DPJC Position Statement
On Reinstatement of Federal Death Penalty
(7/29, Dallas, TX) The recent announcement that the US Government would resume executions after a nearly two-decade stoppage represents another political and moral failure of the current presidency. The trend within the last two decades in this country, even with a pro-death penalty US Supreme Court, has been to restrict the application of the ultimate punishment so that both death sentencing and executions have been dramatically reduced to their lowest point since the death penalty was re-legalized on July 2, 1976.
This is a moment for all concerned individuals and human rights activists in particular to contact their elected representatives at the state AND federal level to express their concern and outrage that the barbarism of the federal death penalty is returning in our names and with our tax dollar support. The death penalty, so deeply and inherently flawed with mistakes and vicious racism, has no place in this or any other civilized society, and it is incumbent on us to vigilantly work for its complete eradication from our country and world.
For further comments;
DPJC Position Statement
On the Escalating Situation in Venezuela
(5/1, Dallas, TX) “The Dallas Peace and Justice Center notes with great concern and alarm the volatile situation in Venezuela and calls for de-escalation of tensions through peaceful negotiations. We unequivocally reject any attempts by the United States to forcibly remove the government of Nicolas Maduro from office.We denounce the bellicose rhetoric and threats from National Security Adviser John Bolton of military intervention, just as we decry violence against unarmed protestors by the Maduro government.
We assert that bloodshed must be completely averted. While we agree that President Nicolas Maduro is an authoritarian leader who has presided over unfair elections, failed economic policies, extrajudicial killings by police, food shortages and cronyism with military leaders,U.S. intervention in Venezuela's internal affairs will only make a bad situation worse. A long history of U.S. military interventions has not only destabilized many Latin American countries but has also created a profound mistrust towards the United States. This has strengthened president Maduro's popularity and complicated the present situation. A proper relationship between the United States and its neighbor to the south must start with mutual respect and focused on helping Venezuela’s economy grow and prosper instead of draconian sanctions that hurt average citizens.
We urge National Security Adviser John Bolton, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and Venezuela envoy Elliot Abrams—all of whom have backed authoritarian leaders, death squads, and illegal wars throughout their careers in government---not to push for regime change or military intervention but instead back regional dialogue initiatives such as the one proposed by Mexico and the Vatican.
It is entirely the prerogative of the noble people of Venezuela to decide the future of their revolution, not of any foreign power. All that can come from outside military intervention is more chaos and crisis, and God forbid, the misery and suffering of war."
For further comments;
DPJC Position Statement
Condemning the Attacks on Churches & Hotels in Sri Lanka
Dallas Peace & Justice Center joins political and religious leaders from around the world in our condemnation of the heinous attacks on Churches and Hotels on the eve of Easter in Sri Lanka. No words are strong enough to condemn such horrendous inhumanity. We join with our brothers and sisters worldwide in expressing our grief and sadness for the suffering of the people of Sri Lanka.
These attacks are an assault not only aimed at the Sri Lankan people or their Christian Community, but also on all of humanity. Extremism in all its forms has been fueling these violent attacks and should be condemned in strongest terms. We call for an end to the cycle of violence among different religious and political groups worldwide.
The world is on the side of peaceful coexistence among all groups.
DPJC Position Statement
President Trump's veto of Senate Joint Resolution 7, the Yemen War Powers Resolution
Our position statement in response to President Trump's veto of Senate Joint Resolution 7 (S.J Res 7), the Yemen War Powers Resolution
"President Trump's veto is morally wrong, reckless and indefensible. We urge Congress to seek ways to overturn the presidential veto because it denies Congress its constitutional responsibility to authorize and fund wars.
Passed in both houses of congress with strong bipartisan support, the measure sought to extricate the U.S. from the Saudi Arabia led war that has starved 85,000 children to death, placed 14 million on the brink of famine amidst an unprecedented outbreak of cholera. The United Nations has described the Yemen crisis as the worst humanitarian catastrophe in the world today.
We urge Congress not to relent and continue to fight to end U.S. support for the Saudi-led immoral, and illegal war in Yemen, the poorest country in the Middle East that poses no threat to U.S national security. Congress should continue to work to block weapons sales to the Saudi led coalition and use its power of the purse to cut off funding for U.S. military support."
Adopted 4/7/2019 by the
Dallas Peace and Justice Center
Middle East Peace Committee
DPJC Position Statement
No U.S. Intervention in Venezuela
Our position statement on the situation in Venezuela from the Human Rights and Justice Committee of the Dallas Peace and Justice Center.
The Dallas Peace and Justice Center notes with great concern and alarm the deteriorating political, economic and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela and calls for de-escalation of tensions through peaceful negotiations. We unequivocally reject any attempts by outside forces such as the United States to forcibly remove from office the government of Nicolas Maduro. We also assert that bloodshed must be completely averted.
We agree with Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) who has said that while "Maduro is an authoritarian leader who has presided over unfair elections, failed economic policies, extrajudicial killings by police, food shortages and cronyism with military leaders," U.S. intervention in Venezuela's internal political affairs will only "make a bad situation even worse. A long history of U.S. political and military interventions has not only destabilized many Latin American countries but also created a profound mistrust towards the United States. This has strengthened Maduro's popularity and complicated the present situation. A proper relationship between the United States and its neighbors to the south must start with mutual respect and focus on ways to help economies grow and prosper.
We urge National Security Adviser John Bolton, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and newly appointed Venezuela envoy Elliot Abrams—all of whom have backed authoritarians leaders, death squads, and illegal wars throughout their careers in government---not to push for regime change and instead back regional dialogue initiatives such as the one proposed by Mexico and Uruguay.
It is entirely the prerogative of the noble people of Venezuela to decide the future of their revolution, not any foreign power. All that can come from outside intervention is more chaos and crisis, and God forbid, the misery and suffering of war.