Curb violence with Department of Peace

I agree that we could save a lot of money by extricating ourselves from the Iraq war, which was unnecessary, totally unrelated to 9/11, and a disaster to not only our economy but to Iraqi civilization. While the Iraq war costs more than $100 billion a year, few are aware that violence in America due to murders, muggings, rapes, gangs, drug wars and domestic violence costs us $300 billion annually. I think we should begin to address the violence here at home with an investment of $10 billion by creating a Department of Peace. There are many proven techniques for preventing conflicts from escalating to violence, which should be part of every school's curriculum. Restorative justice alternatives to incarceration could save us taxpayers plenty of money. Until we make this a national priority we will continue to allow violence to breed violence in stupid attempts to resolve conflicts at home and abroad. As long as our kids are taught to beat up the bully, American taxpayers will lead the world in wasteful spending.

Frank Goetz

Wheaton