinct caucus. It's easy. The forms and talking points are ready to go. For lots of good advice about how to, email Sue and Greg Skog at family4peace@msn.com.

Make the Department of Peace a central issue in the U.S. Senate race.

Here's a summary of the candidates' stands on the Department of Peace. Quotes are answers given in response to a question at the Prior Lake High School debate .

Democratic

Yes -- Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer: "I support a Department of Peace." A tireless backer of the efforts of Do Peace Minnesota from the first Home Made Peace Workshop in 2004.

Maybe -- Jim Cohen: "In principle I support a program of peace and a Department of Peace I'm not sure that it would assume cabinet level priority however." Also stated his support for the Department of Peace at a candidate forum at Augsburg College in September, which was then reported in the Star Tribune.

No -- Mike Ciresi: "I am not in favor of a Department of Peace."

No -- Al Franken: "I'm against the Department of Peace."

Republican

No -- Norm Coleman: Incumbent U.S. Senator; sees the Department of Peace as a duplication of the State Department. Has said he might consider the bill were it to be introduced in the U.S. Senate. Was not a supporter of the Department of Peace bill in the previous session of Congress.

Green

Yes -- The Department of Peace is already part of the Green Party permanent platform. Let your party know you appreciate their support.

Supporting someone who is a "no" right now? Take the time to tell these candidates this issue matters to you.

Congressional Representative Keith Ellison is not the only a co-sponsor of the HR 808.  Betty McCollum and Jim Oberstar are also supporters and former Senator Mark Dayton was the first Senator to sponsor the bill in the U.S. Senate. Let's keep up this fine Minnesota tradition of working toward peaceful and nonviolent solutions within our communities and throughout the world.

Upcoming Events and Dates to Save

January 16 - February 14, 2008: Send a Valentine to Congress! Valentine's Day joint national action with the Student Peace Alliance

February 5, 2008: National All Call, our main monthly call for all volunteers (typically the first Tuesday of every month).

March 27-April 27, 2008: Invest in Peace! Annual Peace Partner drive

May 9, 2008: "Peace Wants a Piece of the Pie" Mother's Day national action

May 10, 2008: "Peace Wants a Piece of the Pie" forum on decreasing the costs of violence.
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at White Bear Unitarian Church
To join the planning team email Mary Jane at MaryJaneLaVigne@comcast.net

June 19-22, 2008: Midwest Regional Conference, Marriott Chicago-Schaumburg, Schaumburg, IL

Your enthusiasm and commitment to the Campaign for a U.S. Department of Peace help reveal a culture of peace more and more every day.

Help fund this important work! Contribute to The Peace Alliance through the
Minnesota Fundraising Page.

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The Peace Alliance
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