Meeting notes for People for Peace, Justice, and Healing

People for Peace, Justice and Healing met February 10, 2007, at Associated Ministries. Present were: Sallie, Sheila, Colleen, Louisa, Karen, Scott, Katherine, Joel, Karen, Rob, Nancy, Mark.

I was late but I believe there was no check-in but lively discussions -- not necessarily in this order:

Initial discussions centered on the court-martial of Lt. Ehren Watada, the meaning of the mistrial and the possible and likely strategies which will follow -- by the military and by Watada. Some members felt the military will feel they must proceed with a trial and will fight a strategy to dismiss on grounds of double jeopardy because the anti-war movement is becoming too strong. Karen suggested we organize a letter writing group -- meet as a group for the purpose of writing letters together. Discussion led by Louisa of the "ineptitude or bias?" of the media. Discussion of ecological issues as handled in the press.

We asked Rob to read his Watada letter that appeared in last week's News Tribune -- more discussion by the group. Discussion of U.S. commitment to the U.N. and international law and brief discussion of Karen's account of attending the court-martial. This segued into a lively and long discussion of public education, its problems, and other possibilities that are available such as deep involvement in the system by parents and volunteers as well as private education and home schooling.

Discussion of questions to give Adam Smith -- Town meeting following our meeting at First Congregational Church. Statement by Sallie that she wanted to go out and support Leonard Peltier group gathering at 12:30 p.m. for march and rally.

It was suggested and Katherine indicated an interest in developing a phone tree for a rapid response team -- able and willing to respond with letters and phone calls to elected officials as events and problems occur.

Louisa asked the group to consider the plight of and support Agustin Aguayo who applied for CO status three years ago and is being bullied by the military. He is currently imprisoned and is awaiting court martial. Discussion of group Courage to Resist.

Announcements:

Adam Smith, February 10, First Congregational Church, 1:00 p.m.

United for Peace of Pierce County Salon on Sunday, February 11, featuring Rosalind Bell's play about Katrina and a presentation by Louisa.

Meetings: Peace Parade in recognition of the 4th Anniversary of war in Iraq: Enough Is Enough. Planning meeting, Wednesday, 7:00 p.m. Associated Ministries

Karen H.