Not Bombs brings the invisible hungry and poor into the public's eye, forcing passers-by to examine, at least for a moment, their own complicity and involvement in allowing the unaccountable global economic system that oppresses every one of us to continue. Not Bombs calls attention to the inherent contradictions in society's failure to provide food and housing for each of its members, while at the same time handing out hundreds of billions of dollars in funding for unconscionable wars and state violence. Not Bombs is protest, not charity. The authority and power of the government is based solely on the threat and use of violence at home and abroad. Not Bombs is committed to a vision of society that is motivated by love and sharing, not violence and greed.
Poverty is also violence.
While our society extols mindless consumerism and pursues the unlimited accumulation of wealth, it relegates millions to hunger and homelessness while turning the other cheek. This, combined with police violence, inadequate healthcare, and countless forms of discrimination, deprive each of us of a vibrant and loving way of life. The commercial food industry is also predicated on violence. It involves the slaughtering of millions of animals and the poisoning of our planet through the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Tons of usable food go to waste to maintain high profits.