I believe that the Japanese government, which is the only nuclear-affected country, should take a proactive stance toward the deterrence and prohibition of nuclear weapons. There are now concerns about the possible use of nuclear weapons in a war in Ukraine. When thinking about Japan's defence, its cost will be huge if we assume a nuclear war. It is clear that once a nuclear war breaks out, only great ruin will be left, if we look at the examples of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. I think that now is the time for Japan to think about what it can do to end the war in Ukraine and do something possible. Baced on those experiences, finding a way to avoid war will be the best defense for Japan.
This is an extremely difficult problem to solve because there are so many competing interests. What should countries do to deal with “bullies on the playground”? How do we control nations that have military bases all over the world? How can average people who are so busy with their day-to-day lives take action on this issue to pressure governments, like Japan, to work harder to prevent war?
What are the reasons that a country like Japan might be reluctant to take a stronger stance on the use of nuclear weapons?
I have always been against fission radiation in all its applications.
As for many of us “The Bomb” was an ever-present thought, causing a lingering fear in the back of my mind as a child.
Then came Three Mile Island
Then came Chernobyl
Then came Fukushima
As the war in Ukraine drags on, again the questions rise back to the surface.... When? Where? How?
Because it’s not just nuclear weapons that are the danger this conflict poses. It is the nuclear plants in the middle. It is the depleted uranium being used in weapons.
Depleted uranium, an isotope that is released in modern weaponry, nuclear weapons, and nuclear reactors run amok. At some point, I will write a piece about the songs about the Fukushima disaster, but since you raised the DU topic, have you heard Anti-Flag's song about DU? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkOUfE5W4FY) This version has the lyrics. Read what Rep. McDermott says about the DU used in Iraq.
The ongoing horrors of nuclear generation, generation after generation.
Many people don’t realize that just because a bomb didn’t go off or a nuclear facility hasn’t melted down, that nuclear isotopes and materials are being dumped on populations almost as if they aren’t human.
Look at Iraq, Afghanistan, Ukraine... just to name a few. These populations were subjected to vast amounts of depleted uranium and god knows whatever radiation and chemicals used in modern warfare.
I actually think living near a secure nuclear waste facility would be safer.
Thank you, Louise, for bringing me back to this song, a powerful one “back then” and even more so now. Your comments remind me that the best way to protect the future is to take action now. I’m looking forward to more songs from you on this site. —Kathy
Thanks, Kathy. And I am looking forward to reading your comments! Exchanging views is one way to create understanding - not necessarily agreement, but at least understanding.
I believe that the Japanese government, which is the only nuclear-affected country, should take a proactive stance toward the deterrence and prohibition of nuclear weapons. There are now concerns about the possible use of nuclear weapons in a war in Ukraine. When thinking about Japan's defence, its cost will be huge if we assume a nuclear war. It is clear that once a nuclear war breaks out, only great ruin will be left, if we look at the examples of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. I think that now is the time for Japan to think about what it can do to end the war in Ukraine and do something possible. Baced on those experiences, finding a way to avoid war will be the best defense for Japan.
Thank you for your comments, Tamio.
This is an extremely difficult problem to solve because there are so many competing interests. What should countries do to deal with “bullies on the playground”? How do we control nations that have military bases all over the world? How can average people who are so busy with their day-to-day lives take action on this issue to pressure governments, like Japan, to work harder to prevent war?
What are the reasons that a country like Japan might be reluctant to take a stronger stance on the use of nuclear weapons?
I have always been against fission radiation in all its applications.
As for many of us “The Bomb” was an ever-present thought, causing a lingering fear in the back of my mind as a child.
Then came Three Mile Island
Then came Chernobyl
Then came Fukushima
As the war in Ukraine drags on, again the questions rise back to the surface.... When? Where? How?
Because it’s not just nuclear weapons that are the danger this conflict poses. It is the nuclear plants in the middle. It is the depleted uranium being used in weapons.
The list goes on.
Should we live in fear?
I don’t believe in that.
Should we learn and share our understanding?
You just have.
Thank you for another excellent piece!
Thanks, Cart.
Depleted uranium, an isotope that is released in modern weaponry, nuclear weapons, and nuclear reactors run amok. At some point, I will write a piece about the songs about the Fukushima disaster, but since you raised the DU topic, have you heard Anti-Flag's song about DU? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkOUfE5W4FY) This version has the lyrics. Read what Rep. McDermott says about the DU used in Iraq.
The ongoing horrors of nuclear generation, generation after generation.
Yes.
Many people don’t realize that just because a bomb didn’t go off or a nuclear facility hasn’t melted down, that nuclear isotopes and materials are being dumped on populations almost as if they aren’t human.
Look at Iraq, Afghanistan, Ukraine... just to name a few. These populations were subjected to vast amounts of depleted uranium and god knows whatever radiation and chemicals used in modern warfare.
I actually think living near a secure nuclear waste facility would be safer.
Looking forward to this blog as always!!
Cart
Thank you, Louise, for bringing me back to this song, a powerful one “back then” and even more so now. Your comments remind me that the best way to protect the future is to take action now. I’m looking forward to more songs from you on this site. —Kathy
Thanks, Kathy. And I am looking forward to reading your comments! Exchanging views is one way to create understanding - not necessarily agreement, but at least understanding.
And I agree with that, Louise!