We live in a time of war and in a world that sacrifices its children at the altar of violence.
President Eisenhower warned against the “military-industrial complex.” He might well have added, “military-industrial-academic-congressional complex.” All are implicated in the obscene sums spent on war and its preparation.
There are children growing up today who have never known peace. Can you imagine what this must be like?
Within the living nightmare of war, some of these children may dream of peace. While their dreams may be beautiful, peace must be more than a dream.
Peace is a dynamic balance in which human needs are met and human rights are upheld. It is a way of resolving conflicts without resorting to violence.
Peace is an imperative of the Nuclear Age. It is beyond reason to threaten each other with nuclear weapons. Civilization and complex life hang in the balance.
To achieve peace, we must believe in peace and follow the path of peace. A.J. Muste said, “There is no way to peace; peace is the way.”
It is not reasonable to prepare for war and expect peace. War is far too costly in terms of lives, resources and lost hopes and opportunities. If we want peace, we must prepare for peace.
To stand up for peace, one must believe that peace is worth standing for. To fight for peace, one must believe that peace is worth fighting for. Both require courage.
The world needs peace, and peace requires courageous peace leaders.
That is why the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation exists. That is why its institutional stability and outreach are so important. We cannot just sit back and relax, and expect that war and preparations for war will diminish. The world is too small and too dangerous for such complacency.
Our vision is a just and peaceful world, free of nuclear threat. Our programs all aim toward these ends. We work with courageous countries, organizations and individuals throughout the world to eliminate nuclear weapons and end the nuclear weapons threat to humanity and other forms of life.
We train peace leaders throughout the world through our exceptional Peace Leadership Program. We also honor courageous peace leaders with our annual Distinguished Peace Leadership Award. Past honorees include Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the XIVth Dalai Lama, Mairead Corrigan Maguire, Jody Williams and Helen Caldicott.
The 2014 recipient of the NAPF Distinguished Peace Leadership Award is Medea Benjamin. She is a cofounder of Global Exchange and CODEPINK. She is the author of eight books about peace. She is an American who stands at the front lines of peacemaking throughout the world. Where peace is endangered, she is there. When members of Congress or the administration shout out for war, she makes her presence known for peace. She is courageous and committed.
Join us on November 16, 2014 in honoring Medea Benjamin as our 2014 Distinguished Peace Leader. For information, contact the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation at 805-965-3443, or visit us online at www.wagingpeace.org.
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