The Politics of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)

In case you live in a box, we have a new nuclear power in the world. The hypocrisy seems to be oozing from our government as we condemn North Korea for testing a nuclear weapon.

I think it is important to think about why the North Koreans tested such a weapon. Could it be seen as deterrence to our trigger-happy administration?

In deciding to invade Iraq, the United States defied the world community which is represented within the United Nations! After such a cavalier attitude, many counties including Iran and North Korea have been wary of our countries intentions. To blame such countries for wanting to defend their people is counter intuitive. In their minds, the imperialist United States is trying to expand its grip on the world through war.

If the United States is concerned about a new nuclear power that refuses to sign on to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, why is it that we have a double standard for other countries such as Israel, Pakistan and India? Why is it that we are not imposing sanctions on these countries for developing such weapons?

Pakistan for example is one of the most unstable regimes in the world. The have suffered several coups over the last decade. Their current President, Musharaff came to power through a coup. If we should be sanctioning anyone, it would make logical sense to place sanctions on this country.

Moreover, if we are concerned about the proliferation of nuclear weapons, the country we should really be riding is Pakistan! After all, it is their famed scientist A.Q. Kahn that was instrumental in spreading the nuclear know-how throughout the Middle East.

In the end, it is evident that we ourselves have not bought into the principles of the NPT as evidenced by newly developed strategic nuclear weapons.

Will our country ever learn the politics of hypocrisy?

Local Politics

Today I attended a San Jose City Council meeting. This was my second time attending such a meeting. I have found that many of the issues that they cover or vote on are issues relating to land use/zoning issues.

During tonight’s meeting, I was able to witness a conflict of two powerful forces, labor and city government.

Typically, the attendance at a City Council meeting is sparsely attended but tonight was special. As I walked into the chamber, I noticed many individuals in orange shirts. While I sat their listening to the dull discussion of re-zoning and annexation, I wondered who they represented.

As the meeting dwindled to a close, the last item on the agenda was the open forum.

The open forum is used by individuals to spew hate, make allegations, evangelize and of course to express concerns. The opportunity to speak in front of the city leaders draws the strangest people. On this night, I was treated to concerns of city employees that are in the midst of negotiations. To be more exact, the gripes of Operating Engineers Local Union No. 3 (OE3).

As the people lined up to speak during the open forum, there was a long line of individuals from this union shop.

The member that caused this night to be special walked down the stairs in a biker jacket holding his helmet, a rather unassuming man. As he stood in front of the council, he mentioned that he was not good at speaking in front of crowds.

He began reading the union’s concerns but then took a hard left and began listing off the many things that the City Council had voted on such as the New City Hall, subsidies to Starbucks and other various controversial expenditures.

One council member stated after the meeting that she was a little irritated with the union member’s comments because his numbers were off.

After the member listed off all the gripes, the chamber erupted into a frenzy. People cheered and clapped. The Mayor had to request that the audience refrain from participating. I found myself clapping, fully supporting this union that I new nothing about. I was caught up in the moment.

After the meeting, I sat there in the empty chambers thinking, I realized that I had witnessed the democratic process in its purest form.

The ability to address city officials directly through an open forum is a powerful concept. It makes one feel extremely engaged. I hope to one day have the courage to address this same council.