AIPER Notes |
I am writing on behalf of the Arizona Institute for Peace Education and Research
(AIPER).
I would like to invite all Mensa members to participate in an important event
this October 13. As you are aware, President Bush has advanced the concept of
a National Missile Defense (NMD, the so-called “Star Wars” program). This is
the first step toward space-based weapons systems.
As with many thoughtful people, we feel a need to educate ourselves and others
about this possibility. We believe that there are grounds to oppose the wasteful
spending of billions of dollars for this purpose ($60 billion has already been
spent and further estimates of further spending range from $60-200 billion).
We at AIPER believe that the NMD actually would make the world much LESS safe—by
destroying the 1972 Antiballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty, and by creating a new
and dangerous arms race. Further, the enormous costs of these systems will
divert resources from more practical causes, including social and economic programs
that benefit us all.
AIPER is joining with hundreds of other organizations in dozens of cities
across the country and around the world on October 13th—the International Day
of Protest Against the Militarization of Space. The purpose is to educate the
public about the National Missile Defense and space-based weapons systems. There
will be a panel discussion at ASU’s law building, Armstrong Hall, Tempe, at
2:00 p.m. that Saturday.
We invite all Mensa members to attend the panel talk. An intelligent appreciation
of the technical issues should help to clarify the associated political issues.
If you have any questions or if you would like further information, please email
me or call me at the number below. We’re looking forward to hearing from you.
Thank you for your support in this important matter.