Discussion about tips on 'waging' peace in era of war

Zlotow will discuss “Waging Peace in an Era of Perpetual War” from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17, at Lombard Mennonite Church, 528 E. Madison St., Lombard. The program is free of charge and open to the public.

Also a local writer, public speaker, political activist and peace advocate, Zlotow points out that the United States is approaching two decades of perpetual war throughout the Middle East and Africa while new targets of U.S. warfare keep being added. Military operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, Libya, Niger, Yemen and Pakistan are begun but never ended.

Zlotow adds, “This state of ‘perpetual war’ is rarely debated in the media, in Congress, on the campaign trail, even in the Oval Office.” Then he asks, “How did we get to this point?”

The program will begin with Zlotow’s comments on this current state of perpetual war by reviewing the history of U.S. warfare and militarism since 1945. He also will offer suggestions on how we, as citizens, should act as we seek a peaceful world for ourselves and future generations.

A retired logistics manager and educator, Zlotow has been a student of U.S. wars and militarism for more than 65 years, an interest initially sparked by America’s undeclared Korean War (1950 – 1953). On entering the University of Chicago in 1963, Zlotow became involved in the anti-Vietnam War movement and, after a long absence, renewed his anti-war activism when the U.S. was preparing for war with Iraq.

Zlotow blogs on anti-war subjects at www.heartlandprogessive.blogsp... and his comments are frequently published in Chicago and national newspapers. He also has served as chair of the Democratic Party of Milton Township for four years, and is active in Indivisible DuPage, a local political advocacy group that promotes progressive candidates and public issues.

Sponsored by the West Suburban Faith-based Peace Coalition (WSFPC), “Waging Peace in an Era of Perpetual War” is part of the Educational Forum series the organization offers monthly. For more information about this program or the Educational Forum series, contact WSFPC at (630) 510-8500, ext. 104, or Walt Zlotow at (630) ) 442-3045.

WSFPC is an initiative of faith-based peace makers from Chicago's western suburbs and the general Chicago area. WSFPC includes clergy, congregations, other peace organizations and more. WSFPC is committed to sustaining the work of peace through activities such as vigils, public witness, peace education, lobbying/legislative initiatives, and interfaith dialogue. It is an affiliate of Fellowship of Reconciliation (FOR) and donations are tax deductible.