DPJC Position Statement
On the New Orleans Tragedy
The Dallas Peace & Justice Center is dismayed, appalled and saddened by the tragic events of January 1st that occurred on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, yet another tragic occurrence of random violence against humanity by an individual unable to resolve conflict in a nonviolent manner.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we taught our children and ourselves ways to resolve conflict in a safe and nonviolent manner? Yes, conflict is a necessary part of life, it gives us the opportunity to learn and grow, and it does not have to be violent.
Dallas Peace & Justice Center recommends each and every one of us start a discussion with our school boards, with our elected officials, with our places of worship, with our neighbors, to start teaching nonviolent conflict resolution in our schools. What a great exposure to our children, to give them the opportunity to learn and practice kindness and loving ways to live together on this planet.
DPJC encourages everyone to help promote programs such as Nonviolent Communications (NVC) and Connection Practice. We hope you will join in our efforts to resolve this tragic problem. Thank you for raising your voice.
DPJC Position Statement
On the Release of Julian Assange
The Dallas Peace and Justice Center celebrates the release of Julian Assange from prison. The Australian editor, publisher, and activist created the whistleblower platform WikiLeaks in 2006 to provide a means for people to anonymously expose wrongdoing to the public.
After exposing war crimes and human rights abuses, such as the infamous “Collateral Murder” video, Assange has faced years of persecution, exile, and captivity, including the last 5 years in London's Belmarsh Prison.
The DPJC thanks its members and activist community who, throughout the years, have supported Assange, petitioning the government for his release, raising public awareness online and in person, distributing thousands of educational materials, and often demonstrating in public with the message, “TELLING THE TRUTH IS NOT A CRIME.”
Indicted by the Trump administration, a plea deal with the current DOJ was finally reached, providing for Assange’s release and return to his native Australia. We are grateful that he will now be able to rejoin his family and friends and we wish them well.
DPJC Position Statement
On the Escalation of Hostilities in the Middle East
The Dallas Peace & Justice Center strongly condemns the US attacks on multiple countries in the Middle East. President Biden has used his presidential powers to attack other countries without any authorization from Congress. The President does NOT have the powers to bomb other countries that do not pose immediate and clear danger to the United States of America.
The US has continued the policy of bombing and threatening the countries in the Middle East despite no longer being dependent on oil from that area. The “forever wars” being waged by the US have destabilized the entire region. Multiple countries such as Iraq, Libya, Syria, Yemen have been devastated by the aggressive policies of the US and its partners. Since 2001, hundreds of thousands of civilians have been killed or injured and civilian infrastructure has been bombed to smithereens. Millions of people have been displaced and sought refuge in other countries, including EU countries. The entire Middle East needs peace and investment in civilian & human capital.
The US needs to focus on bringing peace to the unfortunate region. Calling for a ceasefire in Gaza is the demand of the region and majority of the world. The genocide must stop. The US must stop sending arms, bombs, and military hardware to the region. Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank need food, water, medicines, hygiene supplies and mercy from the world. The US must help bring a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and Palestine, help free the Israeli and Palestinian hostages, and urgently start negotiations for the formation of an independent and viable Palestinian state.
DPJC Position Statement
Dallas Peace and Justice Center Statement on the Israel-Hamas Conflict
The Dallas Peace and Justice Center is devastated by the tragic violence and warfare unfolding in Israel and Gaza. We mourn the deaths of thousands and our hearts break for all those who have lost loved ones and for those who have been injured, their lives changed forever.
We unequivocally condemn the unthinkable massacres and hostage-taking carried out against Israeli civilians by Hamas – horrific actions that cannot be justified by moral compass or international law. We call on Hamas to release all hostages, immediately and unharmed! The killing of civilians is always a war crime.To say that this situation was unprovoked, though, would be to deny the facts. The ongoing and current violence is a result of the world's longest military occupation since the Second World War. The inhuman blockade of Gaza for the last 16 years has been condemned as a war crime by international organizations, including the UN. According to United Nations Watch, since 2015, the UN General Assembly has adopted 140 resolutions criticizing Israel, many over its treatment of the Palestinian people. This round of violence is one of many that have erupted over the decades due to the occupation of Palestinian lands, creation of settlements, abuse of human rights, and other forms of oppression.
We call on the Israeli government to end the blockade of Gaza and provide humanitarian organizations safe passage to deliver much-needed aid and urgently needed supplies. We urge Israel to control the armed settlers in the Occupied West Bank, end land-grabs and the creation of settlements, and allow free and secure movement of Palestinians. We advocate for human rights for all humans, including equal rights for Israelis and Palestinians.
We strongly urge all parties to de-escalate from violence and war-making. The only path forward for a better future in the Middle East is through peaceful means. We call on the United States to take immediate, concrete steps to help establish a ceasefire and diplomatic efforts towards peace, rather than arming the Israeli military and enabling the Israeli government to mount disproportionate retaliation, including massive bombing campaigns, against the already-beleaguered Palestinian population.
The Dallas Peace and Justice Center strongly believes that the security of Israelis and Palestinians lies in a peaceful and just settlement of the 75-years-old conflict. Never-ending war is not the solution, especially at this crucial time when, instead of raining down havoc on people and the planet, we should be joining hands to fight against the existential threat of our real, common enemy: Climate Change!
Mourning the Death of Daniel Ellsberg
Featured image "Daniel Ellsberg (1931-2023)", oil on canvas, by Caitlin Johnstone
We at the Dallas Peace and Justice Center mourn the death of Daniel Ellsberg, a hero of the anti-war and anti-nuclear movements. We celebrate his courage to risk his own freedom by exposing government secrets about the war in Viet Nam, and by continuing to speak truth to power. He joined us at Camp Casey to protest the illegal invasion of Iraq, and was a familiar face in DC and at events across the country, working tenaciously to advocate for peace and nuclear nonproliferation. He never hesitated to "go to jail for justice" in order to shine a light on the causes, costs, and dangers of war, inspiring us to stand up and take effective action as well.
We'll miss you, Dan. Rest in peace. Your power lives on.
We're moved to share with you this image and piece by Caitlin Johnstone, honoring Daniel Ellsberg, as well as those of YOU who give of yourselves for peace and hope for a future.
Let's carry the torch forward! Visit Caitlin Johnstone's Tribute Here
Santos Rodriguez: A Proclamation
July 10th - Dr. Garcia introduced a proclamation to keep the memory of Santos Rodriguez alive on the 47th anniversary of his murder by Dallas Police.
(DALLAS, TX - June 10, 2020)
DPJC Executive Director, Hadi Jawad addressed the Commissioner's Court after Dr. Garcia's proclamation was introduced:
"Good morning Judge, Honorable Commissioners, Honorable Dr. Garcia.
Thank you for keeping the memory of Santos Rodriguez alive. It has been 47 years since that tragic day but for many the memory of that sad day is still vivid and clear. Many continue to mourn a life that was cut short and still wonder why a 12-year-old boy sleeping in his bed at 2 o’clock in the morning was not safe from those who had sworn to protect him.
Much has happened since that fateful day and although new laws have been passed, police officers have received many types of trainings, tragedies continue to mount here in Dallas and across the country. In retrospect it appears that legislation and trainings only go so far and a deeper change, something more profound is needed. Perhaps what we need is a change in culture, A fundamental change in the way we view each other.
Stories have a way of changing culture. As responsible officials and leaders in our community, please continue to keep the memory of Santos alive. But please also consider what else could be done to tell this story to a new generation of young people. Could the story of Santos Rodriguez become a part of the curriculum of every school in Dallas County? Could the commissioners declare July 24 Santos Rodriguez Day in Dallas County in perpetuity? Could a major street In uptown or downtown be named in his honor? Could a school be named in his memory?
At the 47th anniversary of Santos’ brutal murder by Dallas Police approaches a question continues to hang over our heads: what can we do to make sure this child, this son of Dallas, who belongs to all of us now, did not die in vain?On Saturday July 25 at 9 AM There will be a caravan from Pike Park to Oakland Cemetery for a graveside service. Being mindful of concerns for the COVID-19 pandemic we are asking folks to remain in their cars.
Thank you Judge Jenkins and thank you Dr. Garcia."
DPJC Position Statement
DPJC Statement on Demilitarizing Local Law Enforcement
A protester walks past Nebraska Military Police in Omaha on June 2, 2020
Photo by Sgt. Lisa Crawford
(source:www.dvidshub.net)
(7/1, Dallas, TX) The Dallas Peace and Justice Center (DPJC) applauds efforts by lawmakers in Washington to restrict the transfer of military grade weapons to law enforcement under federal program 1033 that allows the Defense Department to provide surplus equipment- at no cost- to federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
Leading the effort is Congressman Ruben Gallejo, (D-AZ) who has stated that, “Local law enforcement officers shouldn’t be confronting civilians with weapons designed for combat. A militarized police force makes our communities less safe and heightens the growing divide between police officers and the citizens they are sworn to protect." On the Senate side, Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) has reintroduced the bipartisan 'Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act" to establish limitations and create greater transparency to offensive military weapons transfers. According to Sen. Schatz, "weapons of war do not belong in our local police department and should never be used against American people."
According to the Friends Committee on National Legislation the Pentagon has transferred, "$6 billion in equipment since the program’s creation in 1991, when transfers were designated for counter drug activities. A reported 79,288 assault rifles, 205 grenade launchers,11,959 bayonets, armored personnel carriers, and mine resistant vehicles (MRAPS) have been handed over to law enforcement agencies across the nation.".
Militarization has permeated law enforcement and has given rise to a warrior cop mentatilty.
Studies have shown that the use of this military gear leads to more police violence and outsized targeting of communities of color. Now, as bipartisan calls for broad police reform grow louder, some members of congress are calling for legislation to restrict or eliminate the program altogether.
Roger Arnold, co-chair of the Human Rights Committee of the DPJC said, "we urge Dallas Police Department, and all law enforcement agencies in Dallas County to refuse weapons transfers under the 1033 program and invest the savings in underserved communities. We also urge the N. Texas Congressional delegation to support legislation proposed by Rep. Gallejo and Sen. Schatz to end the militarization of law enforcement."