Nuclear terror threat

Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorists have a number of potential materials to choose from for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear attacks. If these terrorists obtain nuclear material, they will develop a dirty bomb to kill thousands of innocent people.

Security officials warn that the ingredients for a dirty bomb are alarmingly insecure in many parts of the world. The current global system for protecting nuclear materials that terrorists desire for their ultimate weapon is far from perfect. Its weak links make it inadequate to prevent nuclear terrorism. President Obama urged world leaders not to be complacent about the risk of a catastrophe, saying that a nuclear attack by terrorists would "change our world."

Although the threat of nuclear terrorism is real, it is preventable with more aggressive action. World leaders should work together to safeguard nuclear materials sought by terrorists. Countries should also secure their sources of radioactive substances used in hospitals, industrial or academic settings.

ISIL terrorists have attracted thousands of foreign fighters from Europe, America and other countries. These foreign fighters have solid educational backgrounds and intellectual knowledge. ISIL terrorists also have effective social media strategy and high levels of funding. These factors bear the real risk of the group turning into using weapons of mass destruction such as nuclear materials in its attacks.

The real threat comes from North Korea’s dictator Kim Jong Un. Because he hates America so much, his main political agenda is to inflict damage in the USA. He might donate or sell nuclear material to ISIL terrorists. Also, Iran might give nuclear material to Hezbollah in Lebanon to attack Israel. America and Israel need to be extremely watchful.

Poetic empathy

Dimon Kendrick-Holmes is much too liberal for me, but his recent column as to his favorite poem struck a sympathetic note. He likes Emily Dickinson, and anyone who cherishes the poetry of Emily Dickinson is a worthy person.

Mr. Kendrick-Holmes asked the favorite poems of his readers. I wonder if he really wanted to know, but I am assuming that he did, indeed.

In common with Kendrick-Holmes, I find it impossible to name a favorite poem. There are so many that I like. However, two poems that I return to again and again are Emily Dickinson's "Of Course — I prayed" and Algernon Charles Swinburne's "The Garden of Proserpine." These are no sunny, greeting card poems, but they both speak in such a way that they command our attention and thought.

I wonder if Dickinson is considered "relevant" enough to figure prominently in high school English classes. Probably not. She is not angry or brutal enough in a crude way, but read "Of Course — I prayed." It speaks in a pessimistic yet oddly soothing way.

Effort continues

This year the CVBWF Rise Above HIV will celebrate our 33rd anniversary of the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial. I just can't believe we've endured 33 years of AIDS. On April 13, I celebrate my 13th anniversary of the day I was told to go home and make final arrangements. With the help of one of the best doctors I know, I refused to lie down and die. And since that day I have seen some incredible miracles take place. I am so blessed to be able to see all these things unfold.

But over 30 million never saw this day come about. They are our pioneers. They are our heroes. And on May 15, 2016 at 3 p.m. we will honor their legacy with the 2016 AIDS Candlelight Memorial at Forgiving Heart Church, 2946 Grant Road, Columbus.

This year we are returning to our grassroots and the same church that hosted the Candlelight Memorial before CVBWF Inc. Rise Above HIV ever came into being. We will honor our continued partnership with our community and faith leaders who have worked to so hard to keep AIDS a spoken subject, and not like so many who just sweep the topic under the rug and hope it goes away. We still have so much work that needs to be done here in Columbus as well as the South as a whole.

You are invited to come out and share this time with us as we honor over 32 million worldwide who have lost the fight to AIDS with music, testimonies, candlelight vigil, reverence and refreshments as we recommit ourselves and our community to better care and support for those living and becoming infected today.

This story was originally published April 6, 2016 at 3:35 PM with the headline "Nuclear terror threat."