Another woman wrote a booklet for high school students on the practical realities of enlisting in the military in order to balance the influence of military recruiters. She informed parents that the military has access to students' records and then lobbied the school board to give parents the option of having their child receive information on enlistment.
And one more conundrum: a lot of the local residents appreciated the activists' peacemaking efforts even though they don't stand with them.
Today, members of ORPAX conduct their demonstrations "in very harmless ways." said one middle-aged member.
"We're not trying to get coverage in the newspaper. And when we go out to ring the International Friendship Bell on Sundays [in honor of the fallen Americans in Iraq and Afghanistan], we do it more for ourselves in a private way. If we were public about it, we'd put ourselves at risk."
Oak Ridgers understand what it means to be a part of a place that has a great effect on the worldin both war and peace. And in some ways, Oak Ridge still remains a "secret city"for those who thirst for peace.
However, it is important to recognize that the Oak Ridge conundrum of war and peace reflects the conundrum of our entire nation. Oak Ridge may be the place where WMD were and are constructed, but all Americans share a responsibility for what we do with these weapons. For my money, especially on this day of remembrance in Hiroshima, they should all be banned and disassembled.
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