USD Magazine, Winter 2002

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ALCALA ALMANAC

Welcoming the World Dedication and Conference Mark Opening of Peace Institute

"Increasing foreign aid is (for members of Congress) political suicide," Carter said. "There is a feel ing in chis country chat we are so wealthy, so blessed, chat we deserve it. There has to be a groundswell from citizens for (our priorities) to change ." Prior to che conference, USD President Alice B. Hayes and Board of Trustees chair Liam McGee were among chose who offi– cially welcomed the local and international community during the instituce's Dec. 5 dedication. Boch recognized Joan Kroc for her $25 million gift, which made the center possible. "(Mrs. Kroc) sec before us the challenge of seeking alternatives co violence as espoused by Mahatma Gandhi," Hayes said. "We start by seeking peace in our hearts, and hope through serious dialogue and study co spread peace co all. " Kroc said both the facili ty and the dedica– tory conference exceeded her expectations. ·«1 was overwhel med, " she said. "I wanted co create a place where students interested in peace could have a dialog in a safe and serene place, and we have done that." Kroc said she was moved by the number of young people at the dedication who said they had no idea of the extent co which violence happens every day co people throughout the world. "Even my own grand–

GARY PAYNE PHOTOS

T he Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice formally opened its doors in December, and the world stepped inside. Former President Jimmy Carter, former Cosca Rican President Rodrigo Carazo Odio and a host of international diplomats were among the participants at the instituce's inaugural three-day conference, designed co develop peace initiatives in Nepal, Guatemala, Macedo nia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Policy papers ouclining participants' recommendations will be published in the coming months, says institute director Joyce Neu, and should provide a fo undation for peace negotiations in chose regions. T he United Scates war in Afghanistan also was examined during the conference's first fo rum, "Challenges co Peacemaking with Justice. " Career, who previously worked with Neu at the Career Center in Atlanta, expressed concern about che lack of justice in some current U.S. policies.

Career characterized President George Bush's recent order co create secret military tribunals co cry suspected terrorises in the United Scates as "a serious mistake," saying they probably violate the U.S. Code of Military Justice, which guarantees defendants a public trial and the right co appeal verdicts in civil court. "We might be laying the ground to undermine what is an inevitable military victory," Career said. "le subverts the basic principles the United Scares represents ... I believe the president and his associates will modify the existing order and the basic principles of justice will be combined with peace to mirror the values of chis institute." Career said the "root cause" of the 110 armed conflicts currently being fought in the world is the growing disparity berween rich and poor. To illustrate his point, Career said the average American household income is abo ut $50,000 per year, yet 1.2 billion people in the world live on less than a dollar a day.

daugh ters were amazed," she said. "If we can awaken social conscience, and get people to feel connected to others all over the world, the institute will have well served ics purpose. " Kroc, also the benefactor of the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies

Joan Kroc admires a gift presented to her during the dedication ceremony.

USO M AG AZ I NE

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