Physicians for Social Responsibility
October 29th Meeting
Physicians for Social Responsibility
Peter Wilk, MD assisted by Daniell Oppenhein, MD began with an overview of Physicians for Social Responsibility. Their focus areas are Toxic Chemicals, Domestic Violence, Climate Change, and Nuclear Weapons that was tonight’s topic.
Dr Wilk PSR web site states: “I first became involved with PSR after viewing “The Last Epidemic” in 1981. I was touched at some deep emotional level with recognition that our collective shortsightedness, bravado, accidents, or even misguided good intentions could result in nuclear war and the end of all that we hold dear in this fragile, beautiful world of ours. That danger continues today. The threats of climate change and toxic degradation of the environment are equally great; proceeding at a slower, but inexorable pace, unless we collectively change our course. Working with others in PSR, through a combination of education and advocacy, locally and nationally, gives me hope that we can change course. Humans created these problems – together, we can solve them.”
“The nuclear weapons danger is real and growing despite the end of the Cold War over two decades ago – nuclear terrorism, nuclear proliferation, and the thousands of weapons still on hair-trigger alert in the United States and Russia put the entire planet at risk.
“There is growing bipartisan agreement that trillions of dollars are wasted on these obsolete and bloated nuclear weapons programs. This money could be better used to support our troops and rebuild at home.
“PSR Maine is working with our federal delegation to help move the budget discussion and shift these monies to programs that have greater benefit for Mainers.”
Tonight’s visit was the first of 6 local Rotary Clubs where they would like us to follow the example of Polio eradication with a similar global effort on ending the threat of nuclear weapons. He concluded with: “POLIO GONE! NUCLEAR WEAPONS NEXT?”.