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War Is Toxic to Women's Health
by Roger Davies
Today, March 8th, International Women's Day, highlights gains women have
made, particularly in the area of claiming and exercising rights. But the
meaning of the day also forces the conclusion that women worldwide suffer
horrifically under the continuing scourge of war - from direct and immediate
violence, which commonly includes rape as a "tactic" - and from the
insidious and unending effects of the unseen but equally violent chemical
killers laced into the land, water, and air. Direct battle may have ended,
but the aftermath carries on.
Two extreme chemical toxins now are at work causing birth defects, cancers,
and other health problems from the Balkans to Vietnam, from Afghanistan to
Iraq.
In the case of Vietnam, it is the most deadly human-concocted compound ever
constructed - dioxin. Dioxin was a chemical in the deadly mix of powerful
plant killers called Agent Orange that the U.S. military used extensively
over Vietnam from 1963 to 1972. Dioxin is clearly associated with birth
defects. The Vietnamese government estimates that over one million children
have been harmed. Although the U.S. government has compensated American
victims of Agent Orange, it has never admitted responsibility for this
weapon of mass destruction that still lives in the soils and waters of
Vietnam. Recently, a Vietnamese organization has launched a law-suit
against Dow Chemical, Monsanto, and the other companies that produced Agent
Orange and knowingly continued to make it, even though company records show
they were aware of the Dioxin contamination and the effect that Dioxin has
on human life.
In Iraq, Kosovo, Serbia, Afghanistan, it is Depleted Uranium that
constitutes the "Agent Orange" of today. So called Depleted Uranium is used
in the manufacture of shells because of its hardness and weight. Upon
disintegration, it releases a deadly dust of radiation. As in the case of
Agent Orange during the Vietnam War era, the U.S. military officially claims
that the substance is harmless, while at the same time producing documents
that outline its harmful effects on human health. Common sense tells us
that radioactive material is harmful to health.
Prior to the Gulf War, few cases of childhood cancers, particularly
leukemia, were known in Iraq. After the Gulf war, the numbers skyrocketed.
Because of sanctions, doctors could do little but watch children suffer.
American and British troops who fought in the Gulf War, are now claiming
disabilities at levels of about 50% of all combatants. A large percentage
have cancer. We can only assume that the number or women and children who
live in the zones being "liberated" the U.S. will continue to see, into the
far distant future, large numbers of birth defects and cancers caused by
radioactive dust, the fallout and legacy of war.
These women and children are rarely seen on the nightly news because deaths
associated with these lethal weapons are not one-time spectacular
explosions. It takes a different kind of awareness for the human community
at large to face up to the reality of these continuing weapons against the
innocent.
There are ways to respond. Tonight, there is a film showing of the award
winning Canadian produced film, The Vietnamese Friendship Village." This
film tells the story of what Agent Orange has done to the people of Vietnam,
but it also chronicles the inspiring story of the life of U.S. Army veteran
George Miso, who went from soldier to peace maker, finding a path to
reconciliation with his former enemies, and beyond, to the founding of a
Centre for the treatment of children affected by Agent Orange. At a time
when it is easy to be apathetic because it seems so difficult to make any
difference, this film inspires by showing what one dedicated person can do.
The event is a fundraiser for the Vietnam Friendship Village.
Friendship Village
Tuesday, March 8
7:30-9:00pm
Scotia Bank Auditorium, FASS/McCain Building
6135 University Ave., Dalhousie University
An inspiring, award winning documentary about one US soldier's search to
find true reconciliation and peace after the American War against Vietnam.
$5 donation or pay what you can. No one turned away for lack of funds. All
proceeds to support the Vietnam Friendship Village. In celebration of
International Women's Day. Co-sponsored by the Dalhousie History Department.
Not-to-miss!
Roger Davies is a member of the Halifax Peace Coalition.
He is a founding member of Men for Change
and a Vietnam War era draft resister
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