I offer this column to pray for us all, and highlight concerns necessary for a more humane world. I pray that the values of conflict resolution, non-violence, consensus and service will become part of the larger consciousness.

These prayers could begin to become answered if we adopt the proposed Department of Peace, which would be added to our nation?s Department of State and Department of Defense, allowing a balanced approach to domestic and international conflict. This Department of Peace, proposed by Congressman Dennis Kucinich, would be funded by 1 percent of the Department of Defense to promote peace in our schools and universities, in our homes and in the many areas of conflict outside our borders. Since the Department of Defense will have a budget of $396 billion in 2003, this new cabinet-level department would be well funded, with significant rises coming with President George W. Bush?s proposed long-term defense increases. Already, 43 Congress members have cosponsored the bill.

I pray that we will see a shift toward actively working for peace, just as we actively work for justice and freedom. I pray that we will see conflict resolution employed much like we have seen civil rights employed.

I pray that the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons will continue to inspect labs worldwide and oversee the destruction of the weapons they contain.

This multilateral organization is supported by 147 nations and has overseen the destruction of 2 million chemical weapons and 2/3 of the world?s chemical weapons facilities. I pray that the United States. will not be able to commit its coup on OPCW?s director Jose Bustani, because he stands in front of our context for an undeclared war on Iraq. I pray that British Prime Minister Tony Blair has the balls to do what is right and oppose America?s unlawful attempts to dismantle this honorable organization. I pray that the people of Britain speak up, and voice what is right for the world: to protect the people of our beautiful, delicate, glorious world and keep it from destruction.

Disagree? E-mail Samantha Hinrichs at [email protected].