OPINION:
Two recent Washington Times articles highlight the national security problems facing the current administration: Patty-Jane Geller’s “Using defense funds to reduce the role of nuclear weapons irresponsible” (Web, April 21) and Bill Gertz’s “No first use policy rejected” (“Inside the Ring,” World, April 22).
Successive administrations since President Reagan have failed to recognize that we now live in a multipolar world in which several nations possess nuclear weapons, and several others have the capability of producing or obtaining these weapons.
Prior to Reagan we relied solely on deterrence for our national security. Reagan wisely added the concept of ballistic missile defense to enhance our position. Sadly successive administrations have failed to recognize the importance of maintaining our offensive capability to reinforce our deterrent policy while also declining to pursue the essential component of space-based interceptors that would provide an effective missile defense capability. Our security in this multipolar environment remains heavily dependent on maintaining a credible deterrent, coupled with a highly effective missile defense.
The Biden administration now attempts to weaken our position further by reducing the role of nuclear weapons in our national security strategy and introducing legislation to adopt a no-first-use nuclear policy.
The fact that the NFO legislation is proposed by Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Rep. Adam Smith — both of whom have been shown to be strangers to the truth — should alone be sufficient to ensure its failure. Nonetheless it is highly concerning that such individuals should have the audacity to attempt to influence our national security.
STANLEY ORMAN
Rockville, Md.
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