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Analysis and commentary by Robert Dodge, MD, a long-time analyst and writer about these issues, fueled into the news this week by the Marshall Islands. Dr. Dodge is affiliated with organizations of professionals who are seeking the abolition of nuclear weapons in the public interest. ~Tom H. Hastings

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

David vs. Goliath: The Nuclear Zero Lawsuits

by Robert Dodge, MD

This past Thursday, April 24th, historic lawsuits were filed against the U.S. and the eight other Nuclear Weapons States (NWS) of the world to meet their treaty obligations to disarm by the courageous tiny island nation Republic of the Marshall Islands.

Since 1970, the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) has obligated nations to negotiate in good faith for complete disarmament – a world without nuclear weapons.

Forty-four years later, with no negotiations in sight, the world has become a more dangerous place with stockpiles of more than 17,000 nuclear weapons. Four more nations now have nuclear weapons, and the original five continue to invest in and modernize their nuclear forces with expenditures expected to be in excess of 1 Trillion dollars over the next 10 years. But one small nation has stood up to say, “enough is enough.”

The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) has taken action in the International Court of Justice and in the U.S. Federal District Court to compel the nine nuclear weapons nations to comply with their obligations, under the NPT and customary international law, and begin negotiations for nuclear zero.

The Marshallese people know first hand about the destructive consequences of living in a world with nuclear weapons.  From 1946-1958, the U.S. conducted 67 nuclear weapon tests in the Marshall Islands, the equivalent explosive power of one-and-a-half Hiroshima bombs detonated daily for 12 years.

They seek no compensation through these legal actions.  Rather they act for the seven billion of us who live on this planet, to end the nuclear weapon threat hanging over all humanity.

For the past year, the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation (NAPF) has served as a consultant to the RMI in support of this courageous initiative to fulfill the world’s nuclear disarmament obligation. 

They understand, as do the people of the Marshall Islands, that the only way to keep our loved ones safe is to relentlessly strive for the total elimination of nuclear weapons. This is not a partisan issue, it is a survival issue. As world leaders have made clear:

“The nuclear club should be abolished and anybody who has a nuclear weapon is the enemy of mankind.” 

--George Shultz, former U.S. Secretary of State

“The failure of these countries to uphold important commitments and respect the lawmakes a more dangerous place. This is one of the most fundamental moral and legal questions of our time.” 

--Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Nobel Peace Laureate

As a physician, I recognize nuclear weapons pose the greatest existential and public health threat to our world. There is no adequate response to nuclear war. Prevention is essential and abolition of these weapons is the only way to accomplish that goal.  Please join me and the NAPF to support all efforts that lead to negotiations for the worldwide elimination of nuclear weapons in a phased, verifiable, transparent and irreversible manner. All are invited to follow these important cases and learn more at nuclearzero.org.

 ~~30~~

Robert F. Dodge, M.D., serves on the boards of the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation, Beyond War, Physicians for Social Responsibility Los Angeles, and Citizens for Peaceful Resolutions, and writes for PeaceVoice.


  

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/25/opinion/a-test-for-arizonas-immigration-law.html?_r=1&ref=opinion
Letters
A Test for Arizona’s Immigration Law
Published: April 24, 2012

 
To the Editor:

Peter J. Spiro’s take on Arizona’s draconian anti-immigration law, S.B. 1070 (“Let Arizona’s Law Stand,” Op-Ed, April 23), is the free-market approach to legislation.

He urges the Supreme Court, which hears arguments on Wednesday, to uphold the law so it can “wither away on its own.” Mr. Spiro would let targeted populations suffer economic disaster, injustice, prejudice and false arrest until the pain of this legislation forces its repeal.

Social justice demands that those most helpless and disadvantaged have the protection of law. Mr. Spiro’s solution is heartless, antisocial and exploitative.

WILLIAM O. BEEMAN
Minneapolis, April 23, 2012

The writer is chairman of the anthropology department at the University of Minnesota.
for more from Bill Beeman, checkout this page a the Alliance:
http://www.theportlandalliance.org/beeman


William O. Beeman 

Professor and Chair 
Department of Anthropology 
University of Minnesota 
395 HHH Center 
301 19th Avenue S.  
Minneapolis, MN 55455 
(612) 625-3400 
wbeeman@umn.edu

Dear Editor,

If you still haven’t tried soymilk, tofu, edamame (soybeans), or other nutritious and delicious soy foods, April, National Soyfoods Month, is the perfect time to do so.

Unlike meat, eggs, and dairy products, soy foods are cholesterol-free and have notable cardiovascular benefits. Research shows that soy foods can also help prevent breast, prostate, and colon cancer; lessen hot flashes in menopausal women; and protect against osteoporosis. The antioxidants in soy may even benefit asthma sufferers.

Soy milk, which is becoming increasingly popular as more and more Americans are demanding healthy vegan options, can be used in place of cow’s milk in cereal, coffee, smoothies, baked goods, and much more. Tofu is a versatile food that acts like a sponge, soaking up the flavors of whatever it’s prepared with—whether it’s melted dark chocolate or fragrant spices and vegetables.

This April, why not enjoy some strawberry soy ice cream from Whole Foods, or prepare a chocolate tofu pie or some sesame tofu with asparagus? For free vegan recipes and product suggestions, see www.PETA.org.

Sincerely,

Heather Moore

The PETA Foundation

501 Front St.

Norfolk, VA 23510

757-622-7382, ext. 8106

HeatherM@petaf.org


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