There is bad news, scary news, and good news about reducing the threat of nuclear war.
The bad news, belated though it may be, is that the world came very close to Armageddon in 1962 during the Cuban missile crisis. To learn more about what could have been an apocalypse, read Noam Chomsky’s article in the UK Guardian and watch this video.
If nuclear war had not been averted 50 years ago, you might not be here today.
The scary news is that there are over 10,000 nuclear warheads in the world, that nine countries have tested nuclear weapons, and that nuclear weapons proliferation continues despite the Non-Proliferation Treaty.
The video above provides a dramatic visual reminder of the dangerous spreading of nuclear weapons around the world and the devastation they can produce.
The good news is that efforts continue to reduce the risk of nuclear war and move towards disarmament.
The United Nations has declared October 24-October 30 to be International Disarmament Week . This is a good week to start taking action.
Join the millions of people who have protested against nuclear armaments in the decades since the U.S. became the first and only nation to drop atomic bombs on a civilian population.
To “arm” yourself with the facts of the nuclear arms race and the counter-force for disarmament, invest 18 minutes of your time in watching an excellent video.
And while you are at it, please invest in EngagingPeace.com. Just click on the Donate button on the right. A one-time donation or monthly or weekly donation of as little as $10 is another way you can work for peace by supporting our educational efforts. Thank you!
Kathie Malley-Morrison, Professor of Psychology