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As President of the campaign “No More Armies”, I wanted to congratulate you for supporting the people of Quebec in offering a warm welcome to the Syrian refugees, despite the dramatic and highly publicized events of November 13 in Paris. As you said so rightly, we must show openness and this “despite the anger” in order not to give ground to those who wish to “throw the chaos and hatred in our society”1.
However, “No more Armies”, cannot support your speech any further when you declare that “when facing a deadly enemy, one has to fight with proportional weapons”2. You know as well as I do that the law of retaliation “eye for eye, tooth for tooth” can only lead to a world of blind and toothless people … Responding to violence with violence contributes to an endless escalation of greater sufferings, wars and terrorism. Violence was NEVER and will NEVER be a solution.
You now have the extraordinary opportunity to set an example to the world, by responding with nonviolence and diplomacy, the two only possible options. The people of Quebec are your asset, rich in geniuses of every kind, with enlightened sociologists, discerning diplomats, specialized investigators and experienced political analysts. At one time, the negotiators were performing miracles during conflicts. The same kind of prowess can reoccur with a little creativity. Be innovative and support the intentions of our Prime Minister Mr. Justin Trudeau that seems to lead our country towards peaceful humanitarian missions. Consult those seeking peaceful solutions to support you and do not let yourself be drawn into the most common stream, which is that of violence.
Imagine if all the energy and all the money requested for an army and its involvement in wars were better distributed. The Canadian government spends nearly 10% of the collected taxes, nearly 25 billion, in military budget every year. If we better use this money, we could save lives instead of losing some. We could improve our health, education and research programs. Imagine how quickly we could solve all global problems if all the military budgets were devoted to the positive advancement of science. This is not a utopia; we would first of all truly eradicate hunger and human misery around the world.
“No more Armies” is a campaign initiated by Rael working to build a world of peace. We clearly condemn the attacks in Paris, but at the same level as all acts of violence of any kind. Therefore, we support Bill C-272 of non-complicity with wars3 and we demand the abolition of armies so that they become an elite of “guardians of world peace”, civilized and not militarized in the service of freedom and human rights, under the effigy of nonviolence, respect and compassion.
You have the privilege and power, as Quebec Premier to influence the emotional populations and contribute to building a world of peace for the safeguarding of our humanity. Please, make the difference…
Nathalie Bibens Laulan, President of the campaign “No More Armies”
Cc: Joseph Kollar, President of the Raelian Movement of Canada
1. TVA nouvelles, 13 novembre 2015, Philippe Couillard sans équivoque les attentats (translation)
2. Journal de Montréal, 14 novembre 2015, Attentats de Paris le monde démocratique est en guerre – Philippe Couillard (translation)
3. Bill C-272 of non-complicity with wars: allowing conscientious objection to the use of taxes for military purposes.
Online petition: nomorearmies.org