Groups with positions on military and nuclear weapons policies are invited to provide their literature at the forthcoming 7th Congressional District Candidates Forum on Saturday, May 13 in Plainfield.
"The time is overdue for a public dialogue on issues of weapons and international relations," said Forum organizer Bob Bender of the Ethical Culture Society of Essex County. "More than half of the nation's discretionary budget, over $300 billion proposed, about the average of the level of cold war spending adjusted for inflation, is directed toward the military, with little public attention. Major powers retain reliance on nuclear weapons capability, while Middle Powers take initiatives toward multilateral agreements to abolish them, following international agreements controlling chemical and biological weapons. And conditions for U.S. involvement around the world, including in response to human rights violations, remain controversial. We look forward to having all Congressional candidates make their views known on these issues so that voters can take them into consideration in the June 6 Primary".
Bender heads Debating American Military Policy, (www.damp.org) which is hosting the Forum. "Our group takes no position on these issues", Bender explained. "We deplore the lack of attention paid to them and want organizations with positions to make their views available by distributing their literature. Those interested in having table space reserved should call Dr. David Frost, forum host, at 908-755-3286. Candidates of course will also have their material available".
The Forum Moderator is from the League of Women Voters.
The event is at the First Unitarian Society of Plainfield, 724 Park Avenue, Plainfield , May 13 at 2 p.m. The 7th Congressional District includes parts of Union, Somerset, Essex and Middlesex Counties, and is the only New Jersey District with no incumbent seeking re-election.