On July 14, I went to Northampton City Hall to hear Congressman Jim McGovern support the International Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in order to avoid destruction of the Earth (“McGovern backs nuclear weapons ban,” July 16).
Cherilyn Strader, a 17-year-old senior at Northampton High School, presented her views on the dangers of a nuclear war and gave a rousing speech about abolishing nuclear weapons. She then introduced McGovern, taking a role usually performed by a prominent, seasoned adult.
McGovern acknowledged the importance of our youth as change agents to ensure global survival. He said of the next generation, “It’s precisely because our national leadership is failing us that we need a grassroots movement to change things. If we are going to abolish nuclear weapons, it’s going to have to be a worldwide grassroots movement.”
I believe that our community is blessed with many young, spirited, intelligent and morally responsible future leaders in the quest for justice and peace.
Sid Moss
Northampton