return to top page FOURTH WORLD NEWS
For Small Nations, Small Communities & The Human Spirit
Vol. 1 No. 18. February 1983 Price 25pEdited by Nicholas Albery Help Prevent Nuclear Annihilation!
I am guest-editing this issue of 'Fourth World News' and I have chosen as my theme my neo-Christian belief that any small group of people gathered together can, using imagination, humour or creativity, begin to move mountains.
In this issue I describe several projects in which I am or have been involved, and which use new and imaginative ways to try to bring about social change.
But taking up John Seymour's subject, the mountain I would like to propose that we as 'Fourth World News' regulars apply ourselves to is the problem of proliferating nuclear weapons. What can we do that is not already being done?
Whilst I agree with the general 'Fourth World' argument that we will only get peace in the long term by taking power locally and by being more self-reliant locally, and that this is where most of our energies should go, there are obviously inadequate short-term measures that desperately need taking to prevent the latest missile escalation - measures that stand some chance of success, especially with elections looming in Britain and the States.
Pledge Letter
The mountain-moving lever I propose we use is the much-abused chain letter. The right chain letter could expand dramatically, at a geometric rate, affecting millions of people within months. Several people have helped draft the 'Anti-Nuclear Voting Pledge' letter for circulation in the U.K. We have sent it to individuals within 'CND', 'Ecoropa', 'East West Peace People' et al for criticism and comment - (some replies have already been received and incorporated in the draft, others appear below) - but really 'Fourth World News' readers are the trial audience:
If you like the letter, please make copies and send or hand them on to at least 6 others.
If you can improve the wording, please do so, and then make copies and send them on - and send us a copy of the improved wording or any other comments.
If you are able to help us draft a version suitable for circulation in another country, please send us your draft. If you are able to reprint the UK letter in any periodical, please do so.Commitment
Many people plan to commit a great deal of time, energy and money during the next crucial year to the anti-nuclear issue - but even modest commitments could pay dividends: for instance, a total outlay of some £350 and some 150 hours' work should be enough to get this anti-nuclear letter to every household in an urban parliamentary constituency.
Please consider taking on your local constituency, with a few friends to help you.
Such activity could harmonise well with, and help prepare for, 'CND's more ambitious plan to canvass every household in the UK before the election.
copies of this document may be obtained from 26 The High Street, Purton, Wiltshire SN5 4AE, UK
Tel: 01793 77 22 14 Fax: 01793 77 25 21
e-mail: john.papworth@btinternet.com
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