Forum on Terror Wars set for Thursday

What, or who, is next in America's war on terrorism? Is President Bush still on the right track? Are there any peaceful alternatives?

These and other questions will be on the agenda Thursday afternoon at a public forum titled "Terror Wars" in South Venice. Sponsored by the Florida Southwest Peace Education Coalition, the forum will be from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Sun Room of Trinity Presbyterian Church, 4364 State Road 776, South Venice.

The Thursday forum is designed as a follow-up to the Englewood Peace Day celebration held Jan. 1 at Englewood United Methodist Church. That event featured speakers of the Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Baha'i and Christian faiths, and a visit by Mayor Damir Spancic and his wife, Dubravka, of Pakrac, Croatia.

Peter Duisberg, one of the founders of the Peace Day activities, also is an organizer of the Thursday forum. He said the event will be divided into two parts: an hour-long panel discussion followed by an hour of audience participation.

"Everybody will have a chance to give constructive ideas," Duisberg said. "This forum will be concerned with the roots of terrorism and how everybody can help in controlling it."

Morris Langman of Venice, president of the peace coalition, will preside over the panel and audience discussions. Other panelists include North Port civic leader Dr. Iona Anderson-Janniere, former labor official Bud Aronson (an Englewood winter resident from Massachusetts) and Hugh Fincher, a Sarasota resident and former member of the U.S. foreign service. Fincher is the author of "Superpower America," a book about the influence of the military-industrial complex on society.

In addition to a progress report on the war on terrorism and Bush's plans, the panel will address "U.S. priorities: How to Reduce Costs, Save Lives and Prepare Children for a Better Future," according to a flyer announcing the forum.

"When Americans work together, we find solutions," the flyer said.

For more information on the Thursday forum, call 474-5204 or 493-0223.

Staff Report