War & Peace

November’s “NLG Presents” discussion with peace activists Cole Harrison and Sarah Fuhro seemed to touch a nerve amongst many present. We know the suffering caused by the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the immense economic cost, and the damage that bombs dropped on civilian targets have done to the U.S.’ reputation and influence abroad. And at the same time, we wonder why tens of thousands are not in the streets as they were 40 years ago. Coexisting with the violence and waste of war takes a toll on all of us, yet many of us feel powerless to change its course.

In this issue, Harrison confronts the strategic challenges faced by the peace movement head-on, and shows how common cause can – and must – be built with advocates for jobs, education, housing, the environment, as he documents the economic cost of war.

Fuhro highlights the activism of military family members and veterans who know first-hand the costs of war.

NLG Board Member Thom Cincotta describes the Guild’s role in defending – and participating in – civil disobedience against an illegal war, with an overview of relevant international law.

Guild law student at Western New England College Law School Lauren Marcous writes about FBI targeting of anti-war activists, as she describes a recent forum held in Northampton by the Guild WNEC chapter. Cincotta briefs readers on the “material support” law that threatens peaceful international solidarity work.

The discussion in November was passionate, with various views of whether and how mass opposition to the wars can be mobilized. As one veteran activist reminded us afterward, the peace movement in the 1960s did not always look any grander than the peace movement today – it takes a lot of meetings in church basements to end a war.

If you’re looking to get involved, check out the websites of Massachusetts Peace Action, United for Justice with Peace, and the Stop the War Coalition. We hope this will spark more discussion of the Guild’s role in building peace.

- Bonnie Tenneriello and Thom Cincotta -