Not worth the risk

Re “U.S. ups ante on missile defense,” April 4

“The current U.S. system, with interceptor missiles based in Alaska and California, is considered useful mainly against North Korea.” Can The Times quote a responsible scientist who will support claims of any efficacy for these weapons for their stated purpose? This system is considered useless. The reason is that it does not work, has not worked and, if you pay attention to the scientific literature, cannot work. It is little more than a pork plan for defense contractors. It is insane to risk igniting conflict with Russia over something as stupid as these worthless missiles.

North Korea could ship us a warhead in a container and use a GPS detonator if it really wanted to see itself incinerated, which would be the end result of something that ill-advised. Even the North Koreans are not that crazy.

PAUL FRETHEIM

Independence, Calif.