Washington Project Told to Get 'Feet Wet' in Practical Politics

Two hundred prospective participants in next weekend's Washington Project were told Saturday "to get their feet wet" in practical politics as the only way to achieve the goals embodied in their policy statement.

Sanford Gottlieb, political action director for the Committee for a Sane Nuclear Policy, made the remarks at a briefing session for the students.

Gottlieb said Friday's visits to Congressmen, embassies, and administration officials would only be a "first step toward sustained political participation," and urged the students to become active in the party of their choice.

He listed several issues--UN bonds, Disarmament Agency appropriations, civil defense--pertinant to the Project's platform that will be voted on in this session of Congress.

The resumption of atmospheric nuclear testing, Gottlieb noted, is a question upon which a wave of popular protest has had a large influence. However, he conjectured that Kennedy has already decided to go ahead with the blasts.

Even more important than support of specific issues or so-called "peace candidates," Gottlieb said participants in the Washington Project would be providing vocal political support for the type of long-range program announced by President Kennedy in his UN speech in September.

Considering the current political situation, such public "liberal" support is vitally needed if the President is to initiate the "peace race" he spoke of in September, Gottlieb said.