An Argument for Collective Peace Action

1. The war of occupation of Iraq is an extension of American policy.
2. Regardless of motivation, the American policy and its extension—the war of occupation of Iraq—are a source of unnecessary suffering for thousands, even millions of Iraqis.
3. This unnecessary suffering is undesirable.
4. Since this suffering has a cause, it can be stopped; that is, the appropriate change in policy will lead towards a cessation of the suffering.
5. Appropriate policy change in our country may occur in a number of ways.1
6. Appropriate policy change in our country may occur when a sufficient number of citizens insist on the change.
7. At present, there are insufficient numbers of people insisting on the appropriate policy change.
8. Through effective action it is possible to increase the numbers of people insisting on the appropriate policy change.
9. Effective action (to increase the numbers of people insisting on the appropriate policy change) can occur at every level of society, from the individual to the institutional, municipal, regional, state, and national.
10. Collective action is more effective than individual action.


Steve LeeJanuary 10, 20