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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>“Avoiding Nuclear War” Watch, Oct.14, 2017<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Congress Should Take Power to Start Nuclear War Away >From Mr. Trump Now!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Dear friend,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> The big focus today in avoiding nuclear war is the budding Washington consensus that Congress should act soon to remove the sole power to start nuclear war from one person, namely, Mr. Trump.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'>In calling for Congress to use its power to remove sole command of starting nuclear war from Mr. Trump, the <i>New York Times </i>Editorial Board on Oct. 11 cited evidence that Mr. Trump, by threatening destruction of North Korea and showing a suicidal misunderstanding of nuclear weapons and strategy, might get us all killed in a hot second by ordering a nuclear strike.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'> I’m suggesting we focus on demanding that Congress join Congressman Jared Huffman, Senator Dianne Feinstein, and many others in support of requiring Congressional authorization of use of nuclear weapons before the President can launch a nuclear first-strike.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'>The “Restricting First-Use of Nuclear Weapons Act of 2017,” introduced now in both House and Senate, would do Congress’ duty of protecting the people by following the U.S. Constitution, which clearly gives Congress the power to declare war.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'>Our lives are in dire threat because of Mr. Trump’s nuclear madness. This move is an essential immediate move in avoiding nuclear war. The nuclear showdown between Mr. Trump and North Korea is headed toward complete world catastrophe.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'>China’s clear statement that it would intervene if the U.S. attacks North Korea puts a whole new dimension on this crisis. China is fully able to completely disable the U.S., in whole or part, using many different means.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'>China also announced it would remain neutral if North Korea launches a first-strike against the U.S., while strongly urging both parties to de-escalate and negotiate. Here I see China really trying to avoid war, by clearly supporting North Korea against “nuclear blackmail” by the U.S., while restraining North Korea from launching a first strike<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'>Another stunning development is the passage and rapid enactment of the “Treaty Banning Nuclear Weapons,” supported by 122 world nations, completely outlawing nuclear weapons as instruments of mass destruction. The Nobel Peace Prize went to the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, the group behind this treaty, which the U.S. should sign and everyone support.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'>Seventy-two years and counting since the last use of a nuclear weapon, Nagasaki, Japan, Aug.19, 1945. Survivors were one of the strongest driving forces for banning nuclear weapons. This a great achievement for the human race. Long may we run!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'>--John Lewallen<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'>Philo, CA<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'>(707)895-2996 <br><br><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'> <i> </i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>