From the December 27, 2002 issue of the World Tribune 
Posted here without permission
 
"Youth Leaders Call For Peace" 
 
Based on the voices of many SGI-USA youth, the national youth leaders have written 
a declaration against a potential U.S.-led war against Iraq.  Every SGI-USA member, 
every American citizen reserves the right to think independently on contemporary 
issues and take action in accord with their conscience.
  
With the United States government threatening to go to war against Iraq, we would 
like to reiterate our fundamental stance opposing all war and violent conflict. We call 
for courageous dialogue rooted in nonviolence and respect for life as the only active 
means to end the vicious cycle of reprisals, violence and terrorism that perpetuates war.  
The philosophy of Nichiren Buddhism teaches that war denies people their fundamental right 
to life and dignity. Nichiren Daishonin once wrote: "Life is the foremost of all 
treasures.... Even the treasures that fill the major world system are no substitute for 
life" (The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, p. 1125).
 
This belief is also upheld in Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which 
states, "Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person." It is supported by 
a great majority of nations in the world, above and beyond citizenship, religion or creed.
 
Recognizing that victims of war are not heads of state but mothers, fathers, daughters and 
sons, we assert that the outcome of war is never desirable. In the final analysis, there 
are no victors in war. We, the youth leaders of the SGI-USA, voice our opposition not to 
one government or governments, but to war, which destroys human life and the environment.
 
We call for a new philosophy, a new diplomacy based on the humanistic examples of such 
people as Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and SGI President Ikeda. Such leading 
thinkers have advocated and pursued dialogue and a long-rang vision of peaceful coexistence, 
placing the highest value on the dignity of life, even amidst the realities of violence 
and conflict.
 
We resolve to lead the cause of peace and return to such humanistic principles, for the 
sake of our children's future and the future of humanity. We vow to engage in proactive 
and sustained dialogue that aims to protect human life and elevate our common humanity. 
We view this as the only real protection and lasting measure against terrorism.
 
Finally, we pledge to advance peace in society by sharing Buddhist philosophy with 
greater conviction.
 
James Herrmann - Senior Youth Leader
Ken Saragosa - Youth Leader
Wendy DeSouza - Young Women's Leader
Steve Mortan - Young Men's Leader