Lockheed Fighter: Better Uses for $200 Billion?

Re “Lockheed Wins Fighter Contract,” Oct. 27: With the awarding of $200 billion to Lockheed for a next-generation fighter plane, I am now certain that we do not understand the world in which we are now living. All of the talk about the war on terrorism being a new kind of war is just that, talk.

If we were truly serious about defense in this country, we’d spend whatever it takes to wean ourselves off our deadly dependence on oil instead of stocking up on conventional weapons. Imagine the benefits to the economy and national security if that $200 billion were applied to developing alternate fuels or building efficient rapid transit systems in cities like LA. Seems like we’re still suffering from “that vision thing.”

David Ellis

Sherman Oaks

Why are we spending $200 billion on a high-speed, vertical takeoff jet fighter when Congress is still debating how to provide adequate security in our domestic airports? How exactly will these new planes help ensure that it’s safe for Americans to fly? Let’s spend that money on domestic security instead.

Rupert Essinger

San Diego