STATEMENT OF DR. THE HONORABLE DENZIL L. DOUGLAS
                                                  INTERNATIONAL WORLD PEACE DAY
                                                            SEPTEMBER 22, 2008
 
~~Adz:Left~~ International World Peace Day encourages people all over the world to think about the importance of peace in the broadest sense of the word.  It encourages us to think about peace, not only between nations, but also within nations.  Most importantly, it encourages us to think about peace between individuals.  We are encouraged to think about peace in these broad terms because all of these component parts – peace between nations, peace within nations, and peace between individuals – are, in fact, parts of an interconnected whole.
 
If we, as individuals, wish world peace to prevail, we must do our part by creating peace within in our own homes.  And we do this by ensuring that everyone living under our roof treats everyone else living there – whether children, parents, grandparents or others - with consideration, concern, and regard.     
 
If we, as families, wish world peace to prevail, we must do our part by being agents of peace within our own communities.  And we do this by replacing indifference toward our neighbors with concern about them; by replacing hostility toward those we see every day with an attempt at understanding; by urging those in our community to talk through, rather than fight through, their frustrations.
   
If we, as a country, wish world peace to prevail, we must do our part by urging our own corporations, political parties, athletic and other organizations not to twist their rivals’ words and actions for personal gain, or create fear and discord in order to build up customer, voter, or other support.
 
If we, as inhabitants of the world, wish world peace to prevail, we must all do our part.  And we must do our part beginning today.