Reject notion of ‘winnable’ nuclear war

During the 1960s, Pentagon war planners concluded that a successful and winning U.S nuclear war would annihilate an estimated 600 million people, a million of which would be U.S. allies. However our war planners vastly underestimated the true tally of our successful global slaughter of humanity. They did not take in the realities of both nuclear-fueled fires and nuclear winter.

When these two realities were factored in our first-strike victory would in fact have ended civilization and life for all but approximately 1 percent of humanity. The late Daniel Ellsberg outlined these war plans in his 2017 must read book ”The Doomsday Machine: Confessions of a Nuclear War Planner.”

And now we fast forward to 2025 and the realities of both entrenched U.S. militarism and the return of Donald Trump.

The truth is that the use of nuclear weapons is still an entrenched part of Pentagon war planning.The heart of “nuclear modernization” is the belief and pursuit of successful first-strike strategies. Add to this the ominous reality of Donald Trump; a man who believes that a nuclear war can be won.We need to face and accept the truth.

The nuclear clock is rapidly approaching midnight. Indeed global tensions between nuclear powers are escalating to unprecedented levels. The elimination of nuclear weapons needs to be the global priority. We have to abandon and rid ourselves of the insane and suicidal rationale that nuclear weapons keep us “safer.” We owe it to our children and all future generations to act with clarity, courage, and conviction regarding the growing threat of nuclear extinction.

Mankind has never faced a greater or more important mandate.

Jim Sawyer

Edmonds

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Sunday, Jan. 26

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

A for-lease sign is visible outside of A’cappella Apartments, in March, 2023 in Everett. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald file photo)
Editorial: Rental cap balances needs of tenants, landlords

Bills in the House and Senate would set a 7 percent yearly cap on rents to head off excessive increases.

FILE — Supporters of then-President Donald Trump storm the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Jan. 6, 2021. There were no FBI undercover agents at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, according to a Justice Department report. (Kenny Holston/The New York Times)
Comment: Trump’s Jan. 6 pardons fly ‘in the face of the facts’

A retired federal judge weighs in on pardons by Trump and Biden and the court of public opinion.

Help businesses relocate to build AquaSox stadium downtown

I write this letter with the purpose of expressing my support for… Continue reading

Keep homeless service center at its downtown location

So I read the story about the Hope ‘N Wellness service center… Continue reading

Thanks for coverage of proposed changes to county habitat rules

Thanks to The Herald for its recent articles about last-minute amendments to… Continue reading

Trump’s early moves before secaond term don’t impress

Maybe we’re a little confused and hellbent on having it our way… Continue reading

Comment: Restoring judicial discretion is in victims’ interest

Mandatory sentences don’t restore justice and often deny victims their voice and support they deserve.

Comment: U.S. economy is on the move; let’s keep it that way

President Biden left the new administration with a strong hand. It should build on that success.

The Buzz: If Trump gets a second chance, so does sophmoric humor

Absent for four years, The Herald humor column returns for a roundup of news that sends us into fits.

Brecca Yates (left) helps guide dental student Kaylee Andrews through a crown prep exercise at Northshore Dental Assisting Academy on in April, 2021 in Everett. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald file photo)
Editorial: Give dental patients’ coverage some teeth

Bills in Olympia would require insurers to put at least 85 percent of premiums toward patient care.

Advocates for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities rallied on the state capitol steps on Jan. 17. The group asked for rate increases for support staff and more funding for affordable housing. (Laurel Demkovich/Washington State Standard)
Editorial: Support those caring for state’s most vulnerable

Increasing pay for care workers of those with developmental disabilities can save the state money.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.