From Rich Rodriguez, Hub Leader of Back from the Brink – VT
It’s been 44 years since the state of Vermont’s massive call to action with 155 towns throughout our beautiful Green Mountain State calling for a total nuclear freeze. This was at the height of the Cold War and many Vermonters were concerned about the continued build-up of weapons between nuclear nations.
Vermonters have always been socially engaged through direct action and building grassroots movements. Recently a small group of citizens from Vermont, including myself, met with the office staff of U.S. State Senator Becca Ballint. Within a short time we were able to communicate the importance and relevance of House Resolution 317. From there, Senator Ballint got on board to sign on as a supporter of H. Res. 317. Not only was this a historic event but also a sign that it was simply about creating exposure to the Back from the Brink campaign.
I’m excited to announce the beginning of our Vermont Hub and our determination to not only rid the world of nuclear weapons, but “to make the struggle for nuclear abolition the foundation for a world without war” (Daisaku Ikeda, 2009).
We look forward to engaging many more Vermonters in mounting this movement. Our main focus will be to encourage and invite youth into our movement toward complete nuclear disarmament. After all, not only are the youth our future, but they will become the protagonists toward a 21st century culture of peace.
The following quote is something I would like to follow as a banner for our Hub:
“Nothing is more precious than peace. Nothing brings more happiness. Peace is the most basic starting point for the advancement of humankind” (The New Human Revolution, Vol. 1, “Sunrise” Chapter by Daisaku Ikeda).
For folks who are in the Burlington, VT area and want to get involved with the Back from the Brink Hub, please contact Rich Rodriguez at coachrrod@gmail.com.
