I think it is imperative that the citizens of the world who are equally endangered by the ever horrifying machinations of "Fear Incorporated" speak out against ALL indiscriminate ABC weaponry (atomic, biological and chemical). It doesn't matter who has them. They are all equally aberrant. As climate change causes the acceleration of geological instability, these indiscriminately destructive agents pose an ever more omni-dangerous threat.

Under the criteria being established for "pre-emptive" strike, the United States could be subject to military intervention for our continued prosecution of the "war on terror" (which, according to U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee findings was begun under false pretenses), the detention of prisoners without trial, torture, and or development of weapons of mass destruction. We had elections in 2000 and 2004 the outcomes of which are still being debated.

I don't recall anybody talking about bombing Israeli nuclear installations or South African installations while they developed their nuke programs and bombs. India and Pakistan joined the club too without anybody bombing them.

Why do we expect the people of Iran to rise up and denounce their country's nuclear programs - under the overtly repressive conditions they live under - when we, who live in supposedly "free" countries are not willing or able to hold our own governments accountable for their nuclear power plants and stockpiles of weapons of mass destruction?

I suspect the people of Iran (or anywhere else for that matter) have about as much power to determine their nation's politics as we do. (Much more than we think). I've seen the results of massive non-violent resistance campaigns that have effectively brought about huge political changes.

Perhaps we should focus on our own back yards. That might help the people in Iran (Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan, etc. etc.) to focus on theirs.

So far, I see that Obama is doing what he said he would do in many of his campaign statement: He has broadened Bush and Co's. "war on terror" into Pakistan and is posturing to do the same in Iran; he is expanding the use of nuclear power - ie: Hilary Clinton's recent trip to India to promise two nuclear power plants and sophisticated weaponry; and in his speech to the U.N. regarding climate change discussions, endorsed the expansion of nuclear power.

At this time, we are all up to our necks in gasoline, caught in a world wide trap where mad men (and women) are playing with matches. At some point, we must realize that this is a lose/lose situation and take the risk of peacemaking and cooperation rather than military dominance and exploitation.

How can we break the "us" and "them" cycle as we teeter totter on the axis of mutual destruction?

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Joyce Katzberg

(who would be happy to take you on a tour of nuclear weapons related industries in Rhode Island, where our state economy depends upon the production of weapons of massive and indiscriminate destruction)