Nuclear Threat and Kosovo

Russian nuclear weapons, numbering in the thousands, remain in a hair-trigger attack mode on American targets, despite an end of Cold War hostilities. Robert Scheer correctly notes (“Cold War’s End Leaves Danger of Nuclear War,” Column Left, April 13) that Russia’s nuclear command systems are falling apart.

In no way can Russia debug its computers to be Y2K compliant--unfortunately these include systems governing nuclear weapons and power plants. In anger over the NATO bombings in Yugoslavia, Russia has withdrawn from a Y2K cooperation program with the U.S. that ensures that such an error will not inadvertently signal a nuclear attack.

Relations between the two major nuclear powers are sadly deteriorating. A nuclear exchange, whether by accident or by design, would be an unparalleled public health disaster. Our medical organization believes in a preventive approach. President Clinton should immediately assure the American people that they will not be victims of an accidental nuclear war.

JONATHAN PARFREY

Executive Director

Physicians for Social

Responsibility, Los Angeles

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Re “Reckless and Cruel Pride at America’s Heart of Darkness,” Commentary, April 15: Benjamin Schwarz skillfully organized the consequence of many American military actions since World War II. He makes the point that the majority of the American public became, as he writes, “Like any country,” immoral brutes hoping to bludgeon their way to vindictive victory.

He also cautions Clinton he should remember “that America’s founders warned us to go ‘not abroad in search of monsters to destroy’ for fear of the monster we might create at home.” This line of reasoning suggests the abandonment of a civilized conscience. It also suggests we renounce the responsibility of our awesome power. It would be morally corrupt to do that.

NORMAN M. ROSENFELD

Los Angeles

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I strongly support President Clinton’s decision to order NATO air strikes in Yugoslavia. There is tremendous suffering going on. Slobodan Milosevic is a ruthless, cruel man. If necessary, deploy ground forces to complete the operation. Not to do so for fear of casualties is to say fighting evil is not worth the risk. If that be the case, God help us all. We all know what can happen when excuses are made for apathy.

LUCY M. BORIK

La Palma