I just got back from Dr. Atomic, an opera about Dr. Oppenheimer, the leader of the Manhattan Project to develop the Atomic Bomb. (I know it sounds odd, and it was, but it was also powerful.) And I just kept thinking that if the US ever spent as much money on any public sector (health, education, development, environmental protection) as we spend on the weapons and war machine, this would would be SO much better. I watched in anguish as Dr. Oppenheimer struggled with the morality of the work he was doing. And I was so thankful that I believe in the movements and organizations I am a part of. I wish that for everyone.
I also wish that we really would make progress on shifting budget priorities away from weapons and war toward the needs of people and the environment in this country and around the world. At a conference this weekend, a representative from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities spoke about opportunities in the next year with the new Congress and Administration, but when asked if she thought we could actually shift funding from the Pentagon to other priorities in the next year, she wasn't optimistic. Apparently, Congress has made some long-term budget committments to the Pentagon that have come due. While I appreciate her honesty and expertise, I can't accept that answer. I do not accept another year of such lopsided priorities. And I am going to work toward making sure this doesn't happen. You can too! Before Nov 26, 2008, urge your Senators to take action to ensure our priorities are better reflected in next year's budget.
Movements start with one person standing up. Let's stand together against injustice!
-Stephen Donahoe
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