Some 200,000 people disappeared within a 300-meter radius of ground zero on Aug. 6 in Hiroshima and Aug. 9 in Nagasaki, leaving thousands more to die and many more to live a life tortured by disease which they passed on to the unborn. Sixty-eight years later over 20,000 more deadly nuclear warheads encircle the globe. The U.S. and Russia have about 1,500 on five-minute launch ready alert. Some nuclear weapons states reserve the right for first strike or the right to use conventional weapons on nuclear facilities. As well NATO, of which Canada is a member, maintains the right to use nuclear weapons.
The drive to build more nuclear power plants is of great concern. Three Mile Island, Chernobyl and Fukisima all bear witness of the danger to humans and the environment.
The danger does not stop with warheads or power plants either. The use of radioactive waste dubbed ‘Depleted Uranium’ coating missiles, bullets and tanks in order to ‘protect’ our soldiers continues. The effects of this low-level ionization/radiation are showing up in Serbia, Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Medical staff in these countries are documenting the unprecedented rise in cancer, diabetes, autoimmune diseases and birth defects.
A campaign by anti-nuclear activists, instituted a legislated ban on uranium mining and exploration in B.C., but it can be lifted very easily. In the Kootenay/ Boundary/Okanagan we have uranium deposits. Disturbed deposits become radioactive and the emissions can’t be stopped. If we are serious about not exposing our children to further radiation, we must be vigilant. We must let our politicians, of all levels, know we do not support exploration and mining of uranium, we must insist that all excavation ensure no uranium lies underground. We must work to bring the legislated ban into law that cannot be changed at the whim of the sitting government.
There are millions who raise their voices daily with many more during Hiroshima/ Nagasaki week. We ask you to join us at Gyro Park in Grand Forks on Aug. 10 at 1 p.m. We have speakers, entertainers, information and a silent auction.
Laura Savinkoff,
Boundary Peace Initiative