Editor’s Note: As we approach the end of 2015 and prepare to move into a new year, I invite you to read the annual Ground Zero letter that was sent to many supporters by postal mail at the end of November. It’s a wonderful summary of the events of the past year along with a glimpse of what’s to come in 2016. Best wishes to all, and hope to see you at Ground Zero in 2016.
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November 14, 2015
Dear Friends:
This is our annual report of activities, and an appeal for funds for Ground Zero.trailer movie Nocturnal Animals 2016
Thank you for your past contributions and for keeping us in your thoughts. We especially appreciate your support at Ground Zero events throughout the year. Please join us whenever you can.
Nonviolent direct action continues to be our emphasis at Ground Zero—knowing that ordinary citizens are capable of great sacrifice and achievements for peace. We work to provide the tools, and hopefully the inspiration for others to continue resistance to the Trident weapons system and for the abolition of all nuclear weapons.
In August 2015, Hans Kristensen of the Federation of American Scientists stated that Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor “remains the largest operational concentration of warheads in the United States, probably in the order of 1,500 warheads.”
The U.S. nuclear weapons modernization program is doing everything possible to increase the killing power of nuclear warheads and delivery systems. Greater first strike capabilities of U.S. warheads against Russian silos and command centers increase the risk of a false alert leading to a nuclear war.
It is our responsibility to confront and expose the dangers of nuclear weapons today. We believe that our efforts help pave the way toward nuclear disarmament by increased citizen involvement through nonviolent direct action.
Ground Zero works to stay an effective and sustainable organization in this effort. We are an all-volunteer organization where members are not compensated for time, travel or other personal expenses. All of our decisions at Ground Zero are made by strict consensus, meaning that one person can block a decision. When we reach agreement, we can move forward together.
In 2015, Ground Zero members spoke against Trident nuclear weapons in Kitsap County courtrooms as a result of nonviolent actions at the Bangor base. Members continued to speak out against nuclear weapons in classrooms and workshops, public meetings, radio and video interviews, newspapers, and through demonstrations in Seattle and in Kitsap County.
We continue with our informative and acclaimed Ground Zero newsletter, a campaign against the Trident replacement submarines, the Peace Fleet, and local community outreach, as well as our growing alliance with other peace and justice communities in the region.
In April 2015, our Ground Zero website was found to contain a large number of malicious files. Our webmaster is rebuilding the site and we are trying our hand at better use of social media such as Facebook.
In April 2016, eight Ground Zero members will be on trial in federal District Court in Tacoma for the Hiroshima/Nagasaki demonstration when members blocked the base entrance and spread ashes on the highway on the base. In 2016, we will finally hear arguments in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals for the Ground Zero and WPSR lawsuit against the second Explosives Handling Wharf.
In 2016, we will be involved in a number of new activities:
- We will be supporting the Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist monks for the planned ground-breaking and construction of the Peace Pagoda on Ground Zero property.
- We will also be supporting the Veterans for Peace newly rebuilt 30-foot sailboat–the Golden Rule in its first journey to the Northwest. This is the sailboat that sailed in 1958 to protest nuclear atmospheric testing in the South Pacific. Plans are being made for the Golden Rule to join with Ground Zero in Hood Canal and with the Peace Fleet in August.
- We are also excited to begin a Ground Zero quarterly radio show on Mike McCormick’s low power radio station with Internet access.
We would be remiss not to mention the loss of Ground Zero members William “Bix” Bichsel, Jerry Schlaman, Renee Krisko, and others. Words cannot begin to tell the story of their lives. Their presence is missed.
To all Ground Zero supporters, we promise to remain true to our Mission Statement, which reads:
Founded in 1977, Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action offers the opportunity to explore the meaning and practice of nonviolence from a perspective of deep spiritual reflection, providing a means for witnessing to and resisting all nuclear weapons, especially Trident. We seek to go to the root of violence and injustice in our world and experience the transforming power of love through nonviolent direct action.
Please join us in supporting and actively participating in this very important work.
Peace and Love,
