There will be an Undersecretary of Chanting...

I really hope Rep. Dennis Kucinich's run for the Presidency is semi-successful. After all, he may be one of the most genuinely amusing people to watch.

On Sunday, he affirmed his support for a cabinet-level "Department of Peace." This isn't a new idea for him; on July 11, 2001 (exactly two months before the world changed), he introduced H.R. 2459, a bill creating such a department.

Kucinich's web page about the legislation explains that the legislation will:

Establish a cabinet-level department in the executive branch of the Federal Government dedicated to peacemaking and the study of conditions that are conducive to both domestic and international peace.

The Department will create and establish a Peace Academy, modeled after the military service academies, which will provide a 4 year concentration in peace education. Graduates will be required to serve 5 years in public service in programs dedicated to domestic or international nonviolent conflict resolution.

The first day of each year, January 1st will be designated as Peace Day in the United States and all citizens should be encouraged to observe and celebrate the blessings of peace and endeavor to create peace in the coming year.

He encourages those who wish to help to:

Hold "Teach-Ins" on the Issue of Peace. Holding a public "Teach-In" on the issue of peace and non-violence is a great way to get your community to debate the issues. You can do this by inviting a public official, religious leaders, educators, heads of organizations or local community leaders who have contributed to promoting peace and justice.

Incidentally, have you ever noticed that the people who say they want to "debate the issues" never actually want a debate? They want to preach.

Circulate a petition to a local leader encourage them to keep the issue of peace and understanding on the local agenda.

Clarendon, Vt. town meeting agenda:
1) New traffic light on the corner of Main and Pine.
2) Issuance of building permit to Johnson Hardware to add wood shed annex.
3) Assist as neutral third party in negotations between Angolan government and UNITA to ensure compliance with the Lusaka Protocol.
4) Restriping of post office parking lot.

This sort of bubble-headed nonsense is what is going to keep President Bush in office for 4 more years.