A few days ago I came across this People’s Decade website. It reminded me of an experience I had some years back.
I remember sitting in my high school U.S. History class, listening to my teacher explaining about the nuclear bombs that were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki and claiming that they were “a necessary evil to stop the war.” I instinctively knew that I couldn’t agree with the idea that the use of nuclear weapons could be justified under any circumstances, but I couldn’t muster the courage inside to voice my opinion at that time.
Being Japanese-American, at times I have found myself in an awkward position: though I am undoubtedly opposed to nuclear weapons at heart, it’s often difficult to speak out. Therefore, I was moved by President Barack Obama’s courageous declaration calling for a world without nuclear weapons and his actions toward this goal. He must have been prepared to be attacked for his stand, but one person’s courage can appeal to other leaders’ conscience and build a strong current toward nuclear abolition.
I know that regardless of my background and circumstances, I must always maintain the courage to speak out against nuclear weapons. Everything–no matter how daunting the issue may seem–begins with one person’s courage from within.
Name: Julie
Age: 25
Gender: Female