Fresh Peace for the Middle East
Independent Senate candidate releases a peace plan for Iraq advocating the development of a democracy infrastructure using the Internet, voluntary biometric ID cards, distribution of 10 percent of the oil wealth to participants and creating jobs for Iraqis learning English.
Warren, VT (PRWEB) August 9, 2006
Steven Moyer, an independent candidate for the open U. S. Senate seat in Vermont, has released a proposal for peace, stability and democracy in Iraq. "The strategy we have been following has failed." Moyer said. "We need some out-of-the-box ideas to free us from the trap of a militaristic mentality."
Moyer has been a staunch opponent to the Iraq war from the beginning. "But we have a responsibility to the Iraqi people," said Moyer. "Colin Powell warned President Bush: 'You break it, you bought it.' We bought Iraq. Now we have to pay for it."
Moyer's plan is focused on building a "democracy infrastructure" using an Internet-based database which could be used to identify specific reconstruction needs at the community level. "We need a process for tracking progress towards reconstruction. We need to focus on creating jobs for Iraqis and improving conditions.”
Moyer envisions that any Iraqi would be able to use a community computer to enter tasks which need to be done, from installing a generator at the school, fixing a sewer system leak or repairing potholes in the roads. Each task would have to be evaluated by the Iraqi government and paid for by the United States.
"Eventually, Iraq will be able to pay its own bills. But right now it's our responsibility to re-construct Iraq. The people need to see that we are making their lives better every day.”
Moyer is also calling for an English education jobs program. The current plan calls for us to be in Iraq for ten years. English classes could be conducted remotely, with instructors in the U. S. and students in Iraq using distance learning technology. "Unemployment is at 60 percent. People need jobs and money. Give them jobs teaching and learning English.”
Moyer also suggests distributing 10 percent of the nation's oil wealth to Iraqis who volunteer to get a biometric ID card. This might amount to a dollar or two a day. Moyer suggests that the price of gasoline be raised to 90 cents a gallon from the current 44 cents to offset the revenue loss and discourage pilfering.
"You've got to provide people with their basic needs and an opportunity to do something constructive." said Moyer. "We've been too focused on security. The biometric ID cards will let people self-select themselves as good people. In return for giving the government their fingerprints they may get $30/month.”
The complete proposal entitled "Fresh Peace for the Middle East" can be watched at Google video or downloaded as an mp3 file at Moyer's Senate site. ( http://stevemoyer. us (http://stevemoyer. us))
For more info: Steven Moyer 202-370-6653
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