Ban Space-Baced Weapons
Putin-Bush Meetings Offer New Opportunity for Ban on Space-Based Weapons. Nov. 8, 2001.
Frequently asked questions on Rep. Kucinich's Space Preservation Act 2001.
Putin-Bush Meetings Offer New Opportunity for Ban on Space-Based Weapons
WASHINGTON, D.C. - When President Vladimir Putin and President George W.
Bush
meet in America during November 13-15, 2001, they will have the unique
opportunity to establish "a new framework for security and cooperation" on
earth by banning space-based weapons.An intense search for a new security and cooperation framework has been
ongoing during the months of preparations preceding these meetings. In
fact, a forthcoming draft World Treaty Banning Space-based Weapons provides
this new framework for national and world security, for a stimulated
economy and job market, and for a way to cooperatively apply Space Age
technology and information services to solve urgent humanitarian and
environmental problems. A world space peace-keeping agency charged with
monitoring a permanent ban on space-based weapons can be established. This
will lead to the verifiable reduction of nuclear arsenals. A permanent ban
on space-based weapons is a breakthrough that establishes "the new
framework for security and cooperation" that both Russia and America
ultimately seek. The world treaty will place a cap on the arms race, and
will simultaneously establish the foundation for building a world
cooperative civil, military, and commercial space research, testing,
development, deployment, and exploration industry that will replace the
space-based weapons industry.Moscow has reportedly reviewed and "digested well" an advance copy of the
world treaty. One high ranking Russian source has affirmed to ICIS that,
"President Putin absolutely does not want space-based weapons, will not
break the ABM Treaty, does not want the U.S. to proceed with missile
defense testing, and is ready to sign a treaty that will ban space-based
weapons."Either Russia or the United States - or both - could begin discussions
about banning space-based weapons and sign a world treaty at any point
prior to, during, or following the Putin-Bush meetings this month. Also,
either Russia or the United States or both could reach out to a world
coalition of nations to co-sign the world treaty and bring it into effect.The World Treaty Banning Space-based Weapons is identical in purpose to the
little-publicized Space Preservation Act of 2001 introduced into the U.S.
Congress by Representative Dennis Kucinich (D-Cleveland) on October 2,
2001, "to preserve the cooperative, peaceful uses of space for the benefit
of all humankind by permanently prohibiting the basing of weapons in space
by the United States, and to require the President to take action to adopt
and implement a world treaty banning space-based weapons."About the Space Preservation Act of 2001, Kucinich says, "We signed the ABM
treaty nearly 30 years ago, which requires a reduction in strategic arms,
nuclear disarmament and general and complete disarmament. Weaponization of
space clearly violates that treaty. My bill [calls] for an immediate and
permanent termination of research, testing, manufacturing, production and
deployment of all space-based weapons systems and components by any person,
agency or contractor of the U.S. government."On July 26, 2001, the same date that Congressman Dennis Kucinich announced
a bill to ban space-based weapons in the United States, the Foreign
Minister of Canada, John Manley, announced in Hanoi that "Canada would be
very happy.to launch an initiative to see an international convention
preventing the weaponization of space." Congressman Kucinich responded to
the Canadian initiative stating, "I am pleased with the recent news from
our neighbor to the north that Canada is ready to join an international
effort to prohibit weapons in space."The Space Preservation Act of 2001 requires the U.S. President to "direct
the United States representatives to the United Nations and other
international organizations to immediately work toward negotiating,
adopting, and implementing a world agreement banning space-based weapons."
An enforceable and verifiable World Treaty Banning Space-based Weapons must
include most world nations in order to prevent the weaponization of space.Plans are underway for a public announcement about the signing of world
leaders on to the World Treaty Banning Space-based Weapons.ICIS (Institute for Cooperation in Space) has learned that there is
worldwide support rapidly growing for a World Treaty Banning Space-based
Weapons among major space-faring nations and in developing countries. Dr.
Carol Rosin, President of ICIS says, "This treaty will allow everyone to
continue to provide improved ground forces to protect people on earth,
while ending the arms race and stimulating a whole new industry at the same
time. It is in the best interest of everyone, even adversaries, to share
the Space Age information and technology applications. This presents a
whole new paradigm, a new way of thinking and acting, a new space paradigm.
This decision to sign this treaty will impact all future generations . ICIS
will be monitoring the situation and briefing members of the world media in
the days preceding the Putin-Bush meetings."Documents posted on http://www.peaceinspace.com:
*World Treaty Banning Space-Based Weapons
*H.R. 2977 Space Preservation Act of 2001
*Frequently Asked Questions (Re: World Treaty and Space Preservation Act
of 2001)= = = = = = = = = =
"What do you think Putin is up to?" - Excerpts from a reply by Carol Rosin:
..so far...I'm told that Putin is not changing his position. He does want
to ban space-based weapons, he is NOT in favor of testing missile defense
or of the US testing missile defense, he is not going to break the ABM
Treaty, and is ready to sign a World Treaty Banning Space-Based Weapons.However (!) - Putin is being offered all kinds of temptations from Bush
(the seat in NATO, extended business and trade, financial assistance, the
ridding of nuclear waste...and now the reduction of nuclear arsenals in
exchange for Putin allowing the U.S. to test missile defense...which of
course would start a whole new arms race in space that nobody would ever be
able to stop)...I think Putin is probably a bit confused...my guess...but I have to hope
he has the integrity and awareness not to dare change his position...for
the sake of our very survival.And I HOPE he is maintaining his integrity for the sake of all the
suffering children (there were about 1 million displaced people before this
Afghanistan bombing...and now there are nearly 8 million...with millions of
orphaned children entering into winter with no one to take care of them...)
on our mother earth.Putin knows that Bush is committed to breaking out of the ABM Treaty no
matter what any other leader says or does. Bush has said he is going ahead
with testing missile defense (space-based weapons). Of course, if Bush does
that, the war game would escalate faster than ever and into that place
above all our heads quickly (they are ready to do it even if they say it's
years down the road...). You see, Bush can get space-based weapons
developed and deployed under the "guise" of "it's merely RESEARCH or
TESTING," as you know. We can't let this happen, obviously.I only hope that Putin understands that "testing" means space-based weapons
would be deployed. I am sending letters to him explaining this.We cannot stop Bush at the moment, or those who are caught up in the
aftermath of the US disasters...he's on a roll.But we can change the entire paradigm (second order change) if we get world
support and world law into place that even Bush would have to abide by.I believe the rest of the world is ready to end the arms race after seeing
the past weeks of results from the U.S. method of bombing poor people in
Afghanistan, dislocating so many, and not getting the job done even yet. I
believe the rest of the world is catching on to how and why the U.S. wants
to drag out any war to make sure we dump our weapons arsenals, test new
weapons, and try to rationalize why we need the next phase of weapons (now
in space. (In fact, if you don't watch controlled U.S. media or CNN - and
you listen instead to "world news" and pubic channels, you hear how the
rest of the world is not happy with Bush's war tactics and doesn't really
want to play with the Bush administration anymore. Only a handful are still
wearing their look-alike suits.)We CAN get the rest of the world's leaders to sign on to the treaty to ban
space-based weapons. We need to expand into a world view ...bigger than
ever...as we expand into the new space paradigm.That is why I think we need to organize something HUGE with roots
action...starting with letters to Putin saying he must maintain his
position to NOT accept missile defense testing of any kind, to reduce his
nuclear arsenal even if it's unilaterally, and to sign a treaty to ban
space-based weapons immediately. I also think we should lobby Putin to
introduce the World Treaty Banning Space-based Weapons.This treaty is on paper and is in the hands of the Russian leader. We're
trying to get Bush to look at it, too. If you want to see it go to
www.peaceinspace.com or contact me and I'll email you a copy. It's based on
the language of already adopted UN space treaties and incorporates the
purpose and language of the Kucinich H.R,. 2977 legislation. If we could
get Putin to introduce this treaty, we'd have a "tool" to educate people
with and a treaty and legislation to rally everyone around, plus a real law
that we could get other leaders to sign-on to that would become law. It's
brilliant.We have only one chance in all of history to get this ban on space-based
weapons. The Russians have always been "first" in space in many ways, and I
hope that Putin can see that HE must be the leader to bring the world into
the new space paradigm...and that the rest of the world will follow because
it's in everyone's best interest to do this. Russia could be the first to
commit to banning space-based weapons...he could sign the treaty right on
the spot at the ranch while he eats barbeque.Please let me know if you have more questions of if I can help you in any
way. If you want to get a letter to Putin, please send it to me at
rosin@west.net. I will get it to Moscow for you.Here's what "we" have to get done ... to change the whole game:
1) *Make sure that Putin does not compromise his position and that he calls
for an immediate signing of an agreement with world leaders (even if Bush
won't do it...so what...we'll get it done with the help of intelligent
leaders who understand): Call, write letters, welcome Putin at the Russian
embassy or wherever he is going to be (I might be able to find out if you
can rally people
to do something like that), etc etc.* We have to do something to get attention about Putin's trip to see Bush
on Nov. 13th-15th...and we have to do it fast. Putin has got to hear from
us. (If you write a letter and email (rosin@west.net) or fax (805-641-9669)
it to me for Putin, I can still get it to Moscow and/or to Putin. I just
sent one from David Krieger of the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation.)2) Get co-sponsors signed on to H.R. 2977.
3) Get a Senator to introduce H.R. 2977 in the Senate and get co-sponsors
to sign on to it.4) Get a nation-state leader to introduce the World Treaty Banning
Space-based Weapons which is based on already adopted UN space treaties and
which incorporates the purpose and language of H.R.2977
5) Get this into the media and educate everyone about the new space
paradigm that will end the arms race while building a new security system
based on enhanced communication and education (about different cultures and
our "oneness"), a new stimulated economy with needed jobs and training
programs worthy of the Space Age, and new products and services that will
be created as we unleash brains and money to explore and develop a whole
new frontier...space (inner and outer).If we don't accomplish the above, space will be closed to all but a few and
we will experience weapons pointed down all our throats. The U.S.
administration is so bold that they have now admitted (!) that they plan to
control the entire world and space from space.We have only days before President Putin arrives. Anything we do regarding
this part has to be done immediately.We have a few short weeks (at best) before an unstoppable momentum of
commitment to funds and vested interests builds that would assure the
reality of space-based weapons in any case, so we have to get the
legislation passed and a world treaty signed.Everything and everyone, our networks are in place. We can end the arms
race in 2002. I know Putin WANTS to do it. WE have to make sure he sticks
with his position.
Space Preservation Act of 2001
FOR OCT. 13TH PARTICIPANTS.
Congressman Dennis Kucinich introduced the ban space-based weapons
legislation, called the Space Preservation Act of 2001, on October 2nd.FAQ - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Space Preservation Act of 2001
A Permanent Ban on Space-based Weapons
Banning the Weaponization of Space1. Why is it urgent to prevent the weaponization of space?
The United States has allotted vast resources into a space-based weapons
research and development (R&D) program also known as National Missile
Defense program (NMD), Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD), "Star Wars,"
Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI)SDI, or Global Protection System (GPS).
This system would be ineffective, immensely costly, politically
destabilizing, offensive and dangerous, and will only perpetuate more
violence, suffering and death without protecting anyone or anything from
suitcase bombs, bacterial or chemical
warfare, or any number of inexpensive, easy ways of further terrorizing and
killing, made all too tragically apparent on 9/11/01. It is our
responsibility to make sure that space remains weapons-free for future
generations, and that space technology and information services are applied
directly to humanitarian and environmental needs.There is only one chance in history when we CAN prevent the weaponization
of space from occurring. At a certain point, it become impossible to stop
the funding and vested interests that build a gigantic and complicated
system like this. We can now, AKIDO style, steer the direction. It is not a
matter of whether or not we are evolving into space. We are there. It is a
matter of "how" we are going into space with weapons or not. The momentum
is accelerating rapidly to weaponize space. We can stop it now, if we act
quickly and intelligently. The Space Preservation Act of 2001 offers us the
tool and the opportunity to outlaw space-based weapons while we still have
a chance to do it, in 2002.2. What is the Space Preservation Act of 2001?
On October 2, 2001, Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-Cleveland), introduced
into the House of Representatives of the United States the Space
Preservation Act of 2001, a bill to permanently ban space-based weapons:
"to preserve the cooperative uses of space for the benefit of all humankind
by permanently prohibiting the basing of weapons in space by the United
States, and to require the President to take actions to adopt and implement
a world treaty banning space-based weapons."About the Space Preservation Act of 2001 Kucinich says, "We signed the ABM
treaty nearly 30 years ago; which requires a reduction in strategic arms,
nuclear disarmament and general and complete disarmament. Weaponization of
space clearly violates that treaty. My bill [calls] for an immediate and
permanent termination of research, testing, manufacturing, production and
deployment of all space-based weapons systems and components by any person,
agency or contractor of the U.S. government."The specially designed wording and the concepts in this Bill present a new
way of thinking and a politically, economically, technologically and
socially feasible law and vision.
3. How does the Space Preservation Act of 2001 prevent the weaponization of
space?The Act places a permanent ban on basing of weapons in space. It requires
the President of the United States to: "(1) implement a permanent U.S. ban
on space-based and to remove from space any existing space-based weapons of
the United States; and (2)immediately order the permanent termination of
research and development, testing, manufacturing, production, and
deployment of all space-based weapons of the United States and their
components."The Act defines "weapons" broadly, and prohibits only those that are based
in space (60 km. or more above Earth) or on a celestial body, like the
moon, the planets, or the asteroids or on man-made objects such as space
stations or satellites.4. Does the Space Preservation Act of 2001 help establish a world treaty
banning space-based weapons?The Space Preservation Act of 2001 requires the President to "direct the
United States representatives to the United Nations and other international
organizations to immediately work toward negotiating, adopting, and
implementing a world agreement banning space-based weapons." An enforceable
and verifiable world treaty banning space-based weapons must include most
world nations in order to become law that will prevent the weaponization of
space.Canada has announced an initiative for a world treaty banning space-based
weapons. On July 26, 2001, the same date that Congressperson Kucinich
announced his ban space-based weapons, the Foreign Minister of Canada, John
Manley, announced in Hanoi that "Canada would be very happy to launch an
initiative to see an international convention preventing the weaponization
of space." Congressman Kucinich reciprocated the Canadian initiative
stating, "I am pleased with the recent news from our neighbor to the north
that Canada is ready to join an international effort to prohibit weapons in
space." A growing list of space-faring nations including Russia and
China have publicly announced their support of a treaty banning space-based
weapons and to their commitment to preserving the Anti-Ballistic (ABM)
treaty.5. Why does space have to be preserved weapons-free?
Keeping weapons out of inter-planetary space is the most important
contribution our generation can make to the future of this planet. The time
to begin this task is now, before an unstoppable momentum can be put into
place that would build space-based weapons. That window of opportunity is
quickly closing as this space-based weapons program R&D is acceleration. We
need to cap the arms race before it reaches space.Weapons in space would not protect anyone or anything from terrorism. The
weaponization of space would increase global instability, and the
probability of global warfare with weapons of mass destruction.We've learned that stating the dangers, costs, and fallacies of the
space-based weapon system will not stop them from being researched and
developed, whether it is called the SDI, NMD, BMD, GPS, or "Star Wars."
We've heard the ever-changing rationales for why this system is supposedly
needed. In fact, under the guise of 'national security' and 'it's only
research(!)' this has become the largest R&D program in history.We are calling for just the removal of the mandate to weaponize space and,
simultaneously, for continued non-space-based weapons civil, military and
commercial space R&D, applications and exploration.6. Without weapons in space, how will security be based?
National and world security will be based on world cooperation, on
information sharing, on technology development and on the applications of
Space Age technology and information services that will solve urgent and
potential human and environmental problems.We oppose the weaponization of space, not the militarization of space.
Three quarters of the satellites are of a military nature and have valuable
non-weapons oriented applications. Space business, civil and commercial
ventures, and exploration are inexorably linked to the military. Militaries
in space are not going to disappear. They are well skilled and organized,
and have non-space-based weapons roles to play now and after the ban on
space-based weapons law is passed.7. How can the war space industry be transformed into a space exploration
and development industry?The Space Preservation Act and the forthcoming world treaty enact world law
that will ban space-based weapons. The timing is right to transform the
space-based weapons industry into a world cooperative space industry that
will stimulate the economy, create new jobs and training programs, and
expand a strong national and global security system based on a world
cooperation.Instead of building space-based weapons, we will build world cooperative
space ventures including space habitats, stations, hospitals, schools,
industries, laboratories, farms, hotels and resorts, and craft to travel
the universes to learn more about ourselves and our neighbors. IMAGINE what
we will learn about advanced Space Age medical techniques for healing from
developing a space hospital. IMAGINE what incredible advancements in the
field of education that we will be able to make available to local areas
worldwide, and in terms of global education for our children as we learn
about Space Age technologies including enhanced communication satellite
applications, for example. Imagine the impact on labor as we expand the job
market and enhance training programs. IMAGINE how we will apply space
technology and information services to viewing the earth from space so we
can see where the sick waters are and clean them up. IMAGINE how satellites
can be used not as "force multipliers" in war situations but to verify the
reduction and eventual elimination of dangerous technologies on earth
including weapons, and for seeing to what remote locations suffering people
have migrated so that food, water and medicine can be distributed.8. Will the Space Preservation Act of 2001 disrupt the economy?
The Space Preservation Act of 2001 halts research and development (R&D),
testing, production, manufacturing and deployment of all space-based
weapons. This will not disrupt the economy. It will stimulate the economy
as new products and services are unleashed, and will create new jobs and
training programs.The largest R&D program in history is now mandated to weaponize space.
Removing that mandate to weaponize space will not stop R&D, but it will
stop the R&D intended for space-based weaponry. This will free the industry
to create technologies and services that will provide an abundance of vital
benefits and unlimited opportunities to all world citizens.The space-based weapons industry will be transformed into a world
cooperative civil, military and commercial space industry without weapons
in space.The War and weapons based economy will be transformed into a Space Age
economy.9. What must happen for the Space Preservation Act of 2001 to become law?
Now that the Space Preservation Act of 2001 has been introduced into the
House of Representatives, it must be introduced into the U.S. Senate,
passed by both chambers, sent to the President of the United States, and
signed into law.The countries of the world will simultaneously be signing on to the World
Treaty Banning Space-based Weapons.U.S. national and world law will finally stop the escalation of the arms
race into space during the year of 2002.10. What can I do to get the Space Preservation Act of 2001 passed and
signed into law?Make the prevention of the weaponization of space a priority in your life.
Develop relationships with your legislative representatives, leaders of
your community and country, political parties, and non-governmental
organizations. Mobilize your groups and communities. Work every day in
every way to keep space weapons-free.Educate and encourage your congressional representatives to co-sponsor
legislation. Contact nation-state and world leaders to educate and
encourage them to introduce and to sign the World Treaty Banning
Space-based Weapons.CONCLUSION
Remember: We will have peace and justice on earth through peace in space.
NOW is the time to transform the weapons industry into a space industry.
The industry and that mindset are moving into space. It is our
responsibility to make sure that we ban all space-based weapons. We have a
very short amount of time in which to accomplish this goal. Together we can
and will do it.Four position points: 1) We do not protest the "militarization of space."
The militarization of space has happened. The military is not going to
disappear from the space frontier. Over three-quarters of satellites are of
a military nature. We do oppose the "weaponization of space." We identify
what the military is doing that is good and in service to the people and
what the militaries can do of a non-weapons nature in space (and on earth).
2) Simultaneous to the ban on space-based weapons, we call for enhancing
world cooperative agreements on civil, military and commercial space
ventures. The world's people, including identified and potential
adversaries, will come together on this issue because there are vital
benefits and opportunities that will be made available to all (no matter
what their belief system) as we apply Space Age technology and information
services directly to solving urgent and potential human and environmental
problems.
3) We do not call for stopping "research," but we do call for stopping
research that is mandated to weaponize space. We must leave the word
"research" in the treaty as it appears in the legislation. The space-based
weapons program of today was built under the guise of "it's merely
RESEARCH" ! They can deploy a space-based weapons system by calling it
"merely RESEARCH." We remove the mandate to weaponize space and allow for
the basic R&D program to expand.
4) We will transform the entire war industry (and mindset) into a space
industry ... by removing the mandate to weaponize space.The products and services, the technology and information services that
will be created as minds are unleashed and budgets are applied with
intention be applied directly to solving urgent human and environmental
problems including those of health and education, poverty and pollution,
and the energy crisis.The only way to build real security is to enhance communication and
cooperation. We have the technology and space gives us the time and the
place in which we can and will create the new paradigm.Even adversaries will want to work together to reap the vital benefits that
will be made available to all. The game changes here. Adversaries will come
together no matter what their belief systems and experiences because this
is so beneficial to everyone.Most important of all, this law will cause true "second order change" to
occur. First order change is when we respond to bombings with bombings
(i.e. more or the same). Second order change is when we respond to bombings
with "bombs" of food, medicine and clothing with no bombs and weapons.
First order change is when space-based weapons are deployed. Second order
change is when we provide a win-win by preserving space for peaceful
purposes and benefits relevant for all, including for adversaries.Everything and everyone is in place to change the entire old, dangerous
paradigm into a new space paradigm based on the Space Preservation Act of
2001.The timing is right. This is the time.
The Space Preservation Act of 2001 provides everyone with the biggest
WIN-WIN of all time.= = = = = = = = = = = = =