The Progressives' Handbook

How much do you really know about nuclear weapons? If you'd like to learn more, head to your local library, your local disarmament group or your computer; for starters, the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (www.ippnw.org) has a terrific web site with features ranging from study materials to an interactive global nuclear-weapons map. The site even has a quiz that lets you test your own nuclear knowledge, with questions such as these:

1. "thermonuclear bomb" is the same as

a) a hydrogen bomb
b) an atom bomb
c) a fission bomb

2. What are long-range nuclear weapons called (reaching more than 5,500 km)?

a) tactical nuclear weapons
b) regional nuclear weapons
c) strategic nuclear weapons

Chances are good that once you discover more about the dangers of nuclear weapons you'll be inspired to push for disarmament, so the site also offers great ideas for getting involved. (Just in case you're curious, the answers are: 1. a, and 2. c)

Another online resource is GREENPEACE International's "Abolish nuclear weapons" campaign. There you'll find up-to-date information plus various ideas for anti-nuke activism. Also head over to the True Majority site and check out its short video clip on nuclear stockpiles, featuring none other than Ben from Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream (www.truemajority.org/bensbbs). Another must-see site is Nuclear Files (www.nuclearfiles.org), which offers a comprehensive history of nuclear weapons, extensive resources for educators and a free eNewsletter on global security issues.

No discussion of anti-nuclear activism would be complete without mentioning Dr. Helen Caldicott, who for 35 years, has been at the forefront of educating the public about nuclear weapons and environmental destruction. Caldicott's site archives her many articles, speeches and TV appearances, and is definitely worth a visit (www.helencaldicott.com).

For regular updates on nuclear issues, sign up for the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation's Sunflower e-newsletter and join its "Turn the Tide Campaign" action-alert network (www.wagingpeace.org).