Speaks Out

Monday, September 28, 1998

Speaks Out

The nuclear test ban has reappeared in the spotlight of world news, now that India and Pakistan have conducted underground nuclear explosions. The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) would prohibit all nuclear testing worldwide; ultimately its intent is to end the development of nuclear weapons. Only 16 of the 44 nuclear-capable countries that are needed have ratified the CTBT; the United States has yet to ratify the treaty. Should the President and Congress consider the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty a priority?

"In my physics class, we learned that the only reason we have not been testing lately is because we have found models of how to build our nukes without actually having to blow them up. It takes a lot of technology, and that's why many nations aren't doing it. We have the technology to do it without underground testing, so there's no reason for us not to ratify it."

Steve Betschart

Alumnus

Physics

"Countries are not going to stop testing because countries are devoted to building strength and power. Even if it's not right, it's banned and it's illegal, they're still going to do it just to have the upper hand. In that sense, it's a lot more dangerous. It shouldn't be banned, but it should be regulated a lot more so that we still know what's going on, but (so that) it doesn't happen as much."

Taib Rawi

First-Year,

Neuroscience

"It's a big priority because nuclear weapons affect the entire world. There was too much coverage on the Lewinsky thing, and that's nothing compared to something that could devastate all mankind. It's international, but at the same time it's national, because if something were to happen, it would affect the nation as a whole."

Adriana Melgoza

Third-Year,

Latin-America Studies

"I think that they should ratify it and join the other countries, but it would be difficult to destroy all the nuclear weapons they already have out there. But it is necessary. Nuclear weapons should be banned for the safety of our country and for all the people who live here."

Jessica Page

First-Year

Spanish

"It seems like, in light of recent problems with terrorism, we should consider looking into it, seeing if it would limit our sovereignty and our ability to improve our nuclear technology."

James Fitzgerald

First-Year

Law School

"The President and Congress should consider this a priority. Every country should do it 16 out of 44 countries is not a large percentage. Actually, I'm from India, and I knew this was going on. Everybody wants to show how much capability they have for nuclear capacity, and one day they might end up killing innocent people."

Archita Shah

Fourth Year

Business/Economics

Comments, feedback, problems?