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Rolla Peace News

August 14, 2018
Dear Friends:

Note from webperson: If you are having trouble reading this, it is posted at

http://tomsager.org/Peaceletters/peaceletter081418.html

          In this newsletter is:

1. NOON VIGIL FOR PEACE: THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2018
2. THE TRUTH IS OUT
3. THE MISFIT MATHEMATICIAN (Tom's column, http://tomsager.org)
          a) Self-Perpetuating Violence And Climate Change
          b) More War On The Horizon
          c) Missouri Politicians: Totally Out Of Touch With The People
          d) Yet Another New Climate Disaster

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1. NOON VIGIL FOR PEACE: THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2018

We vigil for peace in front of the Rolla Post Office THIS THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, FROM NOON TO 1:00 PM (and most subsequent Thursdays until peace is established). Please try to join us. The temperature is predicted to be in the 80s. If you do not feel comfortable standing with us in front of the Post Office, please consider driving by and showing your support for our message by honking your horn and flashing a peace sign.

2. THE TRUTH IS OUT

Finally, after decades of hearing how our military is making the world safe for democracy, politicians are talking about the real reasons for war: Namely, influence and exploitation of natural resources.

Here is a report on a panel discussion at the recent Aspen Security Forum, in which several current and former U.S. officials considered the pros and cons of maintaining a military presence in Iraq and Afghanistan. The focus of the discussion appeared to be how the United States could best further its interests in the region. No consideration was given to the interests of the people in the countries involved.

One participant noted that there is an estimated $1 trillion worth of mineral wealth in Afghanistan, and suggested that we should consider how to tap into it. Another stated that President Trump has already stated commercial opportunities in both the above countries, as a reason for continuing military operations. The same participant stated, “This is an extractive opportunity.”

Only one of the panelists, Congressman Adam Schiff, had any reservations. He said, “I kind of recoil at the idea of using business opportunity as the primary argument for the deployment of military forces.” Kind of???? Not one of the panelists expressed any feeling for the hundreds of thousands of people, mostly civilians, killed in these two wars. Shameless greed for power and wealth is the name of the game. They aren't even pretending any more.

3. THE MISFIT MATHEMATICIAN (Tom's column, http://tomsager.org)
          a) Self-Perpetuating Violence And Climate Change
          b) More War On The Horizon
          c) Missouri Politicians: Totally Out Of Touch With The People
          d) Yet Another New Climate Disaster

SELF-PERPETUATING VIOLENCE AND CLIMATE CHANGE
“I object to violence because when it appears to do good, the good is only temporary; the evil it does is permanent.” —Mahatma Gandhi
Here is a fourth way in which the US military contributes to climate change: (See last weeks newsletter for the first three.)

It has been said that when your only tool is a hammer; everything looks like a nail. Similarly, when your only asset is a military, war appears to be the solution to every problem.

How useless is a military in reducing climate change! When climate activists mention the military it is invariably, with a few notable exceptions, to point out that the military regards climate change as a threat to national security. There is little, if any, mention that the threat is to a large extent self-created and self-perpetuating.

Excessive violence creates a positive feedback loop. Twice in recent history, (1945 and 1990), the United States emerged from a war as the undisputed world leader and sole super-power. As such, it was probably within our power to build a world free of war where humanity could tackle more important problems, like climate change.

And perhaps, if we had emerged from these wars as a power that had accomplished its objectives using a minimum of force, instead of one that had introduced horrendous weapons hitherto unknown to the world, this would have happened. In both cases the United States opted for more war and world empire with devastating results for itself and the entire world.

And the saddest part is that we have learned nothing. We still dream of America First and World Empire.

MORE WAR ON THE HORIZON

In 2003, as the United States prepared to invade Iraq, much of the world objected. Millions of people demonstrated in the streets. Our close allies: France, Germany and Turkey opted out. I said to myself, maybe the world is finally coming to its senses. Sadly, it was not to be. The US invaded, the millions of anti-war demonstrators went home, and our European allies demanded their share of the spoils too.

15 years later, the United States appears to be preparing for War against Iran. This time it might be different. China and Europe stand against it. They might do more than politely object.

The saddest part is that this conflict is over access to Iran's oil which, as any climate activist will tell you, should stay in the ground. The world should be paying Iran to keep its oil in the ground — not fighting over who gets access to it.

MISSOURI POLITICIANS: TOTALLY OUT OF TOUCH WITH THE PEOPLE

Last year, the Missouri legislature passed SB 19 (Right to Work, sponsored by our own senator Dan Brown) by a greater than 2 to 1 margin. Last week, The People spoke, rejecting Right to Work by referendum petition by a greater than 2 to 1 margin.

This is not the first time this has happened. Ten years ago, the voters passed Proposition C by initiative petition by an almost 2 to 1 margin. Prop. C established a renewable energy standard for Missouri. The legislature then proceeded to run roughshod over the Will of the People and gutted key provisions of Prop C and Missouri's renewable energy standard.

Here's a conundrum for you. Why do we keep electing politicians who are so totally out of touch with The People? Anyone out there care to venture a guess?

YET ANOTHER NEW CLIMATE DISASTER

Toxic red-tide algal blooms are nothing new to the Gulf of Mexico. But, algal blooms are usually constrained to a few months in late summer or early fall, This year's bloom off the coast of Florida started in November and is still going strong. It has an unusually high density and is believed to be responsible for killing much wildlife.

It remains to be seen whether this will become another new climate normal which will occur year after year.

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Rolla Peace News is distributed by email once a week on Tuesday evenings (except on rare occasions) and is posted on the web at http://tomsager.org (click on Grassroots Rolla: near the top of rightmost column).

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If you want to be added to this list, let me know.

Wage peace,

Helen
helenm (at) fidnet.com

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