By: Furquan Gehlen
World BEYOND War Metro Vancouver chapter held two events on Aug 5, 2019. The first at 2pm at Newton Recreation Centre and the second at 6pm at Mount Pleasant Neighborhood House. World BEYOND War’s mission is to end all wars and dismantle the very institution of war and militarism. David Swanson, co-founder of World BEYOND War was the guest speaker. David Swanson is an author, activist, journalist, and radio host. He is executive director of World BEYOND War and campaign coordinator for RootsAction.org.
David’s talk highlighted the myths that are used to justify the existence of war.
War is inevitable is one myth. It was explained that war is a human choice not limited by any law of nature or biological determinism.
War is Necessary is another myth. David explained that defense of freedom, democracy, and life itself, is better accomplished with nonviolent power. Only undemocratic domination over others requires violence and war.
War is Beneficial is another myth that was looked at. The profits gained by a few weapons manufacturers and the temporary power gained by politicians who promote wars are so miniscule compared to the suffering of both victims and victors, and the damage to the environment, economy, and society, that almost any alternative to war is more beneficial.
The last myth looked at is that War is Just. None of the precepts of the venerable “just war theory” hold up under modern scrutiny, and its requirement that war be used only as a last resort is impossible in an age when nonviolent alternatives are proving themselves to be practically unlimited.
Both the Surrey and Vancouver events were well attended and David commented that the audience was very aware of the issues. Both events had a very extensive and engaging question/answer session. These events were successful initial events of the new Metro Vancouver Chapter of World BEYOND War and more events will be planned in the upcoming months.
This new chapter is made up of the following members on the organizing committee: Affan Bajwa, Anjum Khan, Asad Syed, Ashraf Muhammad, Brendan Martin, Carol Zhong, Furquan Gehlen, Lynn Armstrong, Raqiya Mohammad, Shehla Nasir, Yacubu Abu Bakri and Zanbka Malik.
A great collaborative team effort went into these events and beyond the team many others volunteered their time to make these events a success. Their work is highly appreciated. Special thanks to our media sponsors Al-Ameen newspaper, Miracle newspaper and Common Ground. Also the supporting groups that worked with the chapter including Canadian Peace Initiative and Global Peace Alliance amongst others. Our printing sponsors are appreciated, DigiGraphix printing and Guildford printing.
The chapter’s goal is to support World BEYOND War’s mission of ending all wars and the institution of war and militarism. The chapter plans to hold educational, and other events regularly. They will also be starting various campaigns such as Canada out of NATO, Divestment from militarism and a pre-election awareness campaign so that ending wars and militarism is a visible issue in the lead up to the federal election
Join the chapter by signing the declaration of peace on the website at https://
worldbeyondwar.org/individual/ .
If you are interested in being part of the organizing committee, or a sub-committee you can contact the chapter coordinator Furquan Gehlen at furquan@worldbeyondwar.org or call at 604-603-8741.
