Missile Defense System Under Siege

Re “Missiles, Missteps Take Spin,” May 7: Why are other countries so worried about the U.S. creating missile defense systems? We are just protecting ourselves from potential danger. Other countries such as Russia or China should not feel threatened if they are not planning to launch a nuclear attack any time soon. And what is all this talk about the Antiballistic Missile Treaty created decades ago? That treaty was signed during a period of slow advancement in technology. What are we supposed to do with all this technology just lying around waiting to be used?

John Lee

North Hollywood

*

As a 92-year-old, native-born citizen of the United States, a retired schoolteacher, a veteran of World War II, a past member of Protestant churches and a student of the teachings of Christ, I do not believe that the government of the U.S., or the people of the U.S., are ready for the world responsibility that would go to a nation with an indomitable defense system such as President Bush would like the missile defense system to be.

Richard W. Derby

Orange

*

Our president has obviously not thoroughly thought out his plan for a missile defense program. If planes can be built that can penetrate advanced radar systems, why can’t missiles be built that will be able to defeat our missile defense?

Zachary Ellison

Pasadena

*

Judging from the direction of bombs and missiles crossing international borders over the past 25 years, it is clear that almost every country on the planet could benefit from a missile defense system except the United States.

Steven M. Kair

Oceanside