U.S.-Soviet TV Addresses

The two leaders of the Soviet and American peoples have each made a combinative statement to the other’s countrymen, wishing for peace and a reduction in nuclear arms. That is good. However, if the words are not to be the unfulfilled platitudes of yesteryears, the mind-set of government and people has to change. Pulpit, politician and publisher must reverse their tunes of hate; from advertisements, through our schools, we should pursue peace.

“Of thee I sing,” should be expanded to include the world if we will save our human heritage. Man emerged after billions of years of growing, striving, learning, so that today, the ascendant of all but himself, he has the power to destroy all nations, all peoples, all races. He can make of them indistinguishable cinders, whatever their color, speech, god or philosophy.

Everyone is of this Earth. What can we do? We know there can be no priorities above life itself, the basis of all else. Boundaries, treaties, compassion, will be obliterated if contending polities seek victory through military resolution. Mutual destruction, no victors, only victims of narrow persuasion awaits such holocaust. What must we do?

For mankind to survive and flourish we should speak, invite, and reach out for peace. Pressure governments to expand avenues leading to arms control with final elimination of nuclear bombs. Let our voices be heard and our votes count. That is where our hope lies.

BURTON WITKOVSKY

Laguna Hills