Virginia Tech Tragedy

The Following letter came to me from The Peace Alliance.
Marianne

Virginia Tech
Our Hearts Go Out

April 17, 2007

Dear Department of Peace Campaign Supporters,

We write to you today with heavy hearts. The devastating events at
Virginia Tech affect us all. Shock, outrage, anger and deep sadness
are present as we recognize the great loss suffered, in truth, by all
of us. We face yet again another painful reminder of the urgent need
for a comprehensive approach to reducing and preventing violence in
our nation and the world.

In dark moments such as this, shock, anger and denial are natural and
normal reactions that can camouflage our deep pain and sadness. Grief
takes a variety of forms, unique to each individual. The important
thing is that we take the time to grieve--whenever we do it, however we
do it.

Many of you have already asked how our local grassroots members have
been affected, and what is being done to provide support in the area.
We have supporters who live in Blacksburg, VA, the town neighboring
Virginia Tech, including Congressional District Team Leader for
Virginia CD-9, Tom Marano. At this time, we have no reports that our
grassroots members have friends or family directly involved in this
devastating event. Virginia State Coordinator Christine Johnson is
working with the local team to define ways to support the Virginia
Tech community. When the Virginia team identifies ways for those of us
living outside the region to help, we will let you know. In the
meantime, they know we stand with them in loving support.

This event also has direct implications to our work in the campaign
for a U.S. Department of Peace. Many of you have asked for guidance on
communicating the vision of the Department of Peace in light of these
tragic events. It is entirely appropriate--in fact necessary--for us to
speak in this time of heartache, to address the ongoing question of
how we prevent this type of violence from ever occurring again.

We know that as a nation we have concrete tools to resolve conflict
before it escalates into violence. The bipartisan call for a moment of
silence in the House and the Senate yesterday to acknowledge the worst
mass shooting in U.S. history indicates our elected leaders' desires to
put aside political interests and become part of the solution. We can
help our government leaders understand the need for institutions that
address the root causes of violence so that we never suffer another
Virginia Tech.

We encourage you to respond to this tragedy thoughtfully and
compassionately. Please consider calling your members of Congress
today and reminding them that we can take a fresh approach to dealing
with violence. Share with them your deep concern about the shootings
at Virginia Tech, and remind them that violence is a global and
national public health and safety crisis that is preventable. Help
them see, as you do, that we currently have the programs and practices
needed to resolve conflict before it escalates into violence. If
you've previously met with specific staff members, be sure to share
this vision directly with them.

You can reach your members through the Capitol switchboard at
202-224-3121. You may also find your members' direct contact
information at www.congress.org.

Thank you for your commitment. It is our privilege to walk in
community with you, holding the shared vision of a world in which this
kind of violence never need happen again.

In the spirit of peace,

The staff of The Peace Alliance


IMAGINE: A U. S. Department of Peace
http://www.thepeacealliance.org/


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