“IF WE CAN RISK NUCLEAR WAR, WE CAN RISK NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT”
By Mack Johnson
Concerned about nuclear war? How about the CBO’s new estimate that the US nuclear modernization program will cost $1.2 TRILLION DOLLARS? And what about that guy in the White House with his tiny finger on the button? If these issues occupy your mind, and if you want some fun and fellowship while trying the save the planet, here is a suggestion: please come to the Ground Zero Center for our August activities to help stand up against the madness of preparing for nuclear war. 2017 is the 72nd anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and is a vital time to work against the Trident weapons system and its immense costs and dangers.
This has been a busy year for GZ, with many new or resumed activities such as leafleting, a workshop at the Seattle MLK Rally, a second round of bus ads, an Earth Day action, a gate action in coordination with PLC, and more. Both regular GZ activists and newcomers have been joining in for everything from weeding the grounds to risking arrest. With all of this, it is good to reflect that the anniversary of the atomic bombings is the most important opportunity to remind the public of the horrendous destructiveness of nuclear weapons and to take both concrete and symbolic steps to oppose them.
Our events take place this year a bit later in the month due to the From Hiroshima To Hope ceremony’s being on Sunday August 6. The Ground Zero Center will be open for visitors and overnight participants beginning the evening of Friday, August 11, with a private screening of Helen Young’s film, The Nuns, the Priests, and the Bomb. Peacewalkers arrive at GZ Saturday August 12 in time for the second Boats By Bangor waterborne protest on Hood Canal, with an evening concert by musician and longtime GZ stalwart, Tom Rawson. Sunday the 13th is a full day of events at Ground Zero, including a Trident orientation and slide show, nonviolence training, planning and discernment for action at the Bangor gates, and time to vigil, write messages to the federal government, or make peace cranes as attendees desire. That evening is a second concert, a special Pete Seeger tribute by local folkies Hank ‘n’ Claire with a multimedia slide show. GZ’s vigil and nonviolent direct action at Bangor is bright and early on the morning of August 14. Workers arriving for the morning shift will have time to consider the costs and consequences of America’s nuclear weapons programs when Ground Zero activists bring our message of love and sanity right before their eyes.
A detailed schedule is at the Ground Zero Events Calendar.
Click here to view and download the full-page event flyer. A quarter-page version is also available, and is great for handing out. Click here for the quarter-page version.
Co-organizers Mary Gleysteen, Mack Johnson, and Elizabeth Murray are looking forward to seeing as many people as possible for our gathering. Invite your partner! Tell your friends! Helpers and kayakers wanted! Bring your dog! Take a few steps for peace and the earth, and GZ will help you take more.
