STATUE
OF
LASTING
GLOBAL HAPPINESS

"To Form A More Perfect Union" "Communicate, Cooperate & Celebrate for Common Goals!"

A STATUE FOR LASTING GLOBAL HAPPINESS IN ETHICAL COMMUNITY FOR PEACE” SUPPORTED ON THE” RING OF PEACEFUL UNDERSTANDING

A Proposed New National-International Monument Design to be Adapted as Feasible Around the World A Concrete Vision to Inspire Citizens' Participation & Commitment to "Universal Peace Ethics" "Our Highest Common Ideals"

Concept Paper by Peter Bruce DuMont Co-Founder STAR ALLIANCE FOUNDATION "Peace Education & Inspiration for All" A Nonprofit Initiative Since 1985 ©2006 STAR ALLIANCE (July 24 Update) All Rights Reserved * *

* * * Historical context of the Symbol: The Statue of Liberty in New York harbor was constructed with the support of many thousands of individual citizens from townships throughout France, and installed with corresponding support from many thousands of citizens of the United States. The welcoming figure has become an icon of American values, particularly freedom and independence. It stands as a beacon of hope for the world.

The STAR ALLIANCE foundation a citizens' initiative for peace since 1985” proposes a monument design of complementary universal impact and meaning with major elements that can be incorporated into site-specific applications throughout the world. A founding installation is suggested at Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay, to complete a symbolic bridge with the Statue of Liberty stretching "from sea to shining sea."

"The Statue for Lasting Global Happiness" will stand on "The Ring of Peaceful Understanding," integrating successfully with existing structures on Alcatraz to heighten the impact of each. The monument will promote national and global citizens' unity in the spirit of "all tribes" commitment to the community values which can sustain freedom in responsibility to the whole United States and the whole Earth: humanity's "Highest Common Ideals."

* Historical Context of the Founding Site. In the sweeping course of geologic history, Mother Nature has kindly provided a dramatic rock pedestal near San Francisco's Golden Gate. "Alcatraz Island" is viewed by many thousands daily from "Fisherman's Wharf," "Pacific Heights" and other prime view points, and serves as a magnetic attraction to millions annually from throughout the United States and the world. The island is considered sacred in Native American culture.In the last few "seconds" of geologic time, the United States government has used Alcatraz to support two great institutions of conflict: a Civil War fort, and a prison. The prison, vacant since the 1960's, remains a relic of intense historical fascination and a mighty economic engine for global tourism. The American Indian Movement hosts two popular occasions there each Autumn. The question arises: does society want to maintain forever an unmitigated prison theme on this magnificent natural pedestal? If we are honest, we will admit that the prison by itself, while interesting to many, is also a depressing mega-monument to social isolation and failure; a most questionable "highest and best use" for such a spectacular natural site.

The Invitation: Without detracting unduly from the island's present economic, environmental, social and historical assets; we can add to them, just as the Golden Gate Bridge has added to the beauty and function of its natural and built settings. The STAR ALLIANCE foundation invites the National Park Service, the American Indian movement and other ethnic communities; architects, artists, leaders and the general public to come together in the spirit of public service for "all tribes" of the human race: to help create a counterbalancing, spiritually refreshing public statement on "The Rock!" with universal meaning and near universal appeal. Envision with us the spectacular new sight and experience which will add function and pleasure, aesthetic appeal, and major symbolic and educational value to the island while keeping disruption of natural habitat to a minimum. "The Ring of Peaceful Understanding" Utilizing mainly airspace, and drawing on the Native American and otherwise ubiquitous symbol of the hoop or ring, the "Ring of Peaceful Understanding" is elevated horizontally above the main prison block at the top of the island, supported by several massive yet graceful "flying arches" rooted in The Rock around. From a distance The Ring appears somewhat like a halo or futuristic space station, centered on either the island itself or on the main prison, exceeding its walls. Stairways, escalators and "slidecar" elevators are integrated into the archways. The landing dock and public and service pathways have been enhanced, but apart from optional development of the parade grounds, the new "footprint" on the island is essentially limited to the foundations of the archways."The Statue of Lasting Global Happiness." Atop The Ring stands an impressive circle of heroic human figures, cast in bronze or sheathed in copper or other durable and aesthetic media.The circle represents the diverse family of humanity: young and old, male and female; from different ethnic and cultural groups around the world. Native American and other indigenous peoples appear prominently in traditional, ceremonial regalia. The figures surround a domed or spherical representation of Planet Earth, our common home. Their arms are raised high above their heads; hands forever inter-clasped in a joyful and strengthening circular gesture of solidarity and mutual support; "Communicating, Cooperating and Celebrating in the pursuit of happiness” a process made efficient, effective and sustainable by adherence to "universal peace ethics." The Tower of Starlight Rising from the "planetary" center and towering above all is a steel and glass "fountain of light," culminating in a splay of stars to which the figures' gazes are uplifted and fixed. The stars represent humanity's "Highest Common Ideals" (Please see www.STARALLIANCE.org) ” values not of one group or faction but those with which everyone can choose to connect and integrate peacefully and sustainably within themselves, their families, communities and the entire human race. Represented are ideals of "universal mutual respect and goodwill, honesty and integrity, fairness, responsibility, compassion and friendship in support of these common timeless values and specific social goals."There is an unswerving global commitment in this context to resolve common conflicts peacefully for mutual and universal safety and fulfillment. Public Access on the Roof of The Ring. The public is allowed and encouraged to visit the roof of The Ring, which is fitted with a protective, decorative railing and alarm system to minimize danger to visitors. Handsome plaques tell about the origin, meaning and special details of each of the figures and other features of the monument. They also explain views of the environs and describe scientific facts illuminating the geologic and cosmic contexts in which Earth and humanity exist. Individual, hand-painted peace tiles from every state of the Union and every member country of the United Nations are incorporated into the rim walls, deck and statuary bases. In good weather, flags of all countries which endorse and enact the universal values for which the statue stands are flown.

Timeless Symbolism and Impact: Observing The Ring from the outside, the symbolism is bold and clear: peaceful "under-standing" is that supportive, shared knowledge and culture of peace which ideally stands under where we stand for universal peace and progress. Unified by a common commitment to our clearly-declared "universal peace ethics;" humanity in community rises above persistent conflicts and achieves dynamic, peaceful coexistence and progress. But breaking away from such constant commitment and performance, the world of isolation and suffering awaits all too readily below. The dramatic, complementary and opposing elements of the combined monument heighten each other's impact in a graphically bold, concrete and realistic way, providing a timeless source of public impact, inspiration and education for the ethical ways of lasting peace. A degree of conflict is a natural part of life. Conflicts will always be with us simply due to the nature of individuality, limited resources and time. But handled skillfully, efficiently, and early according to common ethics; conflicts can be kept at a very low level; their severest symptoms neutralized early and peacefully. The ongoing, nonviolent work of resolving and transforming conflicts efficiently into positive engines for growth generates greater, more enduring levels of understanding, and solutions which uplift each individual and the entire, diverse community of hunanity toward that great and increasingly universal ideal: "a more perfect union." Native American and Indigenous People are especially invited to help "ground" creation of the monument in this high and healing common spirit; and continually to help educate, uplift and enjoy public harmony at the monument and everywhere.

The Inner Deck of The Ring: The inner deck of The Ring is sheltered from the elements by its overhanging roof. It is alternately glassed-in and open. All around its perimeter, spectacular views are afforded: San Francisco and the Golden Gate; Marin County and Angel Island, Yerba Buena and Treasure Islands; the East Bay and the luminous Bay Bridge. On the inner, circular wall of The Ring, which surrounds the structural and service core (or alternatively, a cylindrical space decorated with individual peace tiles, etc.) are backlit displays of cultural and historical fascination. Some are permanent and some are periodically refreshed depending on design details. (Please see the section below entitled: "More on the Displays.") An inner hallway with walls of see-through glass allows physical and visual access to the innermost ring wall, with its continuous displays, and to the midrange spaces. An outer perimeter walkway allows for unobstructed views outbound all around The Ring, as well as for natural light inflows and visual access to most of the activities going on inside The Ring. Skylights in the interior ceilings further enhance natural lighting and allow unique perspectives on the figures and "fountain of stars" towering above. There is a sense of pleasing transparency throughout, contrasting with the dense, opaque prison below. In between the two glass-walled hallways are periodic restaurant and lounge spaces, a theater, a small planetarium, museum and meeting spaces; and open passageways. (A theater, planetarium and/or a unique observation space may also be created inside the central globe or below the partial, Earth-dome structure in the middle, depending on final design, engineering and cost considerations. It is not impossible to conceive of one or more rotation features incorporated into The Ring itself. The globe portion could certainly rotate to good effect at reasonable cost; if not an entire inner or outer section of The Ring.) Citizens' Participation Television & Web Studios. An "ALL STAR ALLIANCE," Citizens' Television, Radio and Web-casting feature is incorporated into the monument, allowing visitors to record and broadcast their reactions to the monument and to comment on subjects bearing on world peace: friendship, understanding, transformation of conflict and celebration. Broadcasts go over the web, and additional participation is solicited from KQED and other TV and radio stations; and PBS; NPR, PRI and other national, international and global networks. The tone of public participation is guided and inspired by the purpose and quality of the monument, and by the STAR ALLIANCE "Citizens' Declaration of Highest Common Ideals" and "Individual Citizen's Pledge of Good Will and Peace." Additional monuments incorporating a similar feature will add to a cooperative "ALL STAR ALLIANCE" Citizens' Peace Media Network.

More on the Displays: On the inner Ring wall are impressive treatments of the United Nations Charter Preamble and excerpts of the text (signed in San Francisco in 1945); The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Covenants on Economic and Social Rights; The International Convention on the Rights of the Child; etc.. Highlighting the element of citizen participation so important to the achievement of lasting domestic and world peace, historic early editions of the STAR ALLIANCE Citizens' Peace Declarations for children and adults; and the "Declaration of Highest Common Ideals" will be displayed. These bear the signatures of noted celebrity achievers and everyday citizens alike. In adjoining rooms, visitors may sign updated editions of "The Declaration of Highest Common Ideals" and "Individual Citizens' Pledge for Goodwill and Peace;" and make individual, hand-painted peace tiles to be displayed: publicly in some cases, or taken home. These activities enhance the modeling value of the monument for citizen participation in all parts of the nation and our world. Design-process and space allowing, periodic displays and multimedia showings will educate visitors on subjects of more general history and social, religious and cultural anthropology; delighting them with art and technology; enlivening aspects of multicultural unity, distinction and fascination. The "STAR ALLIANCE" Specialty Restaurant(s). Incorporating popular recommendations, highly regarded ethnic chefs are invited periodically to cook and be recorded at The Ring for public television programming, using one or more prime restaurant spaces. These "chefs of renown" donate their services for short periods in return for the special recognition, privilege and pleasure of serving at The Ring; where the quality of their meals delight visitors and add to the stellar reputation of the new Alcatraz experience. Funds saved from the master chef's donated appearances go to the People's Lasting Peace Education and Friendship Fund. This fund benefits STAR ALLIANCE programs and a coalition of member charities working for world peace and understanding. A substantial portion of profits from the restaurant operations as a whole goes to the help pay for the monument and the island's operating costs as necessary.

Summary of Regional, National and Global Benefits: Given its comprehensive and high purpose, this project is sure to draw support from a broad spectrum of society. Anticipated social support will in no way be limited to, but will surely include the ecumenical and cross-cultural faith sectors. Without unduly favoring any faction, the monument will celebrate the rich weave of ethnic, religious and cultural communities which is now America, as more and more She gathers, reflects and integrates the world into a peaceful and sustainable whole. Peaceful and sustainable if people choose broadly, wisely and consistently for the universal ethics which support the processes of inclusive peace. This "if" encompasses both the glory and danger of human freedom. It is precisely why it is so important to support widespread public commitment to genuinely universal ethics which are not tied to specific religious beliefs; using public and private institutions, resources, alliances and prominent public places. The experience of visiting Alcatraz and viewing it from a distance will be enhanced beautifully, dramatically and continuously by The Statue for Lasting Global Happiness, supported on The Ring of Peaceful Understanding. The positive impact will extend to the entire Bay Area and its tourist-dependent economies, and far beyond, via Citizens' Media broadcasts and word of mouth. This new national and global monument, starting from its public planning, support and creation process, will attract global publicity, uplift public spirit, help neutralize the present environment of global social fears and (mutual) hostilities, and provide a focal point for many ongoing, positive public impacts. It will be a truly universal symbol of good will, peace ethics and friendship; a teaching tool and inspiration for those now living and all future generations. The reputation of San Francisco as birthplace of the United Nations and now a "universe-class" City of Peace will be continuously enhanced. The reputation of the United States of America as a leader in human rights, benevolent leadership and progress toward peace will significantly improve, starting at once and continuing. Everyone will "win." * * * * *

An added Design & Construction Note. The Ring could conceivably be placed over the parade ground with advantages for initial ease of construction and possibly reduced operating costs. However this would result in a sharp decline in symbolism as well as badly degrading the envisioned views from both observation decks, and the views observing the island and monument from afar. In the end, this initially easier location might prove "penny wise and pound foolish" for both aesthetic and economic reasons. Furthermore, if The Ring utilizes the airspace as suggested, the parade ground area can be used to construct a dedicated space for the Native American and Indigenous People's communities, at least partially fulfilling their long-expressed and richly deserved appeal to establish a special learning center or even a university headquarters on the island.

Initial Contact Points (2006 June): STAR ALLIANCE” Peace Education Foundation: Peter B. DuMont Co-Founder and President P.O. Box 11125 Berkeley, California 94712 Tel: 510-848-1818 Fax: 510-649-8425 E-Mail: PeterDuMont@STARALLIANCE.org (Note: Telephone or fax are preferred for most timely guaranteed responses at present.) * www.STARALLIANCE.org