Hiroshima's Past is still Relevant Today - A Preemptive Alarm with a Clear Purpose
In the heart of Ingolstadt, on a chilly Wednesday evening, a solemn vigil took place on Theaterplatz, commemorating the tragic atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The event was musically accompanied by Charlie Boeck and Sambapito, setting a somber tone for the gathering.
Eva Bulling-Schroeter, a prominent figure in the peace movement, opened the event, remembering the horrors of the atomic bombings. She reiterated her demand for atomic weapons to be removed from Germany and for an end to nuclear sharing. Bulling-Schroeter appealed for the event never to happen again, stating "Weapons do not make the world safer."
Bernd Kusche, representative of the German Peace Society, followed, expressing concern that politicians sell the storage of these weapons as protection and defense. He called for active involvement in refusing military service, as both women and men can be conscripted up to the age of 60. Kusche also formed a group to address the issue of atomic bombs stationed in neighboring Alsace, a potential target often overlooked. Around 20 atomic bombs are reportedly stationed there.
Prof. Dr. Irmgard Scheitler of Pax Christi Eichstatt spoke next, reminding the audience that atomic weapons are still stored in Germany. She expressed her beliefs by quoting, "Oh, dear weaver, spread out your cloak - make protection and defense from it."
The vigil concluded with a call for more emphasis on peace rather than security. Kusche reiterated the need for a Europe of peace, emphasizing the potential consequences of an atomic weapons strike on the entire region.
Regarding nuclear weapons in Germany, it is essential to note that while the country hosts U.S. nuclear weapons at Büchel Air Base, it has phased out civilian nuclear power and resists direct nuclear armament. Controlled emergency alert tests occur annually in Germany to prepare for potential nuclear or other crises without actual near-catastrophic false alarms reported recently.
However, real-world incidents like the hacking of Moscow buses to broadcast fake nuclear attack warnings illustrate the risk of false nuclear warnings due to cyberattacks on automated systems. These incidents underscore broader concerns about automated decisions and AI-induced risks in nuclear warning contexts.
In summary, the vigil served as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of atomic weapons and the need for nuclear disarmament. The participants called for a Europe of peace and emphasized the importance of active involvement in peace movements. The risks of automated decisions and AI in nuclear early warning or military contexts were also highlighted, underscoring the need for vigilance and human oversight in these critical areas.
- In the midst of General News and political discussions, the issue of war-and-conflicts, particularly the storage of atomic weapons, emerged as a primary concern during the vigil in Ingolstadt.
- Eva Bulling-Schroeter, a prominent figure in the peace movement, not only appealed for the end of nuclear sharing and removal of atomic weapons from Germany but also called upon citizens to focus more on peace rather than security.
