Please DU the "More Peace Corps" online petition

[crispini]

Here is a message from the National Peace Corps Association. As a returned Peace Corps volunteer, I'd like to ask for the DU community's support for this petition, since I have no doubt that many of you agree with the goals of the Peace Corps.

The election of Barack Obama opens a door of opportunity to elevate the possibilities and the promise of the Peace Corps.

That opportunity begins with you and begins right now.

The National Peace Corps Association’s MorePeaceCorps Campaign has launched an on-line petition to President-Elect Obama. We need to collect thousands of signatures and comments for delivery to the transition team, to show public support for Obama's campaign trail pledges about Peace Corps.

Follow this link to sign our on-line petition. Add your name and write a brief comment, such as why the Peace Corps is important, why your service made a difference, or (if applicable) why you want to join the Peace Corps!

Get at least ten other people you know to sign the petition! This petition is not limited to RPCVs or former Peace Corps staff. Anyone who believes in the spirit and mission of the Peace Corps (family members, friends, colleagues, people you know overseas) can sign.

Thank you for your support of Peace Corps and for sharing your stories.

[YOY]

1. FUCKING A!!!

PMing Taverner!!!

[crispini]

2. Hey, fellow RPCV!

:fistbump:

[YOY]

3. Word!

I sent it to Taverner who was in Thailand in the 90s I think.

Me? Bulgaria 2000-2002 (and then some!)

[YOY]

4. Word!

I send it to Taverner who was in Thailand in the 80s/90s I think.

Me? Bulgaria 2000-2002 (and then some!)

[Taverner]

5. RPCV Thailand Group 102 (92-95)

W00t!

[crispini]

6. Me too!

90-92. Here's my homestay group. I think we've had this conversation before, yes? :)

[Taverner]

12. We must have - check PMs

[SoCalDem]

7. Actually, I think the Peace Corps idea needs to be delayed a bit

The Bush admin has created a maelstrom of hatred of USA and anything connected to it.

It's going to take a while to actually undo some of those bad feelings. Sending young people all over the world, as ambassadors of goodwill, sounds great, but the world is a far different place than it was in the early '60s, when people truly DID love the US..

I know the "kids" would still be eager, but it's quite dangerous right now, to be fostering this idea..

Maybe in a couple of years..

a Vista-esque program would be a great idea for the interim..

[crispini]

8. Um, Peace Corps is still going on right now.

This wouldn't be a restarting, just a ramping up.

And the Peace Corps administration is very careful about which countries have programs, and which don't. Each country office works closely with their host country nationals to ensure that their volunteers have secure and safe placements.

[YOY]

9. "kids"...shows how much you know about us.

To say I'm not incredibly insulted at this ignorance and that you have no idea what the Peace Corps is all about would be lies.

FYI the "kids" go home after the first week. I still remember one girl crying that she was literally "not in Kansas" any more...the rest of us put up with some serious hardships in the name of service to our country...Oh I had CNN...that was my luxury.

[SoCalDem]

10. apparently you do not understand the usage of "..."

sorry you took such offense from an anonymous person:)

The emphasis , when speaking about the peace corps has ALWAYS been couched in language that promoted the involvement of "kids", joining up to become part of something bigger than themselves..to expand their horizons... and of course "older" folks and people of ALL ages have participated, but the Obama campaign even promoted this idea, and a way that young people ( aka "kids") could do good, AND defray part of their college costs..

...Isn't the internet grand? we can ALL have our own opinions, and can choose to disagree when the opportunity arises :hi:

[crispini]

11. Kick

[crispini]

13. Kick!

[crispini]

14. What, no support on DU for Peace Corps? I'm disappointed. nt

[YOY]

15. Meh...whaddaya expect.

Small club. Few members. Much public misinformation and prejudicial judgements.

:shrug:

[crispini]

16. Obama gets it, anyway.

I was really impressed to read the article by him, linked above in the OP.

You'd think, with the whole "new Kennedy" buzz going on about Obama, people would understand that the Peace Corps is one of the best ways to restore our international cred.