Absences for non-emergencies shouldn't be tolerated today because they won't be tolerated when these teenagers turn into adults. In response to last week's letter calling for the abolition of nuclear weapons, I feel compelled to write. I have had the privilege of serving in the Air Force as a nuclear weapons technician and feel qualified to clarify a few misconceptions. Nuclear weapons were developed by the United States in the 1940s in order to end World War II as quickly as possible. Their long-term stockpiling by the United States has permitted this country to avoid being directly attacked by one or more of its many enemies for over 50 years.
Nuclear weapons are the most horrendous thing mankind has ever developed.
It is their absolute certainty that we will use them to defend ourselves, if necessary, that scares our enemies into accepting peace. We must continually work toward peace, but we must remain militarily strong to discourage those who would do us harm. As far as the hair trigger goes, it just does not exist. There are numerous safety mechanisms in place to prevent any accidental launches. Hollywood would have you believe anything to get you to buy a movie ticket.