Seeds of Peace - December 2023

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Thu 12/14/2023 4:13 PM

 

      

WEST SUBURBAN PEACE COALITION

SEEDS OF PEACE

DECEMBER 2023

 NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT

2023 is ending with immense sorrow for the people of Ukraine and Gaza.  

 

After 22 months of war with Russia, Ukraine has largely ceased to exist as a viable country. Their economy is shattered and they’re running out of soldiers to continue fighting. Ukraine has incurred hundreds of thousands dead and wounded. Most of Ukraine’s destruction could have been avoided. The 2 sides were close to a peace agreement in the first month. But the US, funding Ukraine’s involvement with billions in weapons, sabotaged the impending peace to weaken Russia.

  

 

Gaza is even worse. America is also funding Israel with billions in weapons, including white phosphorus and 2,000 lb. megabombs. Israel is using them in its genocidal ethnic cleansing of the 2.3 million Palestinians. Over 20,000 US bombs have made Gaza virtually uninhabitable with over 100,000 dead and wounded. Over 75% of Gazans are refugees with little food, water, medicine or electricity. All of this is with US unflinching political and moral support.  

 

Neither of these 2 US funded wars are supported by a majority of the American people. Our government choses to wage perpetual war, direct or proxy, in spite of public opinion.  

 

But Americans for peace should never give up trying to end these murderous, wasteful wars. We must contact President Biden and our House and Senate members to defeat Biden’s proposed $111 billion weapons package to continue supplying Ukraine and Israel with the weapons needed to wage continued war.    

 

Both wars have the potential to spiral out of control. Ukraine could go nuclear. Gaza could devolve into a regional conflict likely to draw in direct US involvement. Ending these wars is more than ending the death, destruction and suffering of the people in Ukraine and Gaza. It may save us here in safe and privileged America as well. 

Walt Zlotow

Questions and comments regarding this note are welcome and appreciated. Send to wsfpc.peace@gmail.com or zlotow@hotmail.com 

 

Peace Coalition to discuss prospects for peace in 2024

West Suburban Peace Coalition, based in Glen Ellyn, IL, will hold its monthly Educational Forum on Tuesday,  January 16, from 7:00 to 8:00 PM Chicago time via Zoom

 

Topic: Will 2024 See A Pivot Toward Peace?

When:  Tuesday, January 16, 7:00 to 8:00 PM Chicago time via Zoom.  

 

Speaker: To be announced

 

Zoom link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85176312668?pwd=RWJZOWoxM2RndHdXcHg0TzZnQW9VUT09

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Contact Person: Walt Zlotow  630 442 3045  zlotow@hotmail.com

2024 Peace Essay Contest 

The West Suburban Peace Coalition (WSPC) will begin its 12^th annual Peace Essay Contest next month . This contest has been held every year since 2013 as part of WSPC's continuing mission to promote peace in Chicago's western suburbs and beyond. Cash awards of $1,000, $300 and $200 will be awarded to entries judged most effective in promoting peace. Contest details and entry rules will be provided in January's Seeds of Peace. 

_{WSPC Legislative Workshop} 

_{WSPC Board Member Carol Urban holds our monthly Legislative Workshop to discuss current events and engage in prayer and meditation as participants seek spiritual nourishment in their efforts to promote peace. Anyone interested may attend.}  

_{Our next Workshop is at 1:00 pm on Wednesday January 3.} 

_{Contact Carol at urbanc9@comcast.net for the Zoom link and further information.}

WSPC 2023 Membership Dues Schedule 

Individual             $15 per year 

Organization        $30 per year

Send check payable to “WSPC” to WSPC, 340 Greenfield, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137

Dues and additional donations are tax deductible.  

WSPC is a non-profit peace organization based in Chicago's western suburbs. WSPC promotes public witness, peace education, an annual peace essay contest and lobbying for peaceful legislative initiatives and a sane foreign policy.

West Suburban Peace Coalition

340 Greenfield

Glen Ellyn, IL 60137

630) 442-3045

wsfpc.peace@gmail.com

www.faithpeace.org     

                                                

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