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Talk and discussion this Friday night; future discussions

Dear friends,

On Friday evening, Nov. 10, at 7 pm, I will speak at a meeting of the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) here in Albuquerque at 2626 Garfield Ave SE.

The Facebook page for the event, where you can let the organizers know you might be coming so they can plan accordingly, is here.

PSL has titled the talk "The Fight for Denuclearization in the Trump Era," which is fair enough. I will provide an overview of nuclear weapons policy struggles since the end of the Cold War and an assessment of where are today and how we might most effectively press forward on nuclear disarmament -- even (especially) in New Mexico. Of particular interest will be the deep linkages between nuclear disarmament and other issues we face in the state, and the country as a whole.

There will be plenty of time for discussion. Light snacks and beverages will be provided by PSL.

After my talk there will also be a discussion about U.S.- Iran relations. PSL: "What is the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, also known as the Iran Nuclear Deal? Why was it signed? Why is it so despised by the U.S. and Israel? What is the driving force behind nations around the world desiring to build their own nuclear arsenals? These are some of the questions that will be addressed by speakers during the forum."

On another subject, ten days ago I returned from a week in Washington, where I met with a range of congressional and administration staff to discuss current nuclear weapons issues and decisions. It was a very productive week, and there is much to do in the way of followup. Some of you may be interested helping with that, or with other work we have here. As a wise person once said, "The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few." That describes very well the situation in nuclear disarmament today -- and, thinking for a moment more, related fields as well. It is indeed, as even the staid Congressional Budget Office said last week, a "pivotal time" in nuclear weapons policy. A few -- better, a dozen or more -- skilled, focused hours can make a big difference.

The best time to talk things over, discuss the issues, or to discuss in greater detail some of the opportunities we see for service and/or internship, is probably on Mondays at 5:30 pm, here at the World Headquarters. If there is interest, we can schedule something -- just the once, or monthly, or weekly. Within limits, we can respond, both for discussions here at the Study Group and as regards external outreach opportunities, e.g. talks and discussions at other organizations and churches.

It is a very exciting time and a wonderful time to be engaged. I will try to share some our enthusiasm in more detail in the next Bulletin.

Best wishes,
 
Greg and Trish, for the Study Group

PS: I will be speaking to the anti-war committee of the Progressive Democrats of America - Central NM (PDACNM) late tomorrow Wednesday (afternoon), if anyone is a member of that group and would like to make a special effort to attend. I do not think it is a public meeting. If you want to know more contact Bill Swift.