People of world fed up with militarism
THE Japanese people deserve praise for their strong opposition to the nuclear bomb experiments recently terminated by France. As the first civilians to experience the horrors of A-bomb warfare, the Japanese have a right, even a duty, to denounce nuclear bomb experiments, especially in the islands of the Pacific.
Originally, France's President, Jacques Chirac, allowed his military chiefs eight or more A-bomb tests, but was forced to cut back after only six due to the anti-French protests aroused by his Gallic arrogance and insensitivity.
Reports indicate that tourism to France is down and sales of French goods are below normal, most likely due to world-wide boycotts. This is encouraging, because it shows that socially-aware consumers can have a notable effect on harmful national policies. Many will recall how international boycotts eventually forced apartheid-worshipping South Africans to abandon their racist policies.
I believe it is now time for peace movements, human rights advocates, women's rights groups and consumer/conservation movements to unite against militarism and nuclear blackmail. Their combined efforts against nations and corporations that damage peace or the environment can have a powerful impact on politicians and their business confederates. If the Shell Corporation, one of the world's largest, could be forced to back down from its unwise decisions, it is quite feasible for a combined consumer, peace and conservation movement to make political leaders think twice before threatening the world's civilians with terror weapons.
Japan has enormous economic clout and can mount effective boycotts against offenders. Just imagine the consternation in Paris if all Japanese cancelled their trips to France and stopped buying French brandy, perfumes, fashions and other luxuries. French businessmen would scream at Jacques Chirac and the military idiots who bankrupted them! I expect the usual knee-jerk response - 'too idealistic, impractical, violates 'free trade', keep politics out of business' and similar shibboleths. Those who voice such substitutes for thought are the ethical offspring of 18th century slave traders, 19th century opium dealers and 20th century tobacco barons.
The people of the world are fed up with militarism, with the stupidity and arrogance of the generals and their destructive games. Since money talks louder than votes, let consumers take their money away from the nuclear bomb players.
I believe a coalition of peace workers, feminist groups, consumer and conservation advocates, using their combined buying power and media influence, can ensure that Jacques Chirac goes down in history as the last practitioner of nuclear blackmail.
J. GARNER Kowloon
