U.S. Nuclear Missiles on Instant Alert — A Catastrophe Waiting to Happen     The threat of accidental nuclear war is terrifyingly real, which can be seen by Googling that phrase (try it!). You will see how often we came so very close. And those entries do not even include the mishaps and near-disasters of the less-maintained Russian weapons, nor those of the other nuclear states. The current highly computerized launch-on-warning response policy on our 450 nuclear missiles allows very little time to check whether the perceived threat of an incoming strike is real, or merely reflections off some clouds. This confusion has happened before, and the world came close to catastrophe. In addition, studies have shown that to actually use our 450 nuclear missiles, even in response to a real attack, would probably be enough to cause a "nuclear winter.”  The rising dust produced by these nuclear detonations would block sunlight from reaching the Earth, likely causing world-wide agricultural collapse, and possibly human extinction. Fortunately, President Obama can take U.S. nuclear missiles off hair-trigger alert, with his signature alone. No Congressional involvement is required. Just like George H.W. Bush did in 1991, when he unilaterally took all U.S. nuclear bombers circling around the globe 24/7 off hair-trigger alert. This eased the Russians' fears, and made them less jumpy on the trigger, so to speak.     Urge the President to use this post-election opportunity to de-alert all of our nuclear missiles, just like George H.W. Bush de-alerted our nuclear-armed bombers. Remind him of the terrifying threat of accidental, unintended, nuclear war, and that the nuclear winter set off by the use of our 450 missiles would likely kill us all. He needs a little push to do what he called for in 2007.   CONTACT:   PRESIDENT OBAMA Web: www.whitehouse.gov/contact Tel: 202 456-1111 (9:00 am to 5:00 pm) Fax: 202 456-2461 Mail: President Barack Obama The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20500 Photo: Mimi in Maine, Lois Barber 2014

Join 2020 Action! Our mission is to inform and inspire Americans to turn their concern, passion, and outrage into meaningful action for a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world. Each month you'll receive, via email or post, a beautiful postcard with a well-researched action and a photograph that celebrates the beauty and wonder of the natural world. On the printed cards, the back of each photo is blank so you can separate it and reuse it as a postcard. $20/year for individuals. Join Massachusetts Peace Action - or renew your membership now for 2015!   Dues are $40/year for an individual, $65 for a family, or $10 for student/unemployed/low income.  Pay now and you will be a member in good standing through December 2015! Your financial support makes this work possible! Massachusetts Peace Action, 11 Garden St., Cambridge, MA 02138 617-354-2169  • info@masspeaceaction.org • Follow us on Facebook or Twitter Click here to unsubscribe