Dept. of Peace would be pointless. Here's why...

[Infinite Hope]

First off, as mentioned in http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x3135186">this thread, the Dept. of State is already there for that purpose.

Second, and most importantly, a Dept. of Peace appointee would do the bidding of the President who appointed him/her. Who do you think would have held the position if a Dept. of Peace had existed since 2001? What good would it have done? If it was a peace-driven appointee, would they have been listened to or just been a figurehead?

I think we all know the answers to those and other questions. Under a decent and peace-loving administration, the Dept. of State, advisors, and administration as a whole would be sufficient. Under an indecent war-mongering administration, a Dept. of Peace would be a hollow cover for flawed and war-driven policy.

[LoZoccolo]

1. There is also a U.S. Institute of Peace already...

...into which Bush* has placed a controversial member in Daniel Pipes.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Pipes#Peace_Institute_appointment

[Warpy]

2. Just like the Department of Defense became the

Department for Unnecessary Foreign Wars, expect a Department of Peace to become a Department of Sugar Coating War Propaganda.

Either that or an empty room with lots of cobwebs because it will never be used while the Pentagon and the military contractors have Congress in their pockets.

[cali]

4. Yep.

Department of Peace under bushco would be a most Orwellian construct.

[Infinite Hope]

5. Exactly. When it would be needed most, it would be abused the most.

It would therefore end up causing harm to the cause of peace. "Propoganda machine" is exactly right.

[Flabbergasted]

7. This is the time for it. And Kucinich would not abuse it.

[Infinite Hope]

9. The point is, if Kucinich were president, there'd be no need for it. His successors, however....

....would only abuse it if they aren't peace/diplomacy-oriented in the first place.

[Flabbergasted]

10. Apparently Kucinich disagrees with you nt

[Selatius]

3. Just change the Dept. of Defense's name back into the War Department

Because most of America's wars have been offensive in nature, not defensive. It's an example of Orwellian Newspeak.

[Flabbergasted]

6. Could you describe how the Department of State and Department of Peace coincide?

From my reading there are very different underlying ideas. One would not replace the other:

"The proposed department will give voice to the latest research and expertise on peaceful efforts in many areas — from safe schools to international arms control.

The legislation, which I am co-sponsoring, would fund, support and coordinate programs already in existence — in schools, prisons, police departments, educational institutions, charitable organizations and elsewhere — that are proven to reduce domestic and international violence and enhance the security and health of all Americans."

In fact they could compliment each other. There is no department or program or law etc that cannot be used against the people so why be pessimistic? Kuicinich is describing his vision for his presidency. Which he obviously should actually do without worrying if another Bitch comes along.

[Infinite Hope]

8. Diplomacy is the business of the State Dept. There already exist other agencies...

...for the rest of what you described. Whether or not they're following through on those obligations is another issue. But certainly creating another department that's supposed to do the work that another is ignoring is an impossible solution. If the current departments and agencies geared for those causes are not being directed to follow through, the creation of another department to do so would be futile. It's about the leadership, not the lack of a relevant department. Certainly, there is no lack of relevant departments.

[Flabbergasted]

11. Fund, support and coordinate. Vastly more efficient than the spread out of

tasks divided to different departments. I think he has a solid vision. Diplomacy would stay with state.