Don’t let trump weaponize space

In a number of countries, the week of October 6-13 is being observed as Keep Space for Peace Week. This year the theme for the week is No Space Force, in reaction to U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to create a separate military service, whose mission would be “domination of space” on behalf of corporate interests.

The U.S. military is demanding its budget be increased to have seven space squadrons. This military service would either come under the direction of the existing U.S. Space Command (under the air force) or a new separate branch of the military called the Space Force.

Research and development, production and testing for new generations of offensive space weapons is well underway in America’s wild desire for “control and domination of space” and “full-spectrum dominance on Earth”.

This program requires massive amounts of tax dollars, and is in sharp contradiction to the United Nations Outer Space and Moon Treaties, which declare space must be preserved for all humanity.

It is in the interest of Canadians, indeed all people around the globe, that Trump’s plans to weaponize space are defeated. Canada needs to lead in defeating U.S. plans and ensure we do not take part in it.

Canada must also get serious about more than just meeting our commitment to the Paris Accord on global warming. The military preparing for and having wars is a leading cause of global warming.

This madness must stop if we want a livable world for our children and grandchildren.

Ed Lehman, president,

Regina Peace Council