Why protest? These issues demand attention

As the G-20 leaders are gathering to decide the future of this planet at the behest of the richest nations and corporations, so are the protesters demanding a say in this discussion.

The world is spending $3 million per minute on wars, while millions of people are starving, millions are dying from preventable diseases and millions lack clean water to drink, to name just the most basic necessities.

The best scientific brains in the world are trying to find better ways to destroy the world. Huge amounts of natural resources are consumed to create more destructive weapons and to transport them to the current place of conflict.

Much wealth is created this way for a few at the expense and suffering of many, whose lives, health, homes and societies are destroyed.

A better world is possible, where these resources are used to improve the lives of all.

Imagine the amounts of money, brain cells and greenhouse gases that would be freed for better purposes if we had no more wars. That is what the G-20 should work for.

EDITH BELL
Highland Park
The writer is a member of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom.