Chapter 27
“Only We Can Prevent WMDs”
“If I am not for myself, then who will be for me?
And if I am only for myself, what am I?
And if not now, when?”
—Rabbi Hillel
Most people know Smokey Bear’s message, “Only You Can Prevent Wildfires.” His message is simple and clear: fire prevention is our responsibility, not the forest rangers’. He can only help extinguish a fire after it has started. Likewise, the sheriff, mayor, governor or even the President is not responsible for wildfires. We all understand how devastating forest fires and wildfires are, and it is our responsibility, no one else’s, to prevent them by practicing fire safety in the woods.
Our political leaders, national governments, and the UN have not prevented war; much less rid the world of WMDs, terrorism and genocide. Therefore, it is entirely up to us—you and I—to bring our resources to bear, one by one. Although we rely on professional advice in many areas, no one will take as much interest in our own well being as we do. There is no substitute for self-advocacy. We can prevent the use of WMDs by working to eliminate them from the world’s arsenal.