In the June 1953 edition of National Geographic magazine there is an article, “Nevada Learns to Live with the Atom.” That’s a lie, of course. The subtitle is even worse: “White Blasts Teach Civilians and Soldiers Survival in Atomic War.”
Thirty years after that article was printed, I arrived in Baltimore to work with Nuclear Free America. The title of the organization says it all. We promoted the concept of Nuclear Free Zones. Coming from a human rights internship in New York City, I never heard of Takoma Park. But I soon found out about the progressive enclave bordering D.C. and worked with community activists there as the city became a nationally recognized Nuclear Free Zone.
It is important to note that this was a legally binding ordinance, not a resolution (“Quirky Takoma Park, activist enclave, stands its ground vs. Trump,” July 17). I love the fact that the ordinance is still in effect and that the city is a bulwark against the dictatorial machinations of President Donald Trump.
As a tree-hugger, I appreciated very much reading the article, including the fact that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security misspelled the city’s name. In August, peace and justice activists in Baltimore will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. I hope The Baltimore Sun covers our events.
Finally, I want the readers to know that in 1992, Baltimore became a legally binding Nuclear Free Zone. Look around Charm City and see the attractive signs posted on a number of streets proclaiming our Nuclear Free Zone.
— Max Obuszewski, Baltimore
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