I Too Have Decided to Keep Silent by IVAN ILLICH

I too have decided to keep silent

because I shall not be drawn into any discussion about genocide;

because nuclear bombs are not weapons;

they cannot be used excepted for man's extermination;

because the deployment of nuclear bombs makes both peace and war senseless;

because silence here speaks better than words;

because in discussing conditions under which I would renounce using these bombs, I become a criminal;

because nuclear deterrence is folly;

because I will not threaten others with my suicide;

because the zone of silence which surrounded genocide under the Nazis has been replaced by a zone of argument;

because only my silence speaks clearly in this zone of compulsive peace talk;

because my horrified silence cannot be used or governed;

because…

Cross out whatever does not fit you. Add your own reasons for silence. Circulate these.