TOM H. HASTINGS: Lawrence S. Wittner embodies two roles to me. First, he is a first-rate academic historian, a scholar whose work defies what academicians call validity threats. That is a good thing, because he needs that in order to continue surviving in his second role that I find especially exemplary; he is a public scholar whose work challenges those who are in power and empowers “and challenges” those who work from the grassroots.
Perennial Plowshares Activist Jailed on Hiroshima Day
FR. CARL KABAT: Fr. Carl Kabat marked Hiroshima Day this year by slipping into a Colorado missile silo and hammering on a nuclear weapon, for which he was arrested. He entered the site at about 8:30 a.m. By 8:34 he had hung banners and begun to symbolically disarm the missile. Security forces moved in at 8:57. This is his statement:
OPW Develops Peace Visioning Project
PETER BERGEL: The peace movement in the United States has had few new ideas for decades. We are still using the main organizing tools we used in the 60s and before: demonstrating, educating, lobbying and electioneering. Occasionally we also engage in civil resistance direct actions to halt something particularly egregious. Most of these approaches are drawing less support than they used to (with the notable exception of the School of the Americas protests each fall at Ft. Benning, GA).
Burrito Booth Generates Fun, Dollars
PETER BERGEL: OPW’s annual Burrito Booth fundraiser at the Salem Art Fair generated about $3,500 for OPW projects as well as giving some 60-70 volunteers a great chance to work together in a delightful, peaceful atmosphere serving organic vegetarian burritos to hungry fairgoers.
Walkers, Coastal Contacts Needed for Climate Crisis Walk
A group of dedicated people is organizing a 35-day walk from Coos Bay to Portland, via Astoria — a total of 350 miles at an average pace of ten miles a day. Walkers and organizers will meet with local residents along the route to talk about the threat of rising sea level due to global warming.
Corvallis Peace Fair to Mark International Day of Peace
CHARLES NEWLIN: The United Nations’ International Day of Peace – celebrated every year on September 21 – is a global holiday when individuals, communities, nations and governments highlight efforts to end conflict and promote peace. Established by U.N. resolution in 1982, “Peace Day” has grown to include millions of people around the world who participate in all kinds of events, large and small (www.internationaldayofpeace.org).