Nation Magazine DC Discussion Group Speaker

On Saturday, June 18, 2016 from 3-5:30 PM at the Cleveland Park Public Library, the Nation Magazine Discussion Group in DC held a discussion of “US militarism”, where I was one of two very knowledgeable “resource persons” invited to the discussion.

“Our second resource person is Chuck Woolery who served as Issues and Advocacy Director for the Global Health Council and the World Federalist Association, and was former chair of the United Nations Association Council of Organizations. He is working on a book with the tentative title: The Trilemma: Maximizing Freedom and Security in an Interdependent World. He will share his thoughts about strengthening the UN so that all countries can be held accountable to the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights.”

The Nation Magazine Discussion Group in DC is a group of politically minded people that meet once a month to talk about what we have been reading and to discuss the latest developments and swap information and opinions. The group invites anyone who wants to participate actively in the discussion, reads the discussion paper that was emailed beforehand, and familiarizes themselves with any of the references that interest them.

Hosted by Bob Griss, Coordinator
Nation Magazine Discussion Group in DC

Recent News and Latest Book

The Atlantic Joins the Chorus of Fear

One of the lessons of the Cold War should have been the danger of exaggerating the threat or key adversaries in order to avoid the great cost of unnecessary military buildups.  We spent unnecessarily against a Soviet “threat” that was hyped beyond reality.  Politicians and pundits alike are failing to actually assess the the threat or the adversary, which is contributing to budget deficits and heightened fears.  More time should be devoted to the study of diplomatic history in order to examine precedents for improving bilateral relations.  Fear is driving us toward arms races; diplomacy could drive us to arms control and disarmament as well as a more stable international environment.

Two Wars, Five Losing Nations

The United States, complicit in Israel’s genocidal actions and sending conflicting signals regarding Ukraine and Gaza, is also losing in terms of influence and standing.  The international community understands the hypocrisy of the Biden administration that condemns the terrorism of Russia but allows the terrorism of Israel.  The United States has been Israel’s political shield on the global stage for the past 75 years.  A New York Times editorial on Monday continued to support Biden’s most recent veto of a Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza.

Containing the National Security State

Containing the National Security State