Radical American Peace, Justice, and Sustainability Activist S. Brian Willson visits Vancouver, 24-28 February

Radical American Peace, Justice, and Sustainability Activist

S. Brian Willson visits Vancouver, 24-28 February.

After serving as an officer in the Vietnam War, Brian Willson became a non-violent peace activist and advocate for social justice. His memoir, Blood on the Tracks (PM Press, 2011), recounts the dramatic story of his efforts working toward, and radical vision of, a better and more just world. Linking militarism and consumerism to environmental destruction and the oppression of people around the world, he urges, “We are not worth more, They are not worth less.”

His public talks recount his long personal struggle with the American government and a global political-economic system that he sees as brutal, unjust, and bent on destroying our collective future. His activism has fought for prison reform, global solidarity, environmental sustainability, and peace. His methods have included international fact-finding missions and working within the political system to tax refusal, public fasting, and civil disobedience – most famously on 1 September 1987 when he was fun over by a U.S. military munitions train during a nonviolent blocking action in solidarity with those suffering from the Contra Wars in Central America. In that tragic event, Willson lost both of his legs. His book and talks chronicle how the subsequent publicity propelled his cause into the national consciousness, and quickened his pace - now by artificial legs and hand-powered bicycle – in the struggle for social justice, peace, and a sustainable future.

Here in greater Vancouver, he will be discussing his life, and signing books, at the following events:

Friday, 24 February 2012, 7-9 pm,

at the People’s Co-op Bookstore

(1391 Commercial Drive)

Tuesday, 28 February 2012, 2:30-4 pm,

at Douglas College’s New Westminster campus, Room 2203.

(Short walk up from the New West Skytrain station; sponsored by the school’s Institute for Ethics and Global Justice)

For more information see Brian’s book-tour blog @ http://bloodonthetracks.info