IHM: IHM Action Announcement

IHM Action Announcements

March 11, 2010

"Because of the increasing danger of nuclear holocaust, we commit ouselves to work with others of the human community to raise consciousness aboout and to resist the evils of the arms race and increased militarization throughout the world."

- IHM Congregational Stance on Peacemaking/Disarmament

In this IHM Action Announcement:

March 5 was the 40th anniversary of the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT). The treaty promised that nuclear powers would engage in "good-faith" negotiations to completely eliminate their nuclear arsenals.

We have heard from media reports that President Obama plans to reduce the number of weapons in the U.S. stockpile. However, recent weeks have brought deeply disturbing news. President Obama's upcoming Nuclear Posture Review reportedly will reaffirm the U.S. first strike policies, warning the world that our country still claims the right to initiate a nuclear war. Furthermore, the president's budget calls for spending increases to modernize the remaining nuclear weapons stockpile and to train the next generation of nuclear weapons designers.

On May 3, representatives of nearly all of the world's nations will gather at the U.N. to review the NPT. Click here to send a message to President Obama urging him to initiate good faith multilateral negotiations on an international agreement to abolish nuclear weapons.

Did You Know...? The IHM Leadership Council recently endorsed a Catholic sign-on letter to President Obama regarding his nuclear posture review. Click here to read this letter. President Obama also recently announced the first nuclear power loan guarantee $8.3 billion for two proposed new reactors in Georgia. Before announcing this guarantee, President Obama had asked Congress in his FY 2011 budget request to triple the amount of nuclear loan guarantees which could cover 6-8 new reactors. Click here to read an article connecting the dots between the development of nuclear energy and the proliferation of nuclear weapons.

Next Action Alert: Thursday, March 18

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The Internet is a powerful tool for education and activism. Taking action using these weekly alerts is an easy and effective way to increase the IHM voice for justice, peace and sustainability in our world.