Is Maine a Peace State? Readers' Ideas Solicited
John Wallach, founder and director of the Seeds of Peace Camp in Otisfield,
Maine, delivered a moving address in January to a special joint session of
the Maine State Legislature called by Governor Angus King.
In his talk, Wallach cited the work towards peace and justice of Margaret
Chase Smith, Edmund Muskie, George Mitchell, Samantha Smith and, currently,
the students at the Seeds of Peace Camp. He challenged the Governor to
proclaim Maine a "Peace State." Gov. King, clearly moved, said he would keep
that challenge in mind.
Peace Action's Disarmament Committee Chair, Sally Breen, wrote to the
Governor to ask him not to forget Wallach's challenge. He replied that he is
considering it.
Peace Action Maine asks our readers to send us short paragraphs describing
what it would take to make Maine a "Peace State." We will share those
paragraphs with John Wallach and Governor King. This is no time for hollow
proclamations that fail to consider the major cultural and institutional
focus on violence that prevents meaningful movement toward a just and
peaceful society.
Please send your statement to peaceactionme@peaceactionme.org by July 8th.
Thank you.
—RTP
Back to Peace Talk Index, Summer, 2002