Archive for May, 2023

Ceasefire & Negotiated Peace In Ukraine

Tuesday, May 23rd, 2023

Petition: Immediate Ceasefire &

Negotiated Peace In Ukraine NOW!

Sign your name on the petition below to support negotiations–not more weapons–to resolve the crisis in Ukraine.

To: U.S. President Biden, NATO Commander Jens Stoltenberg, EU Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen

As peace-loving citizens of the world, we urge you to support an immediate ceasefire and negotiated peace in Ukraine.

We do not have to sleepwalk into endless war or worse—a nuclear war with Russia.

Skeptics argue there’s no point in trying to negotiate with Russian President Vladamir Putin because he’s not interested in peace talks. In a recent speech, however, Putin said he wanted Ukraine and Russia to immediately return to the negotiating table. If Ukraine and Russia can negotiate the flow of grain exports out of the Black Sea, international inspections of a nuclear reactor, and prisoner exchanges, the two countries can negotiate an end to this disastrous war–provided the US and NATO do not torpedo the negotiations with promises of more and more weapons and talk of weakening Russia for regime change.

Regime change wars have not worked out in the past. Think Iraq or Afghanistan or Libya.

What are our choices in Ukraine? One is endless war with continued death and destruction, skyrocketing inflation, global hunger, and dress rehearsals for nuclear annihilation.

The other is a ceasefire and negotiated settlement in which all parties make compromises for the safety and security of the world.

We demand diplomacy now! Sign the petition here: https://www.codepink.org/ukrainepetition?recruiter_id=728189&fbclid=IwAR1AfSvswNUzivX_9cO0mlNmn9EYYT8mwa-wCCEhFY04UssnxTsWNYzHcNg

Malu ‘Aina Center for Non-violent Education & Action

P.O. Box 489 Ola’a (Kurtistown), Hawai’i 96760

Phone (808) 966-7622 Email ja@malu-aina.org to receive our posts.

For more information see http://www.malu-aina.org

May 26, 2023, Hilo Peace Vigil leaflet – week 1130– Fridays 3:30-5 PM downtown Post Office

Related articles and video:

Video by Medea Benjamin: War in Ukraine: Making Sense of a Senseless Conflict

The Not-So-Winding Road from Iraq to Ukraine, Medea Benjamin & Nicolas J.S. Davies, (The Progressive, March 17, 2023)

Why Did Biden Snub China’s Ukraine Peace Plan? By: Medea Benjamin, Marcy Winograd and Wei Yu, (CODEPINK Pink Tank, 3 March 2023)

Why the US must press for a ceasefire in Ukraine, Jack F. Matlock Jr. (Responsible Statecraft. Oct. 17, 2022)

Negotiations Still the Only Way Forward to End Ukraine War, Medea Benjamin & Nicolas J.S. Davies (Video: Democracy Now, October 12, 2022)

Stop Fanning the Flames of War. Seek a Ceasefire in Ukraine, Marcy Winograd and Medea Benjamin (San Jose Mercury News. Sept. 30, 2022)

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G7 Hiroshima Summit backtracks on norm against nuclear weapons

NoFirstUse Global will push on to the NPT, G20 Delhi Summit and UN General Assembly to affirm and implement the norm

Dear Jim Albertini,

Leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK and USA, who met in Hiroshima for the G7 Summit from May 19-21, adopted the G7 Leaders’ Hiroshima Vision on Nuclear Disarmament. The Vision statement reaffirms commitments to nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament and criticizes Russia and China for their nuclear weapons policies, but fails to commit the G7 countries to any new measures to reduce nuclear threats or advance nuclear disarmament.

Worse, the Hiroshima Vision backtracks from the statement made at the G20 Bali Summit in November last year by the G20 Leaders – which includes all of the G7 Leaders – that ‘The use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is inadmissible.”

Calls by civil society including NoFirstUse Global for the G7 leaders to reaffirm and begin implementing the Bali statement appeared to fall on deaf ears in Hiroshima.

Nuclear Taboo, from Norm to Law presented to the Summit

NoFirstUse Global gathered endorsements from over 1000 legislators, youth, academics/experts, religious leaders and civil society leaders from G7 and other countries for a declaration, Nuclear Taboo from Norm to Law, calling for affirmation and implementation of the Bali statement that “The use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is inadmissible.”

NoFirstUse representatives presented the Declaration and list of endorsers to the Foreign Ministry of Japan (host of the G7 Summit) and to a cross-party meeting of parliamentarians in the Diet (Japanese parliament) in Tokyo, and to media and civil society observers of the G7 Summit in Hiroshima.

Despite this, the Hiroshima Vision statement backtracks on the Bali statement, weakening the norm against nuclear weapons. Instead of affirming that “The use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is inadmissible” (without exception or caveat), the Hiroshima Vision says only that “…threats by Russia of nuclear weapon use … in the context of its aggression against Ukraine are inadmissible.”

In addition, the Hiroshima Vision notes that “security policies are based on the understanding that nuclear weapons, for as long as they exist, should serve defensive purposes, deter aggression and prevent war and coercion.”

“In essence the Hiroshima Vision implies (incorrectly) that it is perfectly “admissible” to threaten nuclear weapon use for defensive purposes and to deter aggression and prevent war and coercion,” said Aaron Tovish, NoFirstUse Global Steering Committee Member, speaking from Hiroshima. “Many of Russia’s string of nuclear threats have been couched in this language, as have many of the US’s past nuclear threats.” (See Neither Gold, Silver nor Bronze: G7’s SUBstandard performance in Hiroshima).

Neither Gold, Silver nor Bronze.
G7’s SUBstandard performance in Hiroshima

“If we look at recent inter-governmental statements on the inadmissibility of threat or use of nuclear weapons, the G7’s Hiroshima Vision is so sub-standard it would not even ‘win’ a bronze medal. Gold medal would go to the Vienna Declaration of TPNW States Parties in which they “condemn unequivocally any and all nuclear threats, whether they be explicit or implicit and irrespective of the circumstances.” Silver medal would go to the Bali Declaration of the G20 which says that “The use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is inadmissible.” Bronze medal would go to India and China for their no-first-use policies.”

Aaron Tovish, NoFirstUse Global Steering Committee Member.

Onward to the NPT, G20 and UNGA

NoFirstUse Global is not giving up on implementation of the G20 affirmation that “The use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is inadmissible.”

We will continue to accept endorsements for Nuclear Taboo from Norm to Law in order to also present it to Preparatory Meeting of States Parties to the Non-Proliferation Treaty in Vienna (August), G20 Summit in Delhi (September) and the UN General Assembly (October).

Please encourage your colleagues to endorse so that we can elevate the political impact of this Declaration of Public Conscience.

NoFirstUse Global is a network of organizations, academics, policy makers and civil society advocates working cooperatively for the adoption of no-first-use policies by nuclear-armed States, the support for such policies from nuclear allied countries, and the implementation of such policies to help achieve broader nuclear risk-reduction, non-proliferation and disarmament measures.

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Posted in Military, Public Events, Radiation, Social Justice, Take Action!, Vigil leaflets | No Comments »

Malu ‘Aina in Search of a Volunteer Farm Coordinator and Farm Volunteers!

Wednesday, May 17th, 2023

Malu ‘Aina in Search of a Volunteer

Farm Coordinator and Farm Volunteers!

Malu ‘Aina Center for Non-violent Education & Action, founded in 1979, is a small all volunteer non-profit peace farm in Ola’a (Kurtistown) on Hawaii Island. We are looking for a farm torch carrier, someone to take on the volunteer farm coordination that Jim Albertini has done for over 40 years. Jim, pushing 77 years of age, hopes to concentrate more on peace organizing and continuing Malu ‘Aina’s emergency food pantry work, and less on farm work.

Malu ‘Aina is a grassroots non-profit organization that started with a donation of land. but no buildings. Over the years, we built some simple structures. Malu ‘Aina does not seek government or foundation money. Too many strings attached. We do an annual appeal to supporters for donations to keep the work of Malu ‘Aina going. Our main “crop” is non-violent activism on a variety of social issues including opposing war, militarism, injustice, and redirecting war spending to meet basic human needs, including protecting the environment.

We are looking for someone to volunteer part-time, or full-time, to help maintain the fruit trees on the farm, and perhaps with the help of other volunteers replant some vegetable crops. Some basic gardening/farming skills would be a plus but not essential. I’m willing to help train. The new volunteer farm coordinator could be someone already living on the east side of Hawaii Island, or someone willing to come and live at Malu Aina rent-free and with basic food needs provided. Life at Malu ‘Aina involves off-grid simple living on small-scale solar and water catchment. Currently, Jim is the only person in residence at Malu ‘Aina though over the years we usually had a couple of people in residence along with a few other short-term visitor volunteers.

Due to the last 3 years of Covid, volunteer help has been minimal. Our tractor which had a major breakdown just before Covid arrived is now up and running after a difficult time finding parts. Jim is doing mowing in the orchards and farm roadways but farm fruit tree maintenance has been lacking. There are approximately 175 fruit trees here that require lots of weed whacking and other maintenance.

If you, or someone you know, might be interested in being the Malu Aina farm coordinator, or simply helping as a farm volunteer sharing fruits from Malu Aina, please encourage them to complete the volunteer application below. Also check out our webpage at www.malu-aina.org to see Malu ‘Aina peace, justice, and environmental issues of concern.

Mahalo for your consideration and support.

Jim

Jim Albertini, President of Malu ‘Aina

Malu ‘Aina Center for Non-violent Education & Action

P.O. Box 489 Ola’a (Kurtistown), Hawai’i 96760

Phone (808) 966-7622 Email ja@malu-aina.org to receive our posts.

For more information see http://www.malu-aina.org

Malu ‘Aina Volunteer Application Date: ________________

Name ______________________________________________________________

Current address ______________________________________________________

City/Town ______________________________________________ State/country _____________

Zip ____________________ Phone __________________________________________

email _______________________________________________________________

Age ________ Date of Birth ___________________ Sexual identity ____M ___F _____other

1. Are you interested in living as a volunteer at Malu Aina or simply coming to volunteer from an off-site residence? When would you like to start volunteering? How long would you like to volunteer?

2. Please explain briefly why you would like to be a volunteer at Malu ‘Aina.

3. Do you have any experience in gardening? farming? If so, please share…

4 What is your physical condition? poor, fair, good, excellent

5 Do you have any physical impairments that would prohibit or limit your volunteer work on the farm? _____No ____Yes If yes, please explain

6. Do you have any special skills or special needs? If so, please explain.

7. Please tell us a little bit more about yourself – strengths and weaknesses. Do you have any experience in peace, justice, or environmental activism? Anything else you would like to share?

Mahalo for taking the time to fill out this application. Please email your completed application to ja@malu-aina.org. After I have reviewed it, I will contact you to arrange a phone interview and a possible farm visit.

Jim Albertini Malu ‘Aina Center For Non-violent Education & Action P.O. Box 489 Ola’a (Kurtistown) Hawai’i 96760 Phone 808-966-7622 Email ja@malu-aina.org Visit us on the web at www.malu-aina.org

Posted in Social Justice, Take Action! | No Comments »

May 19, 2023 Hilo Peace Vigil leaflet on Ukraine Mushroom Cloud Explosion

Monday, May 15th, 2023

War in Ukraine – What’s

Next?

Huge Mushroom Cloud Blast Reported

https://www.newsweek.com/huge-mushroom-blast-khmelnytskyi-reignites-depleted-uranium-claims-1800443

Blast Ignites ‘Depleted Uranium’ Munitions!

The blast resulted in a big, dirty bomb/Weapon of Mass Destruction explosion in Khmelnytskyi, Western Ukraine. Reports are that Russian drones struck a Ukraine ammunition depot holding British (and possibly other countries) Depleted Uranium anti-tank weapons recently given to Ukraine. The resulting radiation from the explosion will likely drift and persist for future generations. See the video of the explosions here: pic.twitter.com/1YtJ7Hb0xp Widespread Radiation Contamination is feared! See radiation readings here: https://twitter.com/djuric_zlatko/status/1657829568885956616

In last week’s (May 12, 2023) Hilo Peace leaflet I noted the following: “Great Britain, recently sent thousands of rounds of Depleted Uranium (DU) radiation weapons to Ukraine. Russia in response has placed nuclear weapons in Belarus. Tensions are mounting. The Russian Kremlin was recently bombed by drones… The fear is that… areas of Ukraine may become nuclear-contaminated sacrifice zones. If that happens, the war could quickly escalate to a global nuclear war with the entire planet becoming a nuclear sacrifice zone. It now appears a nuclear sacrifice zone has been created in Ukraine and likely beyond. How large a zone remains to be seen. The dangers of war escalation now appear to be increasing dramatically. Stand up and Speak out for peace.

Stop the War Madness NOW before it’s too Late!

Malu ‘Aina Center for Non-violent Education & Action

P.O. Box 489 Ola’a (Kurtistown), Hawai’i 96760

Phone (808) 966-7622 Email ja@malu-aina.org to receive our posts.

For more information see http://www.malu-aina.org

May 19, 2023, Hilo Peace Vigil leaflet – week 1129– Fridays 3:30-5 PM downtown Post Office

Posted in Hawaii Independence, Military, Pohakuloa, Public Events, Radiation, Social Justice, Take Action!, Vigil leaflets | No Comments »

May 12, 2023, Hilo Peace Vigil leaflet

Tuesday, May 9th, 2023

“Violence is as American as Cherry Pie!”

Black activist, H. Rap Brown, spoke the words in the 1960s. The words were true then, and even more true today, with the violent American Cherry Pie growing larger and larger. In 2023 there have been over 200 mass shootings in the US and it’s not even the middle of May. A mass shooting is defined by the Gun Violence Archive as an incident in which four or more victims are shot or killed. According to ABC News, the facts of American gun violence speak for themselves: More than 13,900 people killed in gun violence so far in 2023

US gun violence at home in the US is directly linked to US gun violence abroad. The chickens of America’s endless wars are coming home to roost. Millions of people have been killed, wounded, and displaced by dozens of US wars and interventions since WWII. And the violence is threatening to get much worse.

THE UNITED STATES HAS KILLED MORE THAN 20 MILLION PEOPLE IN 37 NATIONS SINCE WWII: https://popularresistance.org/us-has-killed-more-than-20-million-in-37-nations-since-wwii

The ultimate mass shooting would be the use of nuclear weapons, killing millions, perhaps billions, and ending civilization as we know it. That is exactly the direction the US is going, pushing its PROVOKED proxy war with Russia in Ukraine, and provoking war with China too. The US Empire wants a unipolar world with the US on top. In Ukraine, Biden’s poodle, Great Britain, recently sent thousands of rounds of Depleted Uranium (DU) radiation weapons to Ukraine. Russia in response has placed nuclear weapons in Belarus. Tensions are mounting. The Russian Kremlin was recently bombed by drones. Guess who did it? Not likely Russia. Likely the same bomber who destroyed the Russian Nordstream pipelines. Russia is now evacuating people around the Zaporeshia nuclear power plant. The fear is that Russian areas of Ukraine may become nuclear-contaminated sacrifice zones. If that happens, the war could quickly escalate to a global nuclear war with the entire planet becoming a nuclear sacrifice zone.