As a massive New York Times report reveals why positive steps are so urgent today.
By Greg Mitchell, Oppenheimer and the Legacy of His Bomb
When Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” was released last July, many predicted it would spark profound and long-lasting new activism, and official measures, with the aim of reducing nuclear risks and eliminating more of the weapons, perhaps down to zero. I cast doubt on this optimism, as I found the film far too weak in its messaging and its failure to truly confront the only use of the weapons in war and provide crucial lessons for today. Sadly, beyond a great number of articles, columns, TV segments, posts and special issues, a strong new antinuclear movement has failed to materialize and positive official actions have been few and far between.
![Oppenheimer displayed on phone with explosion and silhouette of Oppenheimer in background](https://progressivehub.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/oppenheimer-uai-258x145.png)
This afternoon, I was interviewed for the public radio “World” national program for a segment on “Oppenheimer” shortcomings (which I have detailed at this Substack since early last July). You can read or listen to the 8-minute segment here.
Yet, all the while, nuclear threats are only increasing, as a massive New York Times interactive report—the first of a series—started detailing this week (see more down the page a bit) It is accompanied by an intro from opinion editor Kathleen Kingsbury with the headline: “It’s Time To Protest Nuclear War Again.”
As it happens, with the Oscar ceremony just three days off, and “Oppenheimer” certain to be a big winner, some Hollywood stars, musicians and others are finally uniting again against The Bomb. Some of us old enough recall similar celeb rallying in the early 1960s and 1980s.
Recent Posts
VIDEO: A Blueprint For Countering American Fascism
July 26, 2024
Take Action Now Our First Annual Henry A. Wallace Symposium offered lessons from real-life heartland organizers on how to fight for a multiracial…
Gavin Newsom Orders Removal Of Homeless Encampments
July 26, 2024
Take Action Now “The only way to end homeless encampments in California is to end the need for homeless encampments,” an expert said.…
The Crackdown On Antisemitism Doesn’t Have Much To Do With Antisemitism
July 26, 2024
Take Action Now Republican lawmakers increasingly conflate anti-Zionism with antisemitism in an effort limit pro-Palestine speech and criticism of…
Netanyahu’s Unhinged And Bellicose Congressional Address Draws Scorn
July 25, 2024
Take Action Now ‘Our enemies are your enemies,’ the prime minister insisted, setting up confrontation with Iran. By Blaise Malley,…