Palmer Events Center
Zero-Nuke Initiative Not Dangerous; Nukes Are Dangerous
RECEIVED Thu., Aug. 27, 2009
Dear Editor,
Re: “Zero Nuke Initiative Is Dangerous” [“Postmarks,” Aug. 28]: Mr. Jeffrey Cook has quite mystifyingly reworked the arguments that have been used for the last several decades by Cold War hawks to justify the terrible expense and danger of an ever-expanding nuclear arsenal.
Comparing the destructive power of nuclear weapons to rhetorical devices used in argument is absurd on its face.
Additionally, these types of arguments (only nukes will keep nukes at bay) have been used to distract from the pressing issue that we currently have tens of thousands of nuclear devices armed at this very moment, and small mistakes could very easily result in global annihilation.
It is easy to argue that we will never rid the world of nuclear weapons. This is likely a reality. But it is important to recognize that the survival of our species depends on us removing the vast majority of them, so that in the inevitable event of a catastrophe, the damage will be limited enough to allow life to continue on our planet.
Getting rid of every nuke on Earth may be truly impossible, but limiting the number of weapons to deter worldwide destruction is very possible, both in an existential sense and in a political one.
Arms reduction works. Don't knock it.
Re: “Zero Nuke Initiative Is Dangerous” [“Postmarks,” Aug. 28]: Mr. Jeffrey Cook has quite mystifyingly reworked the arguments that have been used for the last several decades by Cold War hawks to justify the terrible expense and danger of an ever-expanding nuclear arsenal.
Comparing the destructive power of nuclear weapons to rhetorical devices used in argument is absurd on its face.
Additionally, these types of arguments (only nukes will keep nukes at bay) have been used to distract from the pressing issue that we currently have tens of thousands of nuclear devices armed at this very moment, and small mistakes could very easily result in global annihilation.
It is easy to argue that we will never rid the world of nuclear weapons. This is likely a reality. But it is important to recognize that the survival of our species depends on us removing the vast majority of them, so that in the inevitable event of a catastrophe, the damage will be limited enough to allow life to continue on our planet.
Getting rid of every nuke on Earth may be truly impossible, but limiting the number of weapons to deter worldwide destruction is very possible, both in an existential sense and in a political one.
Arms reduction works. Don't knock it.
Mike Wainwright