Nobel Peace Prize Nominee Visits Fort Wayne

   A three-time Nobel Peace Prize nominee visited Fort Wayne to speak out against war.

   Kathy Kelly’s visit Friday to the Unitarian Universalist Church comes as northeast Indiana recently mourned several fallen U.S. troops.

   Kelly has advocated peace for years. She's traveled to the Middle East dozens of times. She traveled to Fort Wayne to share her stories and tell people why she believes war is not the answer.

   “A hundred years from now, what might we anticipate?  Maybe we could even put an end to war,” said Kelly.

   Kelly's mission is to promote peace. She recently traveled to Gaza, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Now, she says, she's speaking out for the people who live there.

   “Eight hundred fifty children die every day in Afghanistan,” said Kelly.

   Kelly says the U.S. needs to evaluate its priorities and address problems like global warming and the energy crisis. She wouldn't comment specifically on how President Obama has handled the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

   “I would like to see President Obama and any president always direct themselves toward trying to end wars, even if it means losing a second term presidency,” said Kelly.

   Kelly's words reached believers, as well as some who don't necessarily share her views.

   “I've got a lot to learn, and I thought I could learn from listening to her,” said Fort Wayne resident Evan Davis.

   Davis has supported the war in Afghanistan, but he says the country's government and the length of the war have him discouraged.

   “It's a very unhappy situation,” said Davis.

   Kelly says the cycle of war only increases hatred toward the U.S. and hurts others. She's waiting for the day when someone apologizes.

   “I think as history goes on, eventually generations will look back upon the war in Iraq and feel regret and shame for the suffering caused,” said Kelly.

   More information about Kelly's efforts can be found at http://vcnv.org/.