Professional Documents
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be Acrobat Reader. We’ve set it to open in regular view. It is easier Page One
to read in full screen view. To access this mode just press CTRL “L” Iraqi War Price Tag Tops $3 Trillion.......1
(PC) or CMD “L” (MAC). To return to regular mode, press ESC. This Iraq War Protest at Ports May 1............1
version is printable and word-searchable. Opinion
Military Budget Threatens Survival........... 2
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other web and email links in blue scattered throughout the text Warfare and Healthcare .......................... 3
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the Table of Contents, use the button at the bottom of any page. Thoughts of an Ex-Marine Officer............. 4
To back up or go forward use the arrow keys at the bottom of your Real US Threat is Debt Crisis................... 8
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How to Deal with the Democrats.............. 9
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Paying the Penalty for Nonviolence........ 11
Enjoy browsing the new PeaceWorker. Please pass the link along to Beltway Bulletin. ......................12-13
your friends. If you have suggestions, please let us know.
Letters to the Editor.....................15
Focus: Earthday 2008
Planetary Health Demands Action . ....... 16
Wars & Other Conflicts Cripple World.... 17
H ighlights
Our planet’s life support systems are not holding up well to destruc-
Brief-ings.........................................20
5% Solutions to Global Warming
1/3 Military Budget Could Cure US......... 21
Studies: Need Near Zero Carbon . ........ 22
tive human activities. In honor of Earth Day, The PeaceWorker takes a Holy Shift! Baptists for Climate Change... 23
closer look at just how the planet is faring. See pages 16-17. Blumenauer’s Bike Share Program........ 24
Smart Stuff
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS:
Climate of Fear: Global Warming........... 25
Seize Opportunity to Abolish Nucs......... 25
In the Vietnam Era, the beginning of the end was when service members What’s Happening
turned their back on the war and the military. “Thoughts of an Ex-Marine Hold Abusive Military Accountable.......... 26
Officer Turned Peace Activist” updates that trend and “‘Winter Soldiers’ Progress: Halting Nuclear Development.... 27
Demand Elimination of War” explores today’s soldier-activism.......4 & 10 State OPW News
Is it just too expensive to cut carbon emissions by the 80% Give Peace a Dance April 26...............28
required? “One-Third of Military Budget Could Cure U.S. Carbon 5% Solution Project Surges Forward...28
Addiction” says it’s possible and affordable... ............................. 21
Calendar . ...................................30-33
Remember nuclear weapons? They’re still a major threat to life on
earth, but we may be able to eliminate them. “Seize the Opportunity
to Abolish Nuclear Weapons” explains........................................... 25
peaceworker
the
T
he Bush administration was wrong With virtually the entire armed forces they might reach $200 billion. But this
about the benefits of the war and committed to fighting the Germans and estimate was dismissed as “baloney”
it was wrong about the costs of Japanese, the cost per troop (in today’s by the Defense Secretary, Donald
the war. The president and his advisers dollars) was less than $100,000 in 2007 Rumsfeld. His deputy, Paul Wolfowitz,
dollars. By contrast, the Iraq war is suggested that postwar reconstruction
expected a quick, inexpensive conflict.
costing upward of $400,000 per troop. could pay for itself through increased
Instead, we have a war that is costing more oil revenues. Mitch Daniels, the Office
than anyone could have imagined. of Management and Budget director,
Public Has Not Felt the Cost
and Secretary Rumsfeld estimated
The cost of direct U.S. military Most Americans have yet to feel these
the costs in the range of $50 to $60
operations not even including long- costs. The price in blood has been paid by our
billion, a portion of which they believed
term costs such as taking care of wounded voluntary military and by hired contractors. The
would be financed by other countries.
veterans already exceeds the cost of price in treasure has, in a sense, been financed
(Adjusting for inflation, in 2007 dollars,
the 12-year war in Vietnam and is more entirely by borrowing. Taxes have not been
they were projecting costs of between
than double the cost of the Korean War. raised to pay for it in fact, taxes on the rich
$57 and $69 billion.) The tone of the
Even in the best case scenario, these have actually fallen. Deficit spending gives
entire administration was cavalier, as if
costs are projected to be almost ten times the illusion that the laws of economics can be
the sums involved were minimal.
the cost of the first Gulf War, almost a repealed, that we can have both guns and butter.
Even Lindsey, after noting that the
third more than the cost of the Vietnam But of course the laws are not repealed. The
war could cost $200 billion, went on to
War, and twice that of the First World costs of the war are real even if they have been
say: “The successful prosecution of the
War. The only war in our history which deferred, possibly to another generation.
war would be good for the economy.” In
cost more was the Second World War, On the eve of war, there were
retrospect, Lindsey grossly underestimated
when 16.3 million U.S. troops fought in discussions of the likely costs. Larry
both the costs of the war itself and the
a campaign lasting four years, at a total Lindsey, President Bush’s economic
costs to the economy. Assuming that
cost (in 2007 dollars, after adjusting adviser and head of the National
Congress approves the rest of the $200
for inflation) of about $5 trillion. Economic Council, suggested that (Continued on page 6)
E
ven though the U.S. already I become that the situation is not just every month. Congress has allowed the
spends more for its military urgent, it’s dire. We have very little time government to “borrow” the surplus from
to make enormous changes and if we fail an otherwise healthy Social Security
than the rest of the world’s to make them, we are literally cooked. system in order to understate the size of its
countries put together, all three leading The good news is that it really wouldn’t annual budget deficits to the point where
presidential candidates are calling for take all that much money, compared to retirement benefits duly earned by working
increased military spending. April is the the military budget, to address global Americans are now at risk. The dollar has
month when the bill for this profligacy warming. A Scientific American article been falling steadily in value. Family wage
lays out a plan for meeting about a third of jobs have been moved to other countries
comes due for U.S. taxpayers and it’s U.S. energy needs with solar technology. by so-called “free trade” policies, while
also the month in which, since 1970, we The price tag is $420 billion between now irresponsible and greedy lending practices
have observed Earth Day. and 2050 a mere $10 billion per year. are undermining the solvency of our
That’s less than today’s fossil fuel subsidies. banking system. It’s not a good time to be
Survival Demands As the article concludes, “The greatest proposing additional federal spending.
obstacle to implementing a renewable U.S. On the other hand, global security
Huge Changes energy system is not technology or money, demands that we quickly make the kinds of
Continuing military spending at the however. It is the lack of public awareness changes Lipow mentions. Today’s security
current level is literally likely to doom that solar power is a practical alternative challenges are not the kind that can be met by
life on the earth. This is not just rhetoric, — and one that can fuel transportation as military action. Compared to the threats posed
it’s the sad, but sober truth. Being a well.” by global warming and peak oil, international
fundamentally optimistic person, I’m Still, as Gar Lipow notes in terrorism is a minor inconvenience and the
not usually inclined to engage in such “Eliminating fossil fuels is friggin’ occupation of Iraq is nothing but a distraction.
massive negativity, but we Americans cheap” on the Grist website, the Scientific Conclusion: the money has to come
can’t keep ignoring this situation with a American timeline is too long, the from the military budget. That money
sigh and a shake of the head. “Yes, but plan is not ambitious enough and it was supposedly appropriated to make us
what can I do?” just won’t cut it any more has some other shortcomings (which more secure. (Well, to be honest it was
if human survival is of interest to you. Lipow explains). Addressing these and appropriated in order to make the reelection
Those are pretty flamboyant shortening the timeline by half (20 of members of Congress more secure, but
statements, I can hear you thinking. How years), raises the price quite a bit let’s not go there in this column.) If security
can you justify them? to an estimated $3.4 trillion over 20 is the goal, then let’s focus on some real
I was hoping you’d ask. years. Nevertheless, even with Lipow’s security threats. Global warming is at the
First, current military spending conservative assumptions, that amounts to top of that list and Lipow’s suggestions
endangers Americans more than it about $170 billion a year, or about a third begin to suggest what that kind of security
protects them. More on that in a minute. of the Pentagon’s annual budget (which will cost. We can’t afford not to do it.
More importantly, the “opportunity cost” does not even count the cost of the Iraq
of devoting so much of our wealth to the and Afghanistan occupations). Another
military is that we then lack the money
Cut the Military
way to look at it is that the occupations
to address genuine threats like global themselves are expected to cost pretty Improve Security
warming, inadequate health care and the close to that amount during the next year. Additional good news is that cutting the
other environmental threats mentioned in military budget substantially is likely to actually
my focus topic article on page 17. improve our national and global security.
Where’s the Money
Suppose we cut the military budget
Come From? by two-thirds. One-third goes to dealing
The Opportunity Cost
We are probably all aware that our with global warming a la Lipow, thereby
The more I study the dangers posed economy is quite unstable right now. The acting to secure our environment. The
to humanity and other life forms on this U.S. is the world’s largest debtor nation other third goes to repaying the “loan” to
planet by global warming, the more aware and is running up huge trade deficits (Continued on page 7)
page Table of Contents april 2008
the peaceworker http://www.oregonpeaceworks.org
I
t’s kind of logical -- in a pathological for a “single payer” system — in effect, declared that an “immediate challenge
way. A country that devotes a Medicare for Americans of all ages. Most that will confront the next administration”
vast array of resources to killing students seem to think it’s a good idea. is the matter of “how to tame the soaring
capabilities will steadily undermine its But once in a while, someone vocally costs of Medicare and Medicaid.” The
objects that such an arrangement would news article pointedly noted that current
potential for healing. For social justice.
be “socialism.” The objection takes me federal spending for those health-related
For healthcare as a human right. back to the media uproar of early 1965. programs adds up to $627 billion.
Today, we’re left with the unfulfilled I’ve been waiting for a New York Times
Arriving at Spiritual Death potential of Medicare for all. It could news story to declare that an immediate
Martin Luther King Jr. described the make healthcare real as a human right. It challenge for the next administration will be
horrific trendline four decades ago: “A could spare our society a massive amount the matter of how to tame the soaring costs
nation that continues year after year to of money now going to administrative of the Pentagon. After all, the government’s
spend more money on military defense costs and corporate gouging. At last annual military spending — when you
than on programs of social uplift is count, annual insurance-industry profits factor in the supplemental bills for warfare
approaching spiritual death.” reached $57.5 billion in 2006. in Afghanistan and Iraq — is well above the
If a society keeps approaching spiritual On Capitol Hill, lobbyists for the $627 billion for Medicare and Medicaid that
death, it’s apt to arrive. Here’s an indicator: corporate profiteers are determined can cause such alarm in the upper reaches
Nearly one in six Americans has no health to block H.R. 676, the bill to create of the nation’s media establishment.
insurance, and tens of millions of others a universal single-payer system to Assessing the current presidential
are badly under-insured. Here’s another: implement healthcare as a human right. race, the Times reported: “The
The United States, the world’s preeminent In the current presidential campaign, Democrats do not say, in any detail,
warfare state, now spends about $2 billion none of the major candidates can be heard how they would slow the growth of
per day on military pursuits. raising the possibility of ejecting the Medicare and Medicaid or what they
Gaining healthcare for all will require gargantuan insurance industry from the think about the main policy options:
overcoming the priorities of the warfare nation’s healthcare system. Instead, there’s rationing care, raising taxes, cutting
state. That’s the genuine logic behind plenty of nattering about whether “mandates” payments to providers or requiring
the new “Healthcare NOT Warfare” are a good idea. Hillary Clinton even has beneficiaries to pay more.”
campaign, http://pdamerica.org/articles/ the audacity (not of hope but of duplicity) to There are other “policy options”
news/2008-03-05-12-05-43-news.php. equate proposed healthcare “mandates” with — including drastic cuts in the Pentagon
I remember the ferocious media debate the must-pay-in requirements that sustain budget. And healthcare for all.
over the proper government role in healthcare Social Security and Medicare. Norman Solomon, the author of War
— 43 years ago. As the spring of 1965 got For Clinton’s analogy to make Made Easy, is on the advisory board
underway, the bombast was splattering sense, we’d have to accept the idea that of Progressive Democrats of America.
across front pages and flying through requiring everyone to pay taxes to the PDA’s new nationwide petition for
airwaves. Many commentators warned that government for a common-good program Healthcare NOT Warfare is online at
a proposal for a vast new program would is akin to requiring everyone to pay http://www.thedatabank.com/dpg/309/
bring “socialism” and destroy the sanctity of premiums to private insurance companies defaultasp?formid=healthpet. The film
the free-enterprise system. The new federal for personal medical coverage. based on War Made Easy was recently
program was called Medicare. released to the national home-video
“Soaring Costs” market. For a review, visit http://www.
“Socialism” A recent New York Times story was
indiewire.com:80/movies/2008/03/
review_awinning.html.
These days, when speaking on authoritative as it plied the conventional
campuses, I bring up current proposals media wisdom. The lead sentence
page Table of Contents april 2008
the peaceworker http://www.oregonpeaceworks.org
Analysis
Thoughts of an Ex-Marine Officer
Turned Peace Activist
By Camillo “Mac” Bica
O
ften, as I’ve marched and of Iraq was a mistake - unjustifiable and unwarranted - based as it
www.bestcyrano.org
demonstrated for peace, was on false or distorted intelligence, deception and lies. Not even
I’ve been verbally assaulted, President Bush still believes, if he ever did, that Iraq possessed
accused of being un-American, weapons of mass destruction or was linked to the terrorist attacks
of 9/11. While the Bush administration has offered, after the fact,
unpatriotic, even treasonous by those
various other explanations for the war, e.g., removal of a tyrant,
who carried American flags, sang democratization, etc., none seem sincere nor constitute justification
inspiring hymns, and boisterously and under international law. Consequently, the invasion of Iraq is
stridently asserted their patriotism, love Camilo “Mac” Bica aggression. I am anti the Iraq war.
of country and support for the troops
through bullhorns. …and the Bush Administration
At this writing, many in our country are celebrating the
Thought Experiment “success” of the surge and of the “new” military strategy in
Most of this criticism I dismissed as a failure to understand the Iraq. However, military success and improved strategy does not
nature and the reality of war and the moral and political obligations afford a moral and legal basis for continuing, even escalating, the
of citizens in a democracy. I was confident in my patriotism, occupation - the aggression against the Iraqi people. How could
my love of America and my concern and support for the troops. achieving “victory” in such a scenario, i.e., the triumph of the
I had, after all, served honorably as a motivated United States aggressors over their victims, be legally and morally justified? I
Marine Corps officer in Vietnam. But when this disparagement am anti the continued occupation of Iraq.
and denunciation began coming from fellow veterans, I became My personal experiences in war led me to conclude that
disquieted and felt the need to seriously ponder the possibility that the morally tragic and legally reprehensible incidents such as
perhaps I had gone astray, violating some sacred trust or bond. have occurred at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and in Abu Ghraib,
So, what I offer in this essay is a thought experiment in self- Haditha, Fallujah and elsewhere in Iraq and Afghanistan
examination, an introspective journey into the mind and motivation were not the anomalous actions of a few aberrant individuals
of a former Marine turned peace activist. (I do not blame the troops) Instead, they were the direct
Perhaps my first realization in this exercise was that I allow at and inevitable consequence of the Bush administration’s
least the possibility that war, under very specific circumstances not incompetence, arrogance and contempt for the Constitution and
easily or often met, may be just, moral and necessary. Therefore, I the dictates of international law and treaties. What threatens
am not an absolute pacifist and, in the strict sense, I am not antiwar. the fabric and foundations of our way of life in these dangerous
times is not some amorphous, enigmatic horde of bloodthirsty
Opponent of THIS War… terrorists. Rather, it is the assault upon truth, individual freedom
I realized as well that I believe in the Constitution, the rule of and the values of justice and morality we hold sacred. I am anti
law, and support the fundamental purpose and mission of the United the Bush administration.
Nations, flawed though it may be, “to maintain international peace and It is clear from history that such criminal behavior, arrogance
security and to take effective collective measures for the prevention and hypocrisy - the characteristics of a rogue nation - brings no
and removal of threats to the peace, and for the suppression of acts of credibility, prestige or standing in the world, only disdain, animosity,
aggression or other breaches of the peace.” According to the United hatred and righteous indignation. Nor do acts of aggression bring
Nations General Assembly Resolution 3314 (XXIX), (international glory or vindication to those already killed or wounded in battle.
law), the unjustifiable and unwarranted “use of armed force by a State Justice and morality, the values I associate with being an American,
against the sovereignty, territorial integrity or political independence require that an unjust and immoral war be ended immediately; that
of another State,” is a crime of aggression. Therefore, I am anti the aggressors possess the moral courage to acknowledge their
aggression and unjust, immoral and unnecessary war. crime; that they make retribution to the victims of their aggression
Further, I believe in the rights and dignity of all human beings. and apologize to the citizens of the aggressed nation and the rest of
Rational analysis of the facts has convinced me that the invasion the world community for their transgression. I am anti rogue nation.
(Continued on page 5)
page Table of Contents april 2008
the peaceworker http://www.oregonpeaceworks.org
Analysis
Real U.S. Threat is Debt Crisis, Not Terrorism
By Bill Towe
T
he greatest threat to the U.S. and military spending increases are good for or deficit of a country plus cross-border
is not terrorism but the debt the economy. In fact, most economic models payments of interest, dividends, capital
crisis due to military spending, show that military spending diverts resources gains and other income. The U.S. is dead
budget deficits and trade deficits. from productive uses, such as consumption and last on the list. In 2006 the current account
investment, and ultimately slows economic deficit for the U.S. was $811 billion.
The President’s fiscal year 2009 budget growth and reduces employment.” Military To finance the growing military
proposes an additional $70 billion in war- Keynesianism does not work – it’s a form of spending, budget deficit, and trade deficit
related spending, on top of the $102.4 billion economic suicide. Due to excessive military the U.S. is borrowing funds from foreign
the administration continues to pursue for spending, the U.S. did not modernize or replace countries, particularly China and Japan. As
fiscal year 2008. The amount requested for our capital assets resulting in the U.S. becoming the dollar weakens, foreign countries are
fiscal year 2009 is merely a placeholder for the less competitive in the global market. becoming reluctant to finance U.S. wars.
first few months of the next fiscal year, vastly Just on economic grounds, the wars in
underestimating what would be required to …in Fact, We’re Dead Last Iraq and Afghanistan cannot be justified.
continue the war in Iraq at the current level We urge Congress to end the Iraq war
In 2007, the U.S. trade deficit was
of involvement. The administration plans to and work to reduce military spending
$711 billion, a slight decline after setting
seek additional funding for the war in Iraq and in order to fund human and community
records in five consecutive years. A telling
Afghanistan according to the Congressional needs: healthcare, housing, environmental
comparison that reveals just how much
Data Service. From fiscal year 2001 to fiscal protection and public transportation.
worse the U.S. is doing can be found in the
year 2008, the war in Iraq has cost $514 Bill Towe is the Coordinator for
“current accounts” of nations. The current
billion and in Afghanistan $149 billion for a North Carolina Peace Action
account measures the net trade surplus
total of $663 billion.
Analysis
How Should Progressives and Peace Activists
Deal with the Democratic Party?
By Brock Turner
P
aul Craig Roberts speaks for progressive and registered with the who actually voted for Democrat Al Gore
a lot of us when he says that Socialist Party USA. I continue to over Green Party candidate Ralph Nader
suspect that the Socialists, Greens and in 2000, but voted for Green David Cobb
arguably the “greatest failure
certain other third parties’ progressive over Democrat John Kerry in 2004. I
of 2007 was the newly sworn in movements are more committed to admit, part of me felt pretty sure, based
Democratic Congress” in his article promoting peace and justice, yet on polling, that Kerry was going to carry
“Thinking for Yourself Is Now a pragmatically I am not sure that casting Oregon. All of us in the progressive
Crime” in the February 2008 Issue votes for or contributing funds to such movement know of the many betrayals
parties is the most effective strategy in experienced by progressive causes during
of The PeaceWorker.
enacting progressive positive change. the eight years of Clinton-Gore. These
Dennis Kucinich has famously include welfare reform, increased military
As a lifelong progressive, activist and
stated “A lot of people ask me why spending and the war in Kosovo, and I
pacifist I feel many of these same concerns.
I’m still a Democrat, well, I see myself think it is safe to assume that, had Al Gore
The “Homegrown Terrorist Act” that
as a missionary!” Inspired by the late assumed the White House in 2000 he
Roberts references, which was drafted by
Senator Paul Wellstone of Minnesota and would have retaliated against the attacks
Jane Harman (D-CA), and overwhelmingly
Congressman Dennis Kucinich I reluctantly of September 11, 2001 with a bombing
passed (404-6) by a newly Democratic-
changed my voter registration from Socialist campaign in Afghanistan similar to that
controlled House of Representatives (yes,
to Democrat in 2000. I have found that, of President Bush. However, Gore was an
sadly only six brave Democrats actually
at least for me, it is more practical to get early outspoken critic of the Iraq War and I
voted against this bill), clearly curtails the
involved in the local Democratic Party and feel some comfort in knowing that had Al
United States Constitution’s Bill of Rights
try to promote change from within. To that Gore become president (and I believe he
and sets a terrible precedent. Roberts
end, I served as a Precinct Committee Person was elected) that the disastrous episode in
rightly points out that this bill has a very
for the Democratic Party of Oregon for two Iraq would never have occurred.
loose definition of what actually constitutes
years and also was a delegate to the 2004 As a former third party member
homegrown terrorism and could easily
Oregon State Democratic Party Convention myself, I certainly feel for those who
lead to a new McCarthyism in the United
representing Kucinich as a presidential believe the Democratic Party is simply
States where anyone could claim that
candidate. The Kucinich delegates to the not responsive to peace and social
another with whom he or she has a grudge
Democratic Party of Oregon’s annual justice concerns, but I have personally
is a “homegrown terrorist” and create
convention were successful in getting found working within the party to be the
witch hunts by employing scare tactics.
Congressman Kucinich’s call for the creation most effective way to bring about real
However, I think it is important to note
of a cabinet-level U.S. Department of change. If anyone thinks they can find
that one prominent Democrat and former
Peace implemented into the Oregon State an effective way to actually convert at
Presidential contender did vote against this
Democratic Party Platform. least ten or so U.S. House Members and
poorly drafted piece of legislation: Ohio
least one or two U.S. Senators to the
Congressman Dennis Kucinich. I remain
Best Hope Remains with Dems Green Party or another truly progressive
convinced that Kucinich represents a small
alternative to the Democratic Party, I am
but significant portion of elected Democrats Kucinich’s tireless attempts to establish certainly open to hearing about it.
who see peace and social justice as key a cabinet position for the Department of Brock Turner is a student at Portland
issues in our national agenda. Peace clearly show his interest in peace Community College majoring Political
activist community issues. While I have Science. Turner served as a delegate
Former Socialist personally become utterly disgusted with for Dennis Kucinich at the 2004 Oregon
the Democratic Congress’s continued
Turns Democrat submission to President Bush in practically
State Democratic Party Convention and
For many disillusioned voters, the has been an active participant in rallies
everything he requests from war and vigils calling for the closure of the
temptation to abandon the Democrats funding to domestic eavesdropping to harsh
and jump ship to a third party (such as School of the Americas in Fort Benning,
interrogation tactics I still believe that Georgia and in other peace and social
the Greens) is certainly inviting. Because trying to work within the Democratic Party,
I was an ideological liberal when I justice actions. His views are likely to
rather than against it remains our greatest be controversial among readers of The
first registered to vote at the age of 18, hope for progressive positive change.
I found the Democrats insufficiently PeaceWorker.
I am one of those strange progressives
page Table of Contents april 2008
the peaceworker http://www.oregonpeaceworks.org
I
n the winter of 1777-78, after in Detroit to share their experiences. policy, violating the Geneva Conventions
suffering three terrible defeats Remaining faithful to their oath beyond and other international treaties which are
by the much larger British force their obligated service and harkening back defined by Article VI of our Constitution
and marching hundreds of miles, to Paine’s words, they named this the as “the supreme law of the land.”
“Winter Soldier Investigation.”
the 11,000-man Continental Army
retreated to a winter headquarters
Atrocities like My Lai had ignited Missed Turn
popular opposition to the war, but
at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Food Invited by Chairman William
political and military leaders insisted that
was in desperately short supply, 2,000 Fulbright to present their findings before
such crimes were isolated exceptions.
men were without shoes, and many the Senate Foreign Relations Committee,
The members of VVAW testified at that
Lt. John Kerry delivered ringing
were without blankets. Typhoid fever, time on the systematic brutality and war
testimony on behalf of the group. Kerry
dysentery, malnutrition and exposure crimes they had witnessed and inflicted
concluded his testimony, “We wish that
claimed some 2,500 lives that winter. upon the people of Vietnam, stating that
a merciful God could wipe away our
American patriot morale had declined unspeakable practices such as “free fire
own memories of that service as easily as
severely and whole militia companies zones” were in fact U.S. government (Continued on page 14)
had deserted to return home. The
soldiers remaining formed powerful
bonds that led them to eventually
prevail in our war for independence.
Of these men, and the 700 women
who fed, nursed and warmed them
through that winter, revolutionary
figure Thomas Paine wrote, “The
summer soldier and the sunshine
patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from
the service of their country; but he
that stands it now, deserves the love
and thanks of all men and women.”
Those that endured have come to be
called the “winter soldiers.” 7241 SE Milwaukie Ave.
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some 150 honorably discharged many Sellwood/Moreland Neighborhood Individuals Nourishing Community Since 1971
highly decorated members of Vietnam
Veterans Against the War (VVAW) gathered 24th & Hilyard • 343�9142 • open 7am � 11pm
T
oday is March 16. Five years Israeli groups that have sent me formal clubbing a weak, cringing, forelocked
ago, I was in a small village invitations, and even though Israel Jew. Israel was founded by a generation
in the Occupied Territories claims to be a refuge of last resort for that said, “Never again will we be the
of the West Bank of Palestine with everyone born Jewish, as I am. The fact ones who cringe and get clubbed.”
that I’m here, not there, is a measure of Instead, she has spent sixty years on the
a group of volunteers from the
how much the Israeli authorities fear a Nautilus, building her military muscle.
International Solidarity Movement, movement of nonviolent resistance in But somewhere deep inside is still the
which supports nonviolent resistance general, and the ISM in particular. perception that Israel is tiny, fragile and
against the occupation. weak and anyone who attacks her is the
giant with the club. So, the suffering of
We had gone because the villagers Deep inside is still the perception the Palestinians, the real disparities in
were being menaced by tanks from the that Israel is tiny, fragile and weak power, become invisible.
Israeli military, and wanted witnesses, and anyone who attacks her is the
but by the time we arrived, the tanks had giant with the club.
gone. Instead we wandered through the
What Nonviolence Does
olive groves, studded with pink cyclamen Nonviolence dramatizes and makes
and blood — red anemones, and ate visible the true power differentials. Week
barbecued lamb in the courtyard of an Why is Nonviolence after week, unarmed Palestinians and
ancient stone house with domed ceilings So Threatening? their allies march to the Wall to face tear
and arched portals. It was a strangely Violence attacks the body, but gas, rubber bullets, clubs, and at times,
idyllic day — until on our way back to nonviolence threatens something live ammunition. Women sit in front of
Nablus we got a call. Down in Rafah, in deeper and more tenuous — the self bulldozers, children march out of school
the Gaza strip, a young volunteer named — perceptions and rationalizations that to confront soldiers.
Rachel Corrie had been crushed to death let basically good people act in cruel Nonviolence humanizes the enemy.
by an Israeli military bulldozer as she and heartless ways. The Israel/Palestine When the Palestinians are seen as
attempted to prevent the demolition of a conflict enacts on a mass scale some ‘animals,’ as filled with blind, irrational,
Palestinian family’s house. of the same dynamics as family abuse. implacable hatred, it is easy to hate
Israel is like the abused child who grows them in turn and to justify every system
of control and every incursion. But
Denied Entry up to be an abuser.
Abusers generally feel like victims nonviolence gives the enemy a face.
Today I sit in a room in Washington Moreover, in the demonstrations against
D.C. overcome by grief as in the next — and truly the Jewish people have been
victimized, again and again in history, the Wall and the peace camps set up in
room my new friend Laurie writes out the villages, Israeli peace groups often
card after card with the names of the culminating in the still unhealed wounds
of the Holocaust. Every rocket attack, come to stand with their Palestinian
dead — American soldiers and Iraqi allies, shattering the myth that Israelis
civilians pile after pile of them. every shooting spree in a Yeshivah,
every suicide bomb in a bus reinforces and Palestinians can never get along,
I’m grieving for all the dead, and a never collaborate or work together for
bit for myself, because I meant to be that sense of fear and persecution that
seems to cry out for violence in return. common ends. Abuse is perpetuated
back in Palestine, or at least in Israel, by secrecy and silence. The ISM and
now. But I have been denied entry and Once in Germany I walked through
an exhibition on the propaganda of other peace groups such as the Women’s
sent home, because of my past work International Peace Service and the
with the ISM. I have been denied entry, the Holocaust. One cartoon seemed
to illuminate the dynamics of the Christian Peacemaker Teams have
even though my intentions this time brought thousands of witnesses into the
were strictly to work with permaculture current conflict: a burly, blond, muscle
— bound body — builder of a German places that outsiders are not supposed
and ecology groups, including the three (Continued on page 29)
page 11 Table of Contents april 2008
the peaceworker http://www.oregonpeaceworks.org
B
for inflation it will be more than four times as expensive as the
ELTWAY Vietnam War. All this for a war and occupation of a country that
never threatened the U.S. In 2001 Iraq was not an ally of Al Qaeda
F
the Bush budget asks Congress to fund the first new U.S. nuclear
or up-to date reports on many progressive issues weapons in two decades and requests additional funding to build a
see the Center for American Progress at www. new nuclear bomb making plant. The budget requests $10 million for
anprogressaction.org/ and the Center on Budget and the Reliable Replacement Warhead (RRW) program and $100 million
Policy Priorities at http://www.cbpp.org/. For justice issues to begin construction on a new plutonium pit facility.
see the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) at www.aclu.
org/ and Amnesty International at www.amnestyusa.org/. For Ban Cluster Bombs
the issues of national defense and the Iraq war see the Friends The Cluster Munitions Civilian Protection Act (S. 594) would
Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) at www.fcnl.org effectively ban the U.S. from using or exporting cluster bombs. In early
. For the issues of energy and global warming see the Union of March, two new senators signed on as co-sponsors of this bipartisan bill.
Concerned Scientists (UCS) at http://www.ucsusa.org/ and the But still only 18 senators have agreed to co-sponsor this legislation.
Natural Resource Defense Council (NRDC) at www.nrdc.org . The majority of those killed by cluster bombs are ordinary
people, civilians walking down a road, farming, or playing
2009 Federal Budget where deadly unexploded munitions have been left behind.
U.S. cluster bombs also kill U.S. soldiers. Travis Bradach-Nall was
President Bush released his proposed budget following his only 21-years-old when he was killed by a U.S. cluster munition while
State of the Union address. The president proposes $3.1 trillion serving as a U.S. Marine in Iraq. Watch this short video of his mother,
in spending for the fiscal year 2009 that starts Oct. 1. Lynn Bradach, telling her son’s story and urging that the U.S. ban
The budget includes an overall cut of almost $500 million cluster bombs.
from energy efficiency and renewable energy programs, while Increased support for this legislation would also send a
increasing funding for fossil fuels and nuclear energy by more message to the rest of the world. In two months, more than half of
than $350 million. The proposal also includes $8 billion in loan the world’s governments will gather in Dublin, Ireland to continue
guarantees for coal (including liquid coal projects), $18.5 billion negotiations on a global treaty banning cluster bombs. The
in loan guarantees for new nuclear facilities, and $2 billion for U.S. will not be there. But by increasing support for the Cluster
reprocessing nuclear waste. In addition, the president proposes Munitions Civilian Protect Act you can show the world that many
cutting $104 million from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, members of Congress and millions of people in this country want
the principal source of funds for acquiring lands for parks, wildlife to ban these horrible weapons.
refuges and other conservation use. The proposal would leave the
fund with only $45 million, less than one-third of its current level.
The president also would cut $134 million from the Clean Water U.S. Iraq Contractors Outside the Law
State Revolving Fund. As the United States engages in the “war on terror,” it
For the first time in history, the total 2009 U.S. military budget is outsourcing key security and military support functions,
proposed by the president will surpass one trillion dollars. Even particularly in Iraq and Afghanistan, to private companies to carry
without including Iraq war spending, the military budget has out the work. Currently, U.S. contractors in Iraq operate in a virtual
increased by 70 percent since President Bush took office, according rules-free zone. They are exempt from Iraqi law per a Coalition
to the White House. The Friends Committee on National Legislation Provisional Authority order and they fall outside the military chain
estimates that the increase may be closer to 100 percent. Richard of command. They have not been prosecuted under U.S. law.
Kogan of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities notes that Late last year, at a Congressional hearing of the Committee
from 2001 to 2008 “The defense/security category also has grown on Oversight and Government Reform, the general counsel of
four times as rapidly as all domestic programs combined — a Blackwater admitted that one of its employees had shot and
category that includes Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, the other killed an Iraqi security officer on December 24, 2006. However,
entitlements, and the domestic discretionary programs.” http:// the U.S. Attorney’s office of the Western District of Washington
www.cbpp.org/3-5-08bud.htm. refuses even to confirm if an investigation is underway and if
Congressional Democrats, including Sens. Clinton and charges will be filed.
Obama, have not challenged this warped sense of priorities. Most recently, the media has reported that former KBR contractor,
Linda J. Blimes of Harvard University and Joseph E. Stiglitz Jamie Leigh Jones, was allegedly gang-raped in 2005 by KBR colleagues.
of Columbia University have just published a book titled The While the Dept. of Defense refuses to probe the charges, citing the case’s
Three Trillion Dollar War: The True Cost of the Iraq Conflict. This status as “open” with the Dept. of Justice, even repeated inquiries by U.S.
war will be the second most expensive in U.S. history, adjusted Congressmen have been met with Justice Department silence.
for inflation. It will only be exceeded by World War II. Adjusted (Continued on page 13)
“Winter Soldiers”
Continued from page 10
this administration has wiped away their War Crimes Charged
memories of us. But all that they have
Testimony was recorded over three
done… by this denial is to make more
days by 55 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans
clear than ever our own determination to
describing racist dehumanization of the
undertake one last mission to search
enemy, the impacts of war upon civilians,
out and destroy the last vestige of this
and systematic violations of the Rules of
barbaric war, to pacify our own hearts, to
Engagement which limit use of deadly
conquer the hate and fear that have driven
force, resulting in regular, widespread
this country these last ten years and
atrocities including indiscriminate firing
more... So, when thirty years from now
and deliberate, unreported murder of
our brothers go down the street without a
civilians made inevitable and routinely
leg, without an arm, or a face, and small
tolerated by government policy.
boys ask why, we will be able to say
Witnesses repeatedly emphasized that
‘Vietnam’ and not mean a desert, not a
the wars themselves are war crimes under
filthy obscene memory, but mean instead
international law and the Constitution,
where America finally turned and where
and that the brutal, horrific and terrorizing
soldiers like us helped it in the turning.”
conditions of war inherently produce specific
But America has failed to turn and
war crimes. When faced with choices
thirty-two years later launched another
between rules and morality on the one hand,
equally brutal, equally mindless, equally
and the survival instinct on the other, the
unjustified attack on the nation of Iraq,
latter invariably prevails. “I am here today
again in violation of international treaty
to pass judgment not on my fellow soldiers,
laws the U.N. and Nuremberg Charters
not on my commanders, but on war itself,”
that prohibit wars of aggression and once
said one soldier. Said another, “I’m very, very
more violating Article VI, Paragraph 2, the
sorry. I’m no longer the monster I once was.”
“Supremacy Clause,” of our Constitution.
So once again winter soldiers are needed.
War Must Be Eliminated
Different War, Same Lies The only answer, they concluded,
is the elimination of war altogether.
Thankfully, a current generation
To achieve this, imperial American
of outraged veterans is arising and a
militarism must be confronted and
Winter Soldier II investigation was
ended. IVAW calls for immediate
held March 13-16 at the National Labor
and full withdrawal of troops from
College in Maryland where members of
both countries, full reparation and
www.bandonhealthfoods.com
Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW)
compensation to our victims, and full
replicated the model of their VVAW
benefits and health care for veterans.
predecessors. “Over 30 years later,”
Supplementary panel discussions
IVAW states, “we find ourselves faced
explored the impacts of wars on civilians,
with a new war, but the lies are the same.
enemy dehumanization, the breakdown of
Once again, troops are sinking into an
the military, the costs of war at home, and
increasingly bloody occupation. Once
the key role of the growing GI resistance
again, war crimes in places like Haditha,
movement in bringing peace. Panelists
Fallujah and Abu Ghraib have turned
included un-embedded photojournalist Dahr
the public against the war. Once again,
Jamail and Amy Goodman, who hosted
politicians and generals are blaming ‘a
streaming audio coverage on Pacifica Radio.
few bad apples’ instead of examining the
The sessions were broadcast on Free
military policies that have destroyed Iraq
Speech TV (DishNetwork channel 9415),
and Afghanistan.”
and streaming online video was provided on
Eugene’s Veterans for Peace bus took
www.truthout.org and www.ivaw.org,
several Oregon veterans to Washington
where archives may now be viewed.
DC for the hearings. One Eugene
Jack Dresser is a Vietnam Era
veteran, Sergio Kochergin, testified.
veteran turned peace activist..
Earthday 2008
Planetary Health Demands Immediate Action
By Peter Bergel
W
e all know that our than in the preceding four million. Today logging. Some deforestation is caused by
planet’s life support our numbers have surged to nearly six poor people desperately seeking a way
systems are not holding and half billion and our population is to survive. Some is caused by corporate
up well to the mistreatment we increasing by nearly 80 million people greed. Either way, the carrying capacity
each year 220,000 each day. Natural of the planet is decreased.
humans have been subjecting it to,
processes typically act to limit the It does not have to be this way.
but this month The PeaceWorker population of any species when it exceeds François Bourguignon, Chief Economist
takes a closer look at just how the the carrying capacity of its environment. and Senior Vice President for
planet is faring. The news is bad in a Development Economics at the World
lot of different areas. Bank says, “Compensation for avoiding
deforestation could help developing
Global Warming countries to improve forest governance
Arctic ice cover has been shrinking and boost rural incomes, while helping
at the rate of about 8% per decade since the world at large to mitigate climate
1980. Not only does this melting raise change more vigorously.” However, this
ocean levels, but the loss of large white approach would depend on financial
areas that reflect sunlight back into space assistance from developed countries,
has the effect of raising temperatures such as the United States, which is
more rapidly as well. Scientists project crippling its ability to address world
that the Arctic may be ice-free in security problems like those mentioned
summer before mid-century. Greenland’s in this article by devoting half of its
ice shelf, already shrinking steadily, discretionary national spending to its
is at risk of disappearing entirely, a military.
phenomenon that would threaten many
coastal areas around the world with Desertification
flooding.
Deforestation
About 3.6 billion of the world’s 5.2
Nice of the ten warmest years on record Deforestation is the permanent billion hectares of useful dry land for
have occurred during the past decade. destruction of forests and woodlands. agriculture has suffered erosion and soil
Please see additional articles A majority of people in rural tropical degradation. In more than 100 countries,
in the 5% Solution section of this areas — about 800 million — live one billion of the six billion world
PeaceWorker. in or around vulnerable forests or population is affected by desertification,
woodlands, depending on them heavily forcing people to leave their farms for
for survival. Yet deforestation at five
Fiercer Storms jobs in the cities.
percent a decade is steadily depleting Desertification is devouring more
Between 1975 and 1989 there were this resource base, contributing to 20
171 category 4 or 5 storms. Between than 20,000 square miles of land
percent of annual global CO2 emissions worldwide every year, affecting 74% of
1990 and 2004, there were 269. Such and seriously threatening biodiversity.
storms are worsened by unusually warm North American lands. In Africa, more
Although tropical forests cover only than 2.4 million acres (73% of its dry
ocean surface temperatures in the tropics about 7 percent of the Earth’s dry land,
temperatures that are rising due to lands) are affected by desertification.
they probably harbor half or more of all Desertification takes place in dry land
global climate change. species on Earth. areas where the earth is fragile, rainfall
Deforestation is driven largely is minimal and the climate harsh. Topsoil
Population by economic incentives to expand depletion is followed by loss of the
Incredibly, the world’s population agriculture, create new grazing land for land’s ability to sustain crops, livestock
has grown more in the past fifty years ranching and profit from commercial (Continued on page 18)
page 16 Table of Contents april 2008
the peaceworker http://www.oregonpeaceworks.org
T
he U.N.’s technical definition According to GlobalSecurity.org, 322 entity’s resources are coveted by another
of the term “major war” is “a international land boundaries separate because of overpopulation, famine,
military conflict inflicting 1,000 the 192 independent states and 70 drought or just greed. Others result from
battlefield deaths per year.” In 1965 there dependencies, areas of sovereignty and injustices, religious and ethnic conflicts
other miscellaneous entities. In many and domination of one group by another.
were ten major wars underway. As of mid-
cases, ethnicity, culture, race, religion In viewing the list below it is
2005, eight major wars were underway and language have divided states into interesting to note how little most of us
(down from 15 at the end of 2003) with separate political entities as much as in the U.S. know about most of these
as many as two dozen additional conflicts history, physical terrain, political fiat or wars and the suffering they cause.
proceeding with varying degrees of conquest, sometimes resulting in arbitrary
intensity. The majority of these wars are and imposed boundaries. Maritime states Currently Ongoing Wars
intrastate or civil conflicts. have so far established over 130 maritime
The following list, including links
boundaries and jointly developed zones
to more detailed explanations, can be
Most of the casualties are now civil- to allocate ocean resources and to provide
ians. In World War I a small percentage found at http://www.globalsecurity.
for national security at sea.
of casualties were civilians (5-10%), but org/military/world/war/index.html.
Many wars are the result of cross- (Continued on page 19)
today 75% or more (some sources say as border resource conflicts where one
many as 90%) of those killed or wound-
ed in war are non-combatants.
Africa, to a greater extent than any
other continent, is afflicted by war. Since
1960, Africa has suffered over 20 major
wars. Angola, Sudan, Liberia, Burundi and
Rwanda are among those countries that have
recently suffered serious armed conflict.
These wars have caused untold economic
and social damage. Food production is
impossible in conflict areas, and famine often
results. Widespread conflict has condemned
many of Africa’s children to lives of misery
and, in certain cases, has threatened the
existence of traditional African cultures.
S
cientific American’s grand plan requiring more solar thermal and less choices could lower these costs further.
to provide a bit over a third of photovoltaic power (unless PV prices First, the grand plan contains almost
U.S. energy from solar sources drop a lot faster than Scientific American no demand reduction, other than what
projects). So we can double to ~$2.5 would occur as a side effect of less
provides insight into what it would
trillion, or $126 billion per year. This is fossil fuel use, plus electrification of
cost to phase out all, or most, U.S.
still a fraction of our military budget. transport. However, we know there is a
greenhouse emissions. Bottom line: a One more step raises costs further. In huge potential for inexpensive efficiency
lot less than current military spending. the Scientific American projections, around improvements. At the low end, the
two thirds of the electricity passes through McKinsey group calculates that we
The total cost of the Scientific CAES storage. CAES is a hybrid system, could reduce by around 11% in absolute
American plan: $420 billion over the burning natural gas to use the compressed terms at a savings. My own book
course of that 40 years, or slightly over air more efficiently. Emissions from this suggests that efficiency improvements
ten billion dollars per year less than natural gas are around 30% per kWh alone could reduce emissions by more
current fossil fuel subsidies, less than the compared to our present grid. That implies than 60%, at a cost lower than the
new subsidies “clean coal” would require. total emissions of 20% per kWh compared current cost of coal electricity.
The authors suggest phasing out to today, or an 80% reduction. Secondly, we can use non-electrical
fossil-fuel powered electricity over Global warming is just that global. solar to displace a lot of generation.
the course of forty years, using a If we, the most intense greenhouse Even in existing buildings, low
solar dominated electricity grid. They polluters, cut our emissions by only temperature solar thermal could replace
suggest Compressed Air Electricity 80%, that does not leave room for a lot of electricity used for space, hot
Storage (CAES) and thermal storage to development by the Global South, which water heating, and other low temperature
compensate for the intermittent nature of produces one fifth, or fewer, greenhouse purposes. (Scientific American does
solar electricity, and High Voltage Direct gases (GHG) per person than we do. already suggest a smart grid, including
Current (HVDC) transmission lines to Reasonably, we need to reduce by 95% low temperature storage of climate
move solar electricity from where it is or better, to leave some possibility of control energy in buildings.) In new
generated to where it is needed. fossil fuel use for others. buildings, passive solar is the next
So, no more than 30% of our kWh cheapest choice after efficiency.
Move Quickly should pass through CAES storage. Third, under-using wind costs the
Pay the Premium Scientific American suggests that the Scientific American plan a lot. I understand
However, we can’t wait 40 years, and next least expensive storage method why the authors concentrated on solar. Solar
we especially can’t wait 40 years for a costs about double CAES. At most that potential in the U.S. is hundreds, perhaps
35% reduction in emissions. So suppose increases total costs of the proposed thousands of times current U.S. consumption.
we tripled the investment, and spent over system by a third. Extrapolating from Commercial wind potential, in contrast,
the course of 20 years. That would be SciAm’s own figures, that suggests may be as little as ten times projected U.S.
about $1.26 trillion, or $63 billion a year a total cost of ~$3.4 trillion over the consumption in 2100. But wind electricity
over twenty years a rounding error in course of twenty years, or less than $170 is also currently much cheaper than solar
the Pentagon budget. billion a year to completely eliminate electricity. In addition, studies have shown
Unfortunately, it is not that simple. fossil fuels over the course of 20 years. that wind, when produced at multiple sites a
The “Grand Plan” saves a lot of money great distance apart, has potential to provide
via slow implementation, giving the Thinking Through the Costs a certain amount of very reliable power, even
technology time to develop. Implementing before storage is used.
However, Scientific American
it more quickly, with less mature Still another saving is that the
actually made a number of expensive
technology, would cost more, probably Scientific American plan included
technology choices. Making other
(Continued on page 24)
page 21 Table of Contents april 2008
the peaceworker http://www.oregonpeaceworks.org
that countries will have to dramatically curb in turn would affect the accuracy of quantifiable and essentially permanent
their carbon output in order to avert severe Caldeira’s modeling. “Neither of these climate change on centennial timescales.”
climate change. Last year’s report of the U.N. are known precisely,” he said. Steve Gardiner, a philosophy
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Although computer models used professor at the University of
said industrialized nations would have to cut by scientists to project changes in the Washington who studies climate
emissions 80 to 95 percent by 2050 to limit climate have become increasingly change, said the studies highlight that
CO2 concentrations to the 450 ppm goal, and powerful, scientists acknowledge that the argument over global warming “is a
the world as a whole would have to reduce no model is a perfect reflection of the classic inter-generational debate, where
emissions by 50 to 80 percent. complex dynamics involved and how the short-term benefits of emitting
they will evolve with time. carbon accrue mainly to us and where
Common Sense and Still, O’Neill said the modeling “helps the dangers of them are largely put off
clarify thinking about long-term policy until future generations.”
Weasel Words
goals. If we want to reduce warming to When it comes to deciding how
European Union Environment a certain level, there’s a fixed amount of drastically to reduce greenhouse gas
Commissioner Stavros Dimas, in carbon we can put into the atmosphere. emissions, O’Neill said, “in the end, this
Washington last week for meetings After that, we can’t emit any more, at all.” is a value judgment, it’s not a scientific
with administration officials, said he question.” The idea of shifting to a
and his colleagues are operating on the carbon-free society, he added, “appears
assumption that developed nations must
The Bottom Line
to be technically feasible. The question
cut emissions 60 to 80 percent by mid- Caldeira and his colleague, H. Damon
is whether it’s politically feasible or
century, with an overall global reduction Matthews, a geography professor at
economically feasible.”
of 50 percent. “If that is not enough, Concordia University in Montreal,
Juliet Eilperin writes for the Washington
common sense is that we would not let emphasized this point in their paper,
Post; http://www.washingtonpost.
the planet be destroyed,” he said. concluding that “each unit of CO2
com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/09/
The two new studies outline the challenge emissions must be viewed as leading to
AR2008030901867_pf.html
in greater detail, and on a longer time scale,
than many earlier studies. Schmittner’s study,
for example, projects how the Earth will
warm for the next 2,000 years.
But some climate researchers
Holy Shift! Baptist Leaders
who back major greenhouse gas
reductions said it is unrealistic to expect Urge Climate Change Action
policymakers to think in terms of such
vast time scales. Over 40 prominent Southern Baptist “Our cautious response to these issues in
“People aren’t reducing emissions leaders released a statement last the face of mounting evidence may
at all, let alone debating whether 88 month urging action against climate be seen by the world as uncaring,
percent or 99 percent is sufficient,” said change, asserting that “the time for reckless, and ill-informed. We can
Gavin A. Schmidt, of NASA’s Goddard timidity regarding God’s creation do better.” The signatories also
Institute for Space Studies. “It’s like is no more.” The declaration is a urged action on other environmental
you’re starting off on a road trip from notable departure from a statement ills and called on churches to preach
New York to California, and before you released after the denomination’s about caring for the environment.
even start, you’re arguing about where 2007 annual meeting that questioned One of the signatories, Jonathan Merritt,
you’re going to park at the end.” human impacts on climate change. “We stressed why environmental protection is
Brian O’Neill of the National Center believe our current denominational so important. “[W]hen we destroy God’s
for Atmospheric Research emphasized engagement with these issues have often creation, it’s similar to ripping pages from
that some uncertainties surround the been too timid, failing to produce a unified the Bible,” he said.
strength of the natural carbon cycle and moral voice,” the new declaration says. Grist Magazine, grist@grist.org.
the dynamics of ocean warming, which
page 23 Table of Contents april 2008
the peaceworker http://www.oregonpeaceworks.org
Announces
overbuilding to handle an extreme case and then using 3-4 quads of fossil fuels
where volcanic activity greatly reduces (mostly natural gas) for transport and
available solar energy for a year or two. industry.
Capitol Hill A grid that was more evenly divided
between sun and wind would still need
So conservatively, the cost of
eliminating 95% of fossil fuel use over
Bike-Share
overbuilding for both the volcano case the course of 20 years would be $170
and for wind draughts. But since the two billion annually if we can get small
are unlikely to occur simultaneously amounts of genuinely sustainable, net-
SMART
Seize the Opportunity to
T Abolish Nuclear Weapons
U By Glenn Carroll
F W
ithout a word of public debate, nuclear weapons became a
seemingly inevitable fact of life and death on our planet. After
World War II ended with two single bombs destroying the Japanese
Climate of Fear: A government agency, now called U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), was formed
to oversee private contractors who churned out no less than 30,000 nuclear warheads
Global Warming over the next four decades and established the nuclear industry as an economic force
in human affairs.
Threats
A people’s movement to “Ban the Bomb” formed instantly in response to the
wartime bombing of Japan, and to the “test bombings” on the lands of the Western
Shoshone Nation in Nevada and Utah and the Pacific islanders of the Moruroa Atoll.
From protests on the street to civil disobedience at weapons sites, the public has
A new report from the European been vocal and insistent that our only reasonable option is to abolish nuclear weapons.
Union’s two top foreign-policy officials Indeed, in 1996 the World Court issued a landmark decision defending this basic ethic
warns of a wide range of security threats when it declared the manufacture, possession or use of nuclear weapons to be illegal.
that will be caused or exacerbated by The Cold War bomb factories were built in secret in the 1940s and 1950s. They
climate change. The report echoes the operated without public oversight until the Cold War ended in 1991, when crumbling
concerns of earlier U.S. and U.K. reports, Russian and U.S. nuclear bomb factories and reactors were forced to shut down.
warning of “significant potential conflicts” With the Cold War’s end, shocking security issues and environmental
over energy resources, climate-related contamination throughout Russia and the U.S. bomb complexes were discovered.
mass migration, economic instability, Huge inventories of U.S. nuclear waste and weapons-grade plutonium had piled up
and more. A growing rich-poor and and were stored in slipshod, temporary containers even cardboard boxes tossed into
north-south divide is forecast in the E.U. landfills.
report, caused by resentment over richer The U.S. is for the third time seeking permission from its people to rebuild the
countries having released far more climate- nuclear weapons complex. There are eight sites that would be involved in the current
changing greenhouse gases and poorer DOE vision: Savannah River Site (SRS) near Augusta, Oak Ridge in Tennessee, Los
countries bearing the brunt of the effects. Alamos and Sandia labs in New Mexico, Pantex in Texas, the Kansas City Plant,
The thawing Arctic is another potential Lawrence Livermore in California and the Nevada Test Site.
flashpoint, according to the report, as There are literally dozens of facilities proposed to be spread around at these eight
countries and companies rush to exploit sites, and the sites are being pitted against each other to lure DOE to set up the new
newly accessible energy sources in the facilities there. SRS, for example, is competing against Los Alamos for a consolidated
region. “Climate change is best viewed plutonium center.
as a threat multiplier which exacerbates
existing trends, tensions, and instability,” Window of Opportunity
the report says. “The core challenge is that
climate change threatens to overburden Thanks to the National Environmental Policy Act, DOE is now required to hold
states and regions which are already fragile public hearings for an environmental impact statement before it can build new bomb
and conflict-prone. The risks include factories. The public has spoken clearly and unequivocally at each opportunity that we
political and security risks that directly reject nuclear weapons under any and all circumstances.
affect European interests.” It has been nearly 20 years now since our country has manufactured new nuclear
Sources: The Guardian, Associated weapons. Momentum is on the side of nuclear disarmament and the final abolition of
Press, Grist Magazine, grist@grist.org. weapons of mass destruction. Our national security lies down the path of nuclear waste
(Continued on page 29)
page 25 Table of Contents april 2008
the peaceworker http://www.oregonpeaceworks.org
War is hell of fraudulent and abusive behavior, Code Pink Also Notes…
Photo: justiceseekers.com
for everyone including fostering a work environment CODEPINK held 11 kiss-ins around
involved. For conducive to violence against its own the country on Valentine’s Day with the
women, this employees, we call upon Mr. Robert message “Don’t Enlist, Stay and Kiss...
hell can be Kittel, Suspension and Debarment that way everybody makes out!”
especially deep. Official of the U.S. Army Legal In Berkeley, CA and Gainesville, FL,
Recruiters Services Agency, to debar Halliburton/ peaceful kissers shut down the recruiting
don’t tell those KBR from future contracts in Iraq. stations for the day.
who enlist that For more information, please read the Click here to see photos and news
30% of military Jamie Lynn Jones recent New York Times article, “Limbo coverage of kiss-ins in DC, NYC,
women will be for U.S. Women Reporting Iraq Assaults” Berkeley, and Pittsburgh.
sexually assaulted while serving. Women and see www.jamiesfoundation.org. Bring the spirit of Berkeley to your
who work as contract employees in Iraq Please sign our petition in support city by starting a Military Recruiting
face similar dangers. of the Jamie Leigh Act of 2008, which Zoning Initiative in your city. If that
Jamie Leigh Jones, a former mandates that companies report criminal sounds like gibberish, stay tuned for easy
Halliburton/KBR employee in Iraq, violations and provide this information recipes for zoning recruiters away from
recently testified at a Congressional to new employees. Thank you for kids in your city to be posted soon on
hearing that she was drugged and brutally helping us hold abusive companies our website.
gang-raped by her co-workers in 2005. accountable and provide justice to
Three years later, KBR and the military courageous women like Jamie Leigh.
have failed to punish the perpetrators or
provide redress for Jamie Leigh.
We met Jamie Leigh in Washington
and we were moved by her courage
under tremendous pressure to speak
out publicly and start an organization, The
Jamie Leigh Foundation, to help other
women. Since Jamie Leigh spoke out, 38
U.S. women, all contract employees in
Iraq, have come forward to report crimes
of sexual harassment and assault in the
workplace. Halliburton/KBR has failed to
protect the safety of its contract employees,
and, in fact, has fostered an environment
wherein sexual violence is accepted.
Moreover, the company requires employees
to sign a private arbitration agreement,
forcing them to give up their right to sue the
company or have a trial by jury.
“Halliburton is trying to force this into
a secret proceeding, which will do nothing
to prevent continued abuses of this nature,”
Jamie Leigh told Congress. “The United
States government has to provide people with
their day in court when they have been raped
and assaulted by other American citizens.”
Due to Halliburton/KBR’s pattern
page 26 Table of Contents april 2008
the peaceworker http://www.oregonpeaceworks.org
Last year, we got Congress to cut funding Replacement Warhead, a nuclear trifecta), Your calls pay off.
for “Complex 2030”, the administration’s the administration is trying again. They’ve Fred Miller is the President of
plan to completely rebuild the nuclear made some changes to the program, and Washington State Peace Action. You can
weapons complex. The program could easily are trying to hide aspects of it behind new contact him at 425.774.5701.
cost $150 billion, and would produce 125- names. They still are betting on nuclear
150 nuclear bombs per year. Of course, more holocaust, though, as the door to peace
nukes will stop terrorism, right? and prosperity. To make comments about
Despite their failure in Congress (we the Bombplex, click on http://salsa.
also got Congress to cut funds for the emocracyinaction.org/o/161/t/288/
nuclear bunker buster and the Reliable campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=22268
Put it to Work
for Social Change!
Donate all or part of it
to Oregon PeaceWorks.
George W. may not know
what to do with it, but we do!
Just endorse it to Oregon PeaceWorks and mail it to
104 Commercial St. NE,
Salem, OR 97301.
To double your effectiveness,
photocopy the front and the back of
your check and send the copy to the White House.
Tell George this is how you want your money used.
www.DonnellyColt.com
www.corvallisfallfestival.com
off the evening, Dr. Atomic’s Medicine
(GPAD), Oregon’s grandest Show will perform its special brand
annual peace party, is scheduled of political satire, always popular with
for April 26th at Salem’s Grand GPAD audiences. An extra special treat
Ballroom. Tickets are available on this year is a performance by Salem-
OPW’s website right now. based duo The Undertones.
In addition, OPW Director Peter
Bergel will again serve as auctioneer as
The popular Ty Curtis Band will great donated items and services go on
headline the festivities, which will the block to raise much-needed funds
celebrate Earth Day in accordance for Oregon PeaceWorks. This is always
with OPW’s new 5% Solution Project. a hilarious part of the evening so come
Twenty-one-year-old Ty Curtis and his prepared for bidding fun.
band are an Oregon sensation. Driven Ty Curtis Band
Plan now to join the festivities and,
by Curtis’ guitar and vocals, the band especially needed in coordinating the
if you have some time to volunteer, call
delivers listenable and danceable blues fundraising auction, which is an exciting
this year’s GPAD Coordinator Winter
with admixtures of rock, funk, and even part of the evening’s entertainment.
Pope (503.999.0465). Assistance is
swing. Backing Curtis are Jim Smith on For additional information, or to
purchase tickets at a saving of $3 each,
visit OPW’s website now.
5% Solution Project
Surges Forward OPW Wish List
OPW’s innovative 5% Solution to the pledge, links to carbon OPW needs the follow-
the Climate Crisis Project is gathering footprint calculators, ing items. Please contact us
momentum. The project seeks suggested ways to cut your (503.371.8002) if you can help.
pledges from individuals, businesses, own footprint, an extensive
1. Laptop computer with a
institutions and governments to cut bibliography and the 5% video output port running
their carbon footprints by 5% per year Solution PowerPoint Windows XP or Vista for 5%
in order to reach cuts of 88% by 2050 presentation. All of this can be Solution presentations.
as the International Panel on Climate conveniently downloaded. 2. A researcher to figure out
Change prescribed. Some examples • OPW is negotiating how large the current gaso-
of what we’re calling “Emissionary” partnerships with other line subsidy is and a donor
work: organizations to promote to fund that research.
• Regular presentations the 5% Solution as an action 3. Volunteers who can help pro-
about the project are being component of their own mote the 5% Solution.
made throughout the mid- programs. 4. People to sponsor 5% Solu-
tion House Parties.
Willamette Valley. Visit the website or call Melissa
5. People who want to be
• Pledges from both individuals Austin at 503.585.2767 today to host trained to give 5% Solution
and supportive business are a 5% Solution house party, schedule a presentations using OPW’s
being collected. public presentation, learn when you can 5% Solution PowerPoint as a
• An extensive set of project attend an already-scheduled presentation, basis.
materials is available on volunteer to help promote the 5% 6. A volunteer who can help keep
OPW’s website, including Solution or obtain other information. OPW’s website current.
2008
2008
coordinator of Nuclear Watch South.
This editorial was published in the
Atlanta, GA Journal-Constitution
http://www.ajc.com/opinion/
content/opinion/stories/2008/03/03/
bombsed0303.html
FEATURING
THE TY CURTIS BAND
Also Performing
Dr. Atomic’s Medicine Show ~ The Undertones
Appetizers, Desserts & No Host Bar
Silent and Oral Auction
$15 in advance $18 at the door
Doors open at 6 pm ~ Tickets are limited!
Grand Ballroom, 187 High Street NE, Salem Oregon
Calendar
families among the 4,000 plants native youth, and Art for the Sky. Sliding scale
to Oregon. Details about the April registration. More information: http://
12 field trip will be announced in the www.peak.org/~innercom/ORSDOPC.
continued classes. The program costs $5 and is
open to the public. It is co-sponsored
html. Red Lion Hotel at the Quay, 100
Columbia St. Contact: David Hazen,
by the Friends of Straub Environmental 541.343.2109, innercom@peak.org.
Learning Center and the Willamette
Valley Chapter of the Native Plant April 12: Corvallis, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Society of Oregon. To register, please Second Saturday’s first Open Mic hosted
call 503.391.4145. Straub Environmental by Cassandra Robertson. We welcome
Learning Center, 1320 A St. NE, next to your participation with song or poetry,
Olinger Pool, near North Salem High. for a seven (7) minute slot (if you are a
duo or a trio, you can have a double slot).
April 10: Salem, 11:30 a.m. University Send an email with “open mic signup” in
To offer calendar items email Convocation: “Is God Green?” The the subject line to Cassandra Robertson,
:pbergel@igc.org (electronic copy Impact of Religion on Environmental cassiopia11@yahoo.com. All ages
preferred) or hard copy to The Peace- Issues. The Center for Religion, Law welcome to perform. Please mention what
Worker before the 12th of the month for and Democracy and the Center for microphones and plug-ins you will want.
following month’s issue. Sustainable Communities present a We will have a basic amp with 4 inputs,
conference on the impact of religion on and we are hoping to keep the technology
environmental issues. A panel discussion simple! The show is (as always) at
change you wish to see in the world,” will follow the convocation later in the Sunnyside Up Cafe, 116 NW 3rd. St, from
(Gandhi). Interactive workshop on day. Free. Info: 503.370.6654. Cone 6 - 8 p.m. . Please come by 6 unless you
nonviolence. Contact Cathey or Charles Chapel, Willamette University. make arrangements otherwise. We will also
Busch 541.996.4766, cathey.charles. have signups that night, IF we still have
busch@charter.net . Hatfield Room, April 11 - 13: Vancouver, WA., 6 space. Sunnyside Up Cafe, 116 NW 3rd. St.
Willamette University 503.370.6213. p.m. Friday-4 p.m. Sunday. Regional
Conference of the Campaign for a U.S. April 12: Salem. Wildflower
April 8: Salem, 7 p.m. Hollywood and Department of Peace. Keynote speakers: Identification Field Trip. Details about
Beyond Film Series: “No Regrets for Our Marianne Williamson, Riane Eisler. the April 12 field trip will be announced
Youth.” A film, set in post-World War II
Japan and inspired by the life of Hotsumi
Gregory Kafoury
Ozaki, who was executed for treason for his
assistance to the Soviet spy Richard Sorge.
A discussion will follow the film, led by
Mark McDougal
Willamette Japanese Professor Ron Loftus.
Info: 503.370.6280. Free at Roger Hull
Lecture Hall, Hallie Ford Museum of Art,
Willamette University. Of counsel: Linda Williams
“Justice anywhere is a threat to injustice everywhere.”
April 8: Salem, 7 p.m. Panel presentation on
sustainable business practices. Kim Dinan, People’s Lawyers
Marion County’s Waste Reduction Coordinator, 202 Oregon Pioneer Building, 320 S.W. Stark Street, Portland, Oregon
will present an overview of Marion County’s
Phone: 503/224-2647
Earthwise certification process. Panelists from
Salem local landscaping, medical, recycling,
and auto repair businesses who have attained
their Earthwise certifications will discuss
their experience with the certification process
as well as their experiences on the path
towards becoming more sustainable. Straub
Environmental Learning Center, 1320 A St. NE,
next to Olinger Pool, near North Salem High.
Calendar
Roadshow. Oregon Secretary of State Bill Hudson Hall (inside Rogers Music Center)
Bradbury was chosen as one of the first ten to at Willamette University. Free.
fly to former Vice President Al Gore’s property
continued in Tennessee and receive training on how to
present Gore’s lecture on global warming.
April 26: Salem, 6-11 p.m. “Give
Peace a Dance.” Oregon’s best peace
Bradbury’s enthusiasm and optimism is party, featuring the Ty Curtis Band.
uplifting as he shares scientific findings on a Also presenting Dr. Atomic’s Medicine
subject that will affect us all. Info: 503.370.6465 Show and The Undertones. Appetizers,
Smith Auditorium, Willamette University. Free. desserts and no host bar. Silent and oral
auctions. Admission: $15 in advance
April 22: Salem, 7 p.m. “Hop on the or $18 at the door. Doors open at 6
Biodiesel Bandwagon” - free workshop. p.m., event begins at 6:30. Contact
Lee Litvin of Pacific Biodiesel will 503.585.2767 or buy tickets online at
discuss the technology and science behind www.oregonpeaceworks.org. Grand
To offer calendar items email large scale production of biodiesel. James Ballroom, 187 High Street NE.
:pbergel@igc.org (electronic copy Santana of Flower Power will discuss the
preferred) or hard copy to The Peace- resources available in and for the Salem April 29: Salem, 7 p.m. Sample Green
Worker before the 12th of the month for biodiesel community. There will also be a Cuisine Workshop. Learn about cooking
following month’s issue. demonstration on the process of making and eating sustainably from top chefs and
biodiesel at home. Straub Enviromental local farmers as they explain the basics of
Learing Center, 1320 A St. NE, next to “green” cuisine and offer some delicious
at the April 9 & 10th classes. To register, the Olinger Pool, near North Salem High. samples of sustainable foods when the April
please call 503.391.4145. Sustainability Workshop series concludes.
April 24: Salem, 7 p.m. “The Tie Discover where to get fresh, locally grown
April 15: Salem, 7 p.m. Free Between Global Warming and Energy produce in Salem. Wilson- Hines Room
Household Sustainability Workshop. Policy” - Energy policy expert Ralph of the Goudy Commons at Willamette
Deborah Topp, the Natural Resource Cavanagh will talk about the inextricable University’s campus. Visit http://
Outreach Specialist of the City of link between energy policy and climate willamette.edu/map/ for a campus map.
Salem’s Public Works Department, change policy as the Straub Environmental Free. Registration is required. To register or
will discuss water conservation and Lecture Series continues on April 24, for more information, contact the friends of
storm water issues. Bailey Payne, the
Recycling Coordinator from Marion
County Public Works - Environmental
Services will provide information Support Peace on
about composting. A representative
from the Energy Trust of Oregon will
lecture about conserving energy on an
individual level. Straub Environmental
Learning Center, 1320 A St. NE, next to That’s right! Oregon PeaceWorks is
Olinger Pool, near North Salem High.
raising funds with online auctions and . . .
April 19: Salem, Native Plant Garden
Tour. Tour native plant gardens at
WE NEED YOUR STUFF!
various Salem and Keizer locations. The Visit www.OregonPeaceworks.org to learn more,
tour, hosted by the Friends of Straub call 503-585-2767, or come by the OPW office.
Environmental Learning Center and the
Willamette Valley Chapter of the Native
Plant Society of Oregon, will start at the
Straub Environmental Learning Center, CLEAR MORTGAGE SOLUTIONS
1320 A St. NE, next to Olinger Pool.
Directions to the gardens and plant lists • Free appraisals – • Zero-down programs
will be provided. There will be guides at call now to qualify! • ALL credit situations
each garden. The tour will highlight five
different kinds of native plant gardens. • Residential and considered
commercial loans • Free pre-qualification 4203 SW 48th Place, #210
These include a small front yard in Portland, Oregon 97221
downtown Salem, an Oak savannah • Purchase, refi, equity with no obligation www.clearmortgagesolutions.net
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restoration project, an elementary school loans, lines of credit • Reverse mortgages
garden, and the Martha Springer Garden
on the Willamette University campus. CLEAR MORTGAGE SOLUTIONS PROUDLY SUPPORTS THE OREGON PEACEWORKER
The tour is free and open to the public.
For more information, call 503.391.4145. call RON BURIAN: 503.525.7888 877.525.7888 OR
TOLL
FREE
Calendar
world the chance to encounter the life in Washington, D.C.
and culture in Palestine in addition
to donating some of their time to a August 14 - August 31: The Peace Cycle
continued local community organization through
voluntary work and internships.
2008. Starting in Amman, Jordan, and
cycling through Arab villages in Israel, then
touring the occupied West Bank meeting
June 6 to June 22: The Super-T for Social with groups, individuals and families, and
Action Trainers. Take your facilitation to a ending in Jerusalem. Cyclists must raise
new level of creativity, range and effectiveness the costs of the trip plus a donation towards
in this intensive 17-day super-training: humanitarian charities in Palestine. This year,
4 state-of-the-art workshops, plus 3 rest the Peace Cycle will raise funds for Medical
days, sequenced for maximum growth for Aid for Palestinians. MAP is a U.K. charity
participants. The Super-T is for experienced providing support to the health and medical
and less-experienced trainers and facilitators needs of vulnerable Palestinians living in
To offer calendar items email who want to take their work to a new level of Gaza, the West Bank and across the Middle
:pbergel@igc.org (electronic copy creativity and effectiveness, as well as new East. For more information email cyclists@
preferred) or hard copy to The Peace- trainers who want to learn the major principles thepeacecycle.com for a cyclists information
Worker before the 12th of the month for of this rapidly-developing field. The Super-T pack. www.thepeacecycle.com.
following month’s issue. is ideal for a trainer’s sabbatical, for facilitators
looking for inspiration and fresh approaches, Sept. 7 - 9: Europe. The Peace Cycle
and for international trainers wanting to make 2008 in Europe. Cyclists from all over
the Straub Environmental Learning Center a study trip to North America. (There is a Europe will converge on Brussels for 2
at 503.391.4145 or email fselc@fselc.org. June 4-5 orientation for overseas participants.) days of media events and demonstrations
To register contact Training for Change. to demand the European Parliament
April 30: Salem, 7 p.m. Free Wind Power Registration forms are available on the web takes action to end the occupation and
Workshop. Free seminar sponsored by the at www.rainingForChange.org, phone give peace a chance in the Middle East.
Energy Trust of Oregon and the Friends of 612.827.7323, or email peacelearn@igc.org For more information on taking part in
Straub Environmental Learning Center will TPC2008 email cyclists@thepeacecycle.
explain small wind technology and how July 4-7: Seabeck, WA. “Seabeck com for a cyclists information pack.
much energy landowners can generate from 2008 - 50 years of Peacemaking in www.thepeacecycle.com.
a residential system. Participants will also the Puget Sound.” The Fellowship of
learn about costs, financial incentives and Reconciliation has been conferencing
tax credits, and how to assess the available for 50 years at the Seabeck
wind resource. Straub Environmental Conference Center to plan for a
Learning Center at 1320 A Street NE. more peaceful and just future for all.
Workshops, keynoters, a talent show, Advertise
June 15 thru July 13: Palestine. The a wonderful children’s program, in
Palestinian Summer Celebration lots of great music and fun amidst The PeaceWorker
2008 Month #1 in the Bethlehem Area. the serious business of planning Now ONLINE 10 times a year
Come and join Palestine, learn Arabic, for peace. Contact: 503.585.543 or
study history, know the people and their jrw45@comcast.net. Free link to your website.
For rates or other information
culture, share some time with local
families and volunteer with a local July 18 – 20: Peace Action’s 50th Call Jeanette
community organization. Everything Anniversary National Congress.
is optional, the Palestinian summer Trinity University, Washington, 541.752.5860 (9am-5pm)
celebration is a unique annual program D.C. Followed by a Congressional
Oregon Contacts
Oregon Legislature:
800.332.2313; 503.986.1187; http://www.
leg.state.or.us/; State Capitol, Salem, OR
97301
Governor Ted Kulongoski:
503.378.3111; http://www.governor.
state.or.us; State Capitol, Salem, OR
97310