Alternate Strategy
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[edit] Introduction
There are alternative approaches to establishing a Department of Peace and Nonviolent Alternatives. This section can be used to identify other options to that currently being used.
[edit] Alternative 1: Refer to how the Department of Justice was established
[edit] Background
The Department of Justice had a different beginning from that being proposed to establish the Department of Peace. It could be considered as a alternative strategy.
Initially the Attorney General was a one-person, part-time job, established by the Judiciary Act of 1789. A bill was introduced to Congress by Rhode Island Representative Thomas Jenckes on February 25, 1870, and both the Senate and House passed the bill. President Ulysses S. Grant then signed the bill into law on June 22, 1870.
Eighty-one years after the establishment of the Office of the Attorney General, the Department of Justice was established.
[edit] Approach
Consider a "Mediator General" (or similar title) cabinet level position to advise the President. Demonstrate how this is a value-added position. Provide a small staff initally. Plan to have this position (and staff) grow over time (into a Department of Peace).
[edit] Pros and Cons
Con:
- This approach would probably delay the actual benefits that can be provided by the new Department - as a result hundreds of thousands of people will experience forms of violence that may otherwise have been diverted. In the medical profession, delaying the use of a mediation known to be effective might be considered immoral.
Pro:
- "Easing into" the formation of the new Department might appeal to those who are currently opposed to the idea. This would give them an opportunity to assess the value of such a new Federal agency before significant taxpayers dollars are spent.
[edit] Alternative 2: Rename / Reframe the new Department
[edit] Background
To some people "Peace" is a four letter word. The word itself creates a "frame" that prevents certain people from hearing the next word that follows. It is due to years of conditioning. Peace tends to be associated with protests, and demonstrations, and marches, and people who are deviants / different.... Peace tends to be associated with anti-war, weakness, lack of will, lack of resolve,.... Peace tends to be associated with a fear of imminent collapse of American ideals, and the disintegration of America itself.
[edit] Approach
Change the "frame." The underlying motivation for this new department is to actually to make America stronger. Based on a recent health examination, it has been determined that the American society is hemorrhaging internally. Put in simple financial terms, we are burning an estimated $400 billion dollars annually on interpersonal violence. This does not include resources that are being spent on International issues, nor does it include the cost of self-directed /self-inflicted violence (suicide, substance abuse, earing disorders, extreme risk behavior,...; nor does it include collective violence (gangs, structural violence, etc.)
Americans are hurting, abusing, injuring, killing Americans. This self-destruction is weakening us from within.
Could we renamed this new much needed National resource to be
Department of Possibilities, or Department of Potential, or Department of Problem Solving
[edit] Pros and Cons
Con:
Pro:
- Changing the frame can be positive if it enables constructive dialog and a more informed understanding of the oppositions perspective.
- The name of the organization is less important than its function / service to America.
[edit] Alternative 3: Refer to how Homeland Security was formed
[edit] Background
It has been suggested that the Department of Peace and Nonviolence be established in a manner similar to the Homeland Security which was initiated by an Executive order.
[edit] Approach
Work with Presidental Candidates and support those who would be receptive to issuing an Executive Order if they are elected.
[edit] Pros and Cons
Con:
- This approach subverts our democratic process and the role of Congress. Homeland Security was formed as a response to a National emergency that occurred on September 11, 2001.
- There are many people in Washington who are not pleased with either Homeland Security or how it was formed - it is not a positive example for the formation of a new government agency.
- The Department of Peace and Nonviolence is intended to serve all Americans - if it is not properly articulated in H.R. 808, to be acceptable to Republicans or to Conservatives or to (fill in the blank)...., then it our responsibility to make the Bill more inclusive.
Pro:
- It could be argued that our country is in a crisis with both international and domestic(interpersonal) violence and drastic measures are required.
- It might be quicker, if a President is elected who is in favor of the Department of Peace and Nonviolence
