Trident

I've always been of the opinion that anything to do with nuclear weapons is abhorrent....always that is until yesterday. The inherent dangers of annihilation by atomic blast of those unfortunate enough to be in the wrong place at the wrong time followed by slow silent deaths by radiation poisoning for the surrounding communities, seems to me to be a concept we as humans shouldn't have ever to contemplate, after Japan's experiences in WW2. We should surely realise science has gone too far and these weapons are unacceptable; shouldn't we?

War in any form is unacceptable to me but I don't make the rules and I don't have any input about decisions to enter into war with other countries. You might say I could vote against those in power who take decisions to go to war but it's too late then; it's already happened. It's easy, I suppose, to have these altruistic views when I don't have to carry the can. Does this mean I am growing up, old or just weary? My generation has been lucky that we haven't been conscripted into the armed forces to take part in any conflicts. Those who have been involved in fighting, joined up voluntarily and, if they didn't, they should have understood that they could be sent to a foreign land to die for Queen and Country; an awful concept in the truest meaning of all the words.

Yesterday I had a conversation with someone of similar political persuasion to me, who was involved in government decisions and world wide conflicts. He was part of the decision-making groups which convinced leaders of countries to enter into conflicts with the expectation of securing peace and a better life for the citizens of these countries. In a few short words he has given me pause for thought. He is firmly convinced of the fact that because the UK has Trident and previous deterrents we  have been protected from war over the past 40 years or so. 

I will have to re-think how I feel now. I used to belong to CND and still believe that ALL nuclear weapons world-wide should be carefully disposed of. Obviously this isn't happening and isn't an easy concept when Israel, India, Pakistan,USA, China and the UK are all involved. Again; it's not my decision and I can't influence these countries. I have to be realistic and deal, in my own mind, with how it is now, at present, in our country.

As an NHS practitioner I used radiation for diagnostic purposes for 40 years. I was made aware of the inherent dangers and did my utmost not to abuse the medium. I respected the power of the rays generated in my machines and was wary of how dangerous it could be whilst marvelling at how radiation could help in the fight against sickness and disease. Perhaps this was why I rejected nuclear weapons and nuclear power with no compromises. The dreadful disintegration of the nuclear power station in Japan after the tsunami and the fall out afterwards, hardened my resolve against anything "nuclear" but here I am now questioning my reasons.

xraypat