Beating Swords to Plowshares

*by Kathy Kelly, Voices for Creative Nonviolence Inscribed on a wall across from the United Nations in New York City are ancient words of incalculable yearning: “They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.” – Isaiah 2:4 I’ve stood with activists in front of that same wall singing Down by the Riverside, a song promising we’ll lay down our swords and shields, -“and study war no more, no more.” In memorably eloquent words spoken after the onset of COVID-19, the […]

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Don’t Expect Rulers of Nuclear-Armed Nations to Accept Nuclear Disarmament―Unless They’re Pushed to Do So

Characteristically, all the nuclear powers have rejected the 2017 UN treaty prohibiting nuclear weapons By Lawrence Wittner At the beginning of February 2019, the two leading nuclear powers took an official step toward resumption of the nuclear arms race.  On February 1, the U.S. government, charging Russian violations of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, announced that it would pull out of the agreement and develop new intermediate-range missiles banned by it.  The following day, Russian President Vladimir Putin suspended his government’s observance of the treaty, claiming that this was done as a “symmetrical” response to the U.S. action and that Russia would develop nuclear weapons outlawed […]

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The Golden Rule in Poulsbo June 28th

The Golden Rule, under the command of Ground Zero Center’s Cap’n Tom (Jolly) Rogers, is making its way to Puget Sound where it will be making many stops this summer. This historic peace boat is once again sailing as an emissary for peace and nuclear disarmament. You will be able to meet the crew, tour the boat, and even take a sail at some locations. One of the first stops here in Washington will be in Poulsbo. Tuesday June 28, 2016, 7:00 pm – 9:00pm Kitsap Regional Library, Poulsbo Branch, 700 NE Lincoln Rd, Poulsbo, WA 98370 Meet the crew, […]

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Obama’s Hiroshima visit has a unique Northwest link

EDITOR’S NOTE:  Glen Milner, of Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action, wrote this Op/Ed to provide a broader perspective on President Obama’s historic visit to Hiroshima than the one found in most of the corporate press. Beyond apologies (and empty rhetoric), humanity needs real, concrete actions toward a nuclear weapons-free world! Thanks to Crosscut.com for publishing Glen’s Op/Ed, originally published yesterday, May 26, 2016. ********************** Obama’s Hiroshima visit has a unique Northwest link by Glen Milner When President Obama announced Friday’s visit to Hiroshima, local media outlets provided a one-size-fits-all script: “Japanese welcome Obama visit to Hiroshima, apology or not.” Our regional history and […]

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