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| published Tuesday, May 22, 2007 |
497 Views :: 1 Comments |
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by Shirley Thagard on Tuesday, May 15, 2007
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On
Friday May 11, 2007 women and mothers of North Idaho delivered apple
pies to the offices of Senators Craig and Crapo and Rep. Sali. The
representatives in the offices were very receptive and as we discussed
with them the tenants of the Department of Peace and Nonviolence, we
felt new awareness had been raised. In each case, the people in the
offices had been unfamiliar with the DOP legislation and our letter
requesting an appointment to discuss the DOP prompted them to do a
little research and read HR808. In every case, they agreed there is
definately a need however, they sided with their bosses and questioned
yet another level of government. We offered a projection of just one
change in current policy that would have a huge impact.
The
budget for prisons is $44 Billion per year. 90% of all inmates are
there as a result of drugs or drug related crimes. The bulk of the
prison population is under 35 yrs. of age.
If affordable
adolescent drug treatment programs were available to all families and
even the lowest (20%) reported success rate was applied to the
resulting prison population the reduced cost of operating prisons were
reduced by 20% that would more than pay for the establishment of a
Department of Peace. Everyone agreed and emphasized the need for
affordable drug treatment programs for adolescents.
We also
delivered a pie to the counselor of the Soroptimist Children's center
who specializes in early intervention of children impacted by domestic
violence. Since domestic violence is 90% learned behavior, this program
is having an impact on reducing domestic violence.
This counselor, Betty Magnus is an example of how the DOP would impact domestic violence.
The local press printed the story I wrote and printed the color photo of Betty Magnus being presented the pie.
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| Comments |
by Sunny on Sunday, May 27, 2007
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Shirley, Thank you for all the great work you do up in Northern Idaho! I realize that you are doing this work because you know we can create a better world for the children. Future generations will look back and appreciate all that we have done. One person can make a difference and you certainly do!
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