Working together for SMART security

Gov. John Baldacci and Sen. Susan Collins will present the State of Maine Homeland Security Conference on May l3 and 14 at the University of Maine. We understand the focus of the conference is sharing information about federal government policies and grant opportunities and not about administration policies. However, the conference provides an opportunity to raise questions about whether the current administration’s policies are actually contributing to our homeland security or making us less secure.

After the tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001, the nation and the world were focused on the need for real security. We formulated an op-ed on “Terror and real security” (BDN, Dec. 6, 2001) before the “Real Security Forum” held at the University of Maine (Dec. 8, 2001). We followed this with an op-ed on “Speaking out for real security” (BDN, Feb. 28, 2002) before the “Real Security Hearing” held at the William S. Cohen School (March 2, 2002).

Since then we have seen the constant focus on fear and insecurity, the expansion of the endless war on terrorism, the posting of daily color-coded security alerts, the discussion of Iraqi (nonexistent) weapons of mass destruction and Iraqi (nonexistent) imminent threats to the United States, and the invasion, occupation and disastrous quagmire in Iraq. As we approach spending $200 billion on the Iraq war, as we approach 800 U.S. and thousands of Iraqi deaths, as we now face real growing terrorism in Iraq, and as most of the world has turned against U.S. policies, we must question whether we have become more or less secure.

As we consider homeland security measures to protect citizens one year after the president declared “mission accomplished,” our troops in Iraq continue to sacrifice their lives, innocent Iraqi civilians continue to die, and humanitarian relief organizations and some allies are forced to withdraw because of the danger they face. Moreover, here at home, the people of Maine continue to face insecurity as we struggle to find ways to fund education, health care and support services for the neediest because federal dollars are drained by increased military spending and huge tax breaks go to the wealthiest and least needy.

Those of us who have opposed President Bush’s pre-emptive war believe that the exploration of “homeland security” measures must not divert us from seeking alternatives that deal with root causes of terrorism and have a real likelihood of increasing long-term security. During the height of the Cold War, civilian defense planning shifted attention to ineffective measures to be taken in case of nuclear attack, rather than focusing on nuclear disarmament as the only truly effective way to provide real safety.

The April 29 BDN op-ed piece by Helen Caldicott and Robert McNamara called our attention to the continuing dangers we face because of nuclear proliferation. We do want to be protected by our government from potential terrorist threats, but a shortsighted focus on techniques and resources to combat potential chemical, biological and nuclear weapons does little to decrease the likelihood of another major attack. We have seen the Israeli government build walls and barbed wire fences, but suicide bombers continue to kill innocents while suffering and unjust policies aren’t addressed.

A year ago the current administration convinced many Americans that Saddam possessed weapons of mass destruction, an attack from Iraq was imminent, and the only reasonable response was a military one. Those who urged patience, diplomacy, continued arms inspections and international cooperation were accused of being naive at best and traitorous at worst. One year later it is clearer than ever that we were deceived. We urgently need an alternative foreign policy.

U.S. policies promoted as the war on terrorism have led to more homeland insecurity. How can we feel more secure about our future when most of the world regards Bush administration policies and actions as arrogant, self-serving, reckless, unjust and contributing to far greater terrorism?

The Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) has prepared a pamphlet outlining a new security strategy focusing not only on short-term protection against terrorism but also on long-term solutions to the causes of terrorism. The necessary focus is not only on terrorism but also on other sources of insecurity such as growing inequality domestically and worldwide. They suggest peaceful alternatives including international cooperation and rule of law, preventative diplomacy and peace operations, arms control and disarmament, human rights and good governance, sustainable development and human security. They cite the need for “global norms, laws, institutions and prevention capacities that weaken, isolate and withdraw power from dictators and terrorist networks,” and they suggest that the International Criminal Court (which the United States has refused to join) is an example of an alternative to assassination or pre-emptive war for dealing with dictators.

They also urge an examination of policies and practices that have contributed to and encouraged oppressive regimes and terrorist networks to develop. Contact the Peace & Justice Center at 942-9343 for a copy of the pamphlet “Peaceful Prevention of Deadly Conflict” or visit the FCNL Web site at www.fcnl.org

As we consider “homeland security” we invite you to join us to encourage our representatives to support a resolution introduced in Congress (H.Con. Res.392) that incorporates alternatives suggested by the FCNL. The resolution calls for “the adoption of a Sensible, Multilateral American Response to Terrorism (SMART) security platform for the 21st Century.” The resolution “embraces international law and cooperation, reduces the proliferation of weapons, demonstrates respect for human rights, promotes democracy and sustainable development, and addresses emerging threats early and effectively before they reach crisis level.”

As we challenge our government’s dangerous foreign policy, we also invite you to join us to continue to work to change our national federal spending priorities from bloated military spending to health care, education, jobs and housing needed for real security for the people of Maine. War, global domination, and exploitation are not the answers for the people of Maine or the people of the world.

Ilze Petersons and Doug Allen are members of the Education Committee of the Peace & Justice Center of Eastern Maine.