South African Bishop Desmond Tutu is a Nobel Laureate whose other passion is the abolishment of all nuclear weapons.  The following Op-ed, originally published in the Sunday Observer/UK (May 23), was sent to me by David Krieger, president of the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation.  Bishop Tutu’s words are both passionate and compelling. This year the nuclear bomb turns 65 –...

News stories continue to reflect challenging times for us as individuals and a country.  The ethical constitution of our nation has never been more important. As we approach another election cycle, I thought it important to revisit some of the thoughts I expressed last year in a commentary called, “Hope in a Time of Uncertainty,” whose only addition comes from...

In August 2009, Specialist Michael Crawford tried to commit suicide by way of a handful of painkillers with a chaser of whiskey.  “It is just a dark place. Being in the W.T.U. is worse than being in Iraq.” The W.T.U. is the Warrior Transition Battalion, “a special unit,” the NY Times writes, “created to provide closely managed care for soldiers with physical wounds...

I have this friend, Amanda.  She’s smart, funny, young and passionate about a great many things, but… at the top of the list would have to be human rights. Amanda is so fervent about the rights of others that she started her own non-profit devoted to creating an awareness of, connection to and action for a variety of human rights issues.  » Read more about: This One’s...

David Krieger is the founder and president of The Nuclear Age Peace Foundation.  What drew me to his commentary was former President Jimmy Carter’s response to Krieger’s question concerning morality and nuclear weapons. Carter’s response shows an awareness of the intense dilemma he faced regarding his personal belief about nuclear weapons versus his duty as commander-in-chief. In January 2010 the...

Former Santa Barbara Mayor Harriet Miller was memorialized as a fearless and, at times, fearsome public servant whose direct, no-nonsense approach made the city a better place for all. What I remember most about Harriet is her determination and dedication to getting things done, period.  When Harriet gave you her word or support, you could take it to the bank.  And...

In 1940, journalist Edward R. Murrow stood in a church in England while the country endured German bombers night after night. Inside the church was a crudely written sign which read, “If your knees knock, kneel on them.” I don’t know about you, but my knees have been knocking a lot over the last several months. Within the last year,...

Nothing is perhaps more ethically challenging than a choice between war and peace.  The following is a thoughtful, passionate response by David Krieger, president of the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation, to President Obama’s recent speech in Norway. “In accepting the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, President Obama, one of the world’s great orators and purveyors of hope, gave a speech...

Kerry Kennedy has an intense passion for social justice. For 28 years, Kennedy has devoted herself to the issue of human rights.  Her commitment has led her to travel to South Korea, Northern Ireland, Kenya, Haiti, Gaza and El Salvador.  Her dedication has led her to become involved in causes in Pakistan, India, Indonesia, China and Sudan. “The only way...

Wade Clark Roof is Director of the Walter H. Capps Center for the Study of Ethics, Religion, and Public Life at the University of California at Santa Barbara.  Working with Clark on the poll, “The First 100 Days – Integrity, Leadership, Trust” was more than a positive experience. His sense of integrity, scholarship and clear thinking inspires my own work. ...