| We were able to successfully get extra information from interviews with
people who are very informed about the subject of peace, democracy, and the
constitutions. Here are the responses from two people at the
American Embassy. The sentences in bold are the
questions we asked them.
How, in your perspective, would you define peace in a country.
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| Respondent #1: The absence of war and terrorism.
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| Respondent #2: Peace is not just the absence of war; it is also a sense of security and order in a community. Israel is technically at peace, however, in my opinion, its citizens do not have a sense of security and order, hence no peace.
|
| How do
you think the United States is keeping peace in their country in terms
of the constitution and other historical events?
|
| Respondent #1: Through the
application of the constitution which makes all people free and have a
voice in the government.
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| Respondent #2: The U.S. keeps peace by having good relations with most of its neighbors and by having a strong military to deter (or fight) those with whom we do not have good relations. However, if we attacked as we were on December 7, 1941 or September 11, 2001 then the military can successfully reestablish the peace.
|
| What role does the
government, specifically democracy, play in keeping peace?
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| Respondent #1: It is the
government's job to enforce the constitution so that it works for
everyone.
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| Respondent #2: Democratic countries are never the cause of war. It is only in countries with no democracy and no personal freedom that governments feel able to threaten others. Iraq is a good example of a country that is not a democracy and threatens the peace. The only question (for me) is do we wait for them to strike out or do we eliminate the threat now.
|
| As members of society
AND as experts in a certain field, what do you think are the essential
steps you should take in order to maintain peace?
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| Respondent #1: Peace is
maintained when people can provide for there families by putting food on
the table and roof over their heads and provide education for their
children to live dignified lives.
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| Respondent #2: Members of society in a democratic country should be informed about the issues of the day and speak out appropriately. An informed citizenry in a democratic country indirectly helps maintain the peace. Iraq does not have an informed citizenry nor does it have a democracy. Not
surprisingly then, it is a threat to the peace. |
