In these grim and dangerous times it is vital to avoid despair and paralysis. The articles in this edition, in their different ways, point to positive responses that are to hand.
We are delighted that Almut Rochowanski has adapted for our use her recent Substack article on Inclusive Diplomacy. Almut has decades of experience working on women’s rights and peace in post-Soviet Eurasia and here she outlines an alternative to the bloody conflict in Ukraine. We have included an account of support from Kintyre about the Network for Palestine and a recent trip to Egypt which shows how Scots can respond to that horrific situation. Secure Scotland now has its own Substack, so if you like our stories do subscribe, or if you would like to suggest an item for publication there, please let us know by email.
Janet Fenton writes about meeting members of Nihon Hidankyo, the Japanese atomic bomb survivors organisation which has been awarded this year’s Nobel Peace Prize. The work of these “hibakusha” has been vital in establishing the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons – showing that we can eliminate the threat of nuclear war.
Meanwhile the Secure Scotland response to the UK government’s call for submissions to its Strategic Defence Review points out that we need to shift away from a violent response to threats, and towards an approach based on common security. In celebrating the new Peace Garden at Bridgend Farmouse Agatha Kai-Kai notes how important ventures like this are for building peaceful communities.
We do not know yet in any detail what the impacts of the result of the US presidential election will be for that country and the world. What is obvious is that it will add to the already considerable challenges for those of us who are working for a peaceful and equitable world. We hope to continue to offer opportunities for reflection, mutual support, local and transnational solidarity, and acts of gentle resistance.
The variety and joy on display at Words & Actions pre -Christmas exhibition of art from children (in response to the questions about what, and where security comes from) is keeping our spirits up with their inventive positivity, a reminder of the huge plus of having this home as a place to build community and sustain and nurture our values.
On 28th September Words & Actions for Peace hosted an event with a difference. A birthday party. Not just any birthday party – an 80th birthday party for Words and Actions and Secure Scotland volunteer David Mackenzie. At one stage we were worried that too many people would come but on the evening we had the right number of lively and varied attenders, had excellent vegan catering from Hummus of Morningside, some songs, and all the while a slide-show of photos played on the large screen. The evening confirmed for us that 58 Ratcliffe Terrace is a fine and flexible venue for all sorts of activities – meetings, exhibitions, resource display, workshops, small concerts, and yes, a birthday party. Maybe you or your group could be making use of it?
