Learning the Lessons of Hiroshima: The Need to Change U.S. Nuclear Weapons
Policy
by Ira Shorr, National Field Director, Physicians for Social Responsibility
August 6th marked the 59th anniversary of the dropping of a nuclear bomb on
Hiroshima, Japan. The instant and unparalleled devastation that resulted is
an urgent and continuing reminder that nuclear weapons cannot and must not
ever be used again.
Yet, looking at current U.S. nuclear weapons policy it appears that we are
in increasing danget of forgetting the horrific lessons of Hiroshima.
Current U.S. policy is a virtual embrace of nuclear weapons.
- The Bush administration is seeking to design two new kinds of nuclear
weapons and shorten the time needed to test nuclear weapons;
- The administration wants money to build a new plutonium bomb plant — for
building plutonium "pits" — the "triggers" for modern thermonuclear weapons;
- The U.S. has abandoned the anti-ballistic missile treaty; stepped away
from the Comprehensive Test Ban Treat — and, in pursuing new nuclear weapons
and delaying the dismantling of significant numbers of nuclear weapons in
existing stockpiles, we are abrogating the commitment we made under the
Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty to work for the elimination of nuclear
weapons.
Current nuclear policy is clearly a prescription for disaster. As
Representative David Hobson (R-OH), Chair of the House Energy and Water
Appropriations Subcommittee has said in opposition to new nuclear weapons:
"We have more nuclear weapons now than we know what to do with — I'm concerned
about our image in the world when we're telling others not to build these
things and then we push these new weapons."
Physicians for Social Responsibility, representing over 30,000 health
professionals nationwide, believes that a core value of America's national
security policy should be "first do no harm." Basing our approach to nuclear
weapons on the precautionary principle dictates the need for a significant
change in policy.
To reduce the threat from nuclear weapons the United States should:
- Demonstrate global leadership by renouncing the first use of nuclear
weapons, the development of new nuclear weapons ("mini-nukes"), and the
testing of nuclear weapons.
- Increase funding to secure "loose" nuclear weapons and materials in Russia
and worldwide.
- Honor our international commitment to work for the elimination of nuclear
weapons, beginning by working with Russia to dismantle nuclear warheads,
reducing nuclear stockpiles to no more than 1,000 on each side.
- Together with Russia, take all weapons off high alert "hair-trigger"
status.
- Pursue diplomacy, enhanced inspections, mutual security arrangements and
nuclear free zones, as a way of halting nuclear weapons programs in
countries like North Korea and Iran.
Ultimately, the goal of U.S. nuclear policy must be to prevent the use of
nuclear weapons — the ultimate medical catastrophe — and to prevent nuclear
materials from falling into the hands of terrorists. The steps I have noted
above — endorsed by a wide range of nuclear weapons experts — will help reach
these goals.
Back to Peace Talk Index, Autumn, 2004