Even the threat of further terrorism dims beside the possibility of worldwide destruction by nuclear weapons. This ultimate cataclysm could result from the “launch on warning” strategy still adhered to by both Russia and the United States despite the end of the Cold War. Much of the human race could die because of a false alarm of attack due to a computer malfunction or an accident of some kind. Also, an unauthorized launch of a few missiles by fanatics or crazed persons could lead to all-out war.

Writing in a 2000 issue of The Defense Monitor, Dr. Bruce G. Blair, president of The Center for Defense Information, said: “How many Russians and U.S. missiles remain on hair-trigger alert, poised for immediate firing? If the launch order were transmitted right now, more than 2,000 strategic warheads on each side (the equivalent of about 100,000 Hiroshima bombs in total) could be promptly unleashed and delivered to targets around the world in 30 minutes. Deterring a cold-blooded deliberate Russian or U.S. nuclear attack is not that hard. Deterrence can be satisfied by far smaller arsenals on far lower levels of alert than is presently the situation. The hair-trigger alert practices carried over from the Cold War need to be ended if we are really serious about reducing tensions, reducing risks of mistaken or unauthorized launch, and strengthening our diplomacy in the area of non-proliferation.”

It is of the utmost urgency to reduce the danger of worldwide annihilation by removing all nuclear forces on both sides from high alert status. This will require close cooperation between Russia and the United States, but it can and must be done. If you agree, please write to President George W. Bush, The White House, Washington, D.C. 20500

Karl K. Norton

Bangor