Peace activists focus attention on nuclear disarmament
an article by Jon Vote and Cary Vigneri

Omaha, Nebraska. About 50 people and two 10 foot tall puppets with large styrofoam hands that read "NO MORE WMD" gathered in Gene Leahy Mall downtown August 7 in somber remembrance of the tragedy that befell the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which were devastated by atomic destruction 59 years ago. Socially progressive music and impassioned speeches by local activists made up the program that lasted from 7:00 PM until dusk.

Then on August 8, the second annual SOS 2004-Farewell to Arms SpeakOut was held at the nearby military base of StratCom. It was a polite anti-nuclear protest, blessed by uncharacteristically fabulous Omaha weather. The protest was singularly underreported in the local media and very nearly ignored by even the local and base police, yet despite some of this less than glowing detail, SOS 2004-Farewell to Arms was a marvelous testament to the spirit of peacemakers.

Participants affirmed and strengthened their commitment to working in their diverse ways for a cooperative and harmonious society, and found strength in acknowledging one another's great worth and purpose. They presented a consistent theme, that the US' illegal use or threat of use of nuclear weapons, past and present, constitute crimes against humanity. There was consensus, as well, that those responsible for high crimes against society, of any nationality, must acknowledge their crimes, apologize and be held fully accountable.

Both Father Ken Vavrina, speaking at the commemoration on Friday, and Frank Cordaro, who addressed the Saturday rally, echoed one another in noting religious communities are failing to adequately teach and support an anti-nuclear position.

The Central Nebraskans for Peace exhibited the "Wall of Remembrance," which memorializes the fallen troops from the current Iraq hostilities at the workshops site.

Ideas for SOS 2005 already have begun percolating in planners' heads; suggestions and comments are welcome. Call, write or email the Omaha chapter of NFP: 402-453-0776 NFP, POBox3343, Omaha, NE 68103 nfpomaha@redjellyfish.net

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What would mobilize people against the threat of nuclear weapons?


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MARCHES AND PROTESTS

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I don't know whether marches and protests mobilize people against the threat of nuclear weapons, but whenever I read the comments of Zia Mian, I re-dedicate myself to trying harder to raise awareness which I hope will translate to action.In an article in The News International, August 6,2005, he called attention to the Pakistan Peace Coalition, and the Indian Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament and Peace. "The leaders in both countries must be taught, over and over again, that the people will not allow a nuclear war to be fought. There should never be a word in any other language for hibakusha.

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