Things That Go Boom Converting the War Economy
Dec 15, 2025
In this discussion, Dr. David Cortright, a peace scholar, recounts his Vietnam-era organizing and the impact of SANE on the nuclear freeze movement. Larry Frank shares insights on building coalitions for economic conversion, revealing successful strategies like Prop X to shift funding from military to civilian jobs. Nathan Kim explores the intersection of defense tech and local economies, highlighting concerns over new weapons-related projects. The guests emphasize the need for bold organizing and collaboration to shape a more just economy.
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From GI To Organizer
- David Cortright describes being drafted in 1968 and organizing against the Vietnam War while in the Army band.
- He sued the Army over punitive transfers and the case (Cortright v. Resor) later became a law-school example.
Public Education Scaled The Freeze Movement
- David Cortright grew SANE from 5,000 to 150,000 members by linking nuclear policy to everyday fears and medical evidence.
- Large public education and mass rallies shifted public opinion by making nuclear war's human costs tangible.
How A Canning Strike Changed A Life
- Larry Frank recounts arriving in L.A., joining labor and farm-worker organizing, and being transformed by a canning-factory strike.
- That early organizing connected him to a broader progressive labor network that fed into Jobs with Peace.
