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Show Th Dt9y Utch Chronld. Wtdnttdsy, Octobtr 7, 131 PgFour Ctoonicia photo by Professor critiques books about nuclear weapons Osborn Chronicle staff Law Professor Edwin Firmage opened this year's Books and Banter series with a review of three books related to nuclear by Kim weapons. "I believe the most critical issue of this decade, and possibly the next, is the proper decision concerning nuclear strategy," Firmage said. "I think we must make a major effort to prevent a nuclear war, similar to preventative medicine, to prevent a nuclear holocaust. These books reflect this opinion, and I chose them openly for editorial comment," Firmage said. The first book discussed was MX: Prescription for Disaster, by Herbert Scoville Jr. The book is a thorough description of the MX missile and the basing modes proposed for deployment of the missile. But because of President Reagan's decision to abandon the Multiple Protective Shelter basing system, "part of what Scoville says is happily dated." Firmage said. "Hopefully, the monster is dead. But monsters sometimes rise without warning." However Scoville, an arms control expert, believes MX. which is designed as a first strike weapon, will be a disadvantage to the United States no matter how it is deployed. First strike weapons escalate the arms race because we must strike first or not at all. This puts us in a very insecure position and our enemy in the same situation, according to Scoville's book. Firmage said when Carter first announced plans for an MX missile, "we all laughed for a year at the insanity of it. Then we realized it was serious." Firmage said he agreed with Scoville's suggestion of basing MX at sea. "But I prefer, like Scoville. no MX at all." he said. Firmage said the book National Defenseby James Fallows is "flawed and somewhat superficial." However, Firmage agreed with the central themes and conclusion. "The first theme explained that our national defense is in constant danger of being theoretically blown away," Firmage said. UDuCCS raOSn) C3Q2 SCO) EKgJ.o fx OCD over-the-Po- le his book. "Does national defense mean to wipe out people in The MX missile could kill millionsor perhaps 'only a million.' Why do wecall the Defense Department the Defense Department? It should be called the War Department." mega-number- Computer ScienceElectronic Engineer Graduates jl3 "We have no idea what impact an MX missile would have because it cannot possibly be tested. We do not know what firing would do. And if somethingcan possibly it go wrong, will, according to Fallows' book." Another concept of Fallows' book Firmage agreed with was the rhetorical question, "Can anyone win a nuclear war?" "The belief that anyone can win a nuclear war is insanity." he said. "If you live a few hours longer in a horrible environment than another person, does that mean you won the war? No one wins a nuclear war." Firmage said that if someone survives a nuclear attack, the effects of radiation would be enormous. "It would be bad enough to kill people, but to destroy hospitals and kill doctors would be serious." Firmage said. There will be a conference on the medical effects of nuclear war Nov. 7, and Firmage hopes "the place will be packed and people will become aware of the effects." Fallows also questions the meaning of national defense in o o Wei Firmage said. The last book Firmage reviewed dealt with the survivors of the Hiroshima The book iscalled Unforgettable Fire and is a collection of drawings by Japanese people who remember the day the bomb was dropped. "It is a book you will probably not forget," Firmage said. Firmage showed slides made from some of the drawings in the book and read the recollections of the artist. The sketches were amateur, but all had a common theme illustrated by blood, burned bodies and general chaos. The book sounded like a science fiction story that told of "piles of burned bodies, bleeding from the eyes, and a head which looked like a boiled octopus." Firmage explained that one MX missile is 240 times as powerful as the one dropped on Hiroshima. "We must understand that the kilitons in the Hiroshima bomb are understated compared to weapons today," Firmage b. said. He insists that he is not a pacifist and favors some weapons now in use. "But weapons are becoming more of a threat than war, and we must remember that there is a better opt ion that is peace." Does your present hospital policy provide adequate MATERNITY BENEFITS? sure. I'll be happy to analyze your present protection in the light of current maternity expenses. If you need additional coverage. I'll show you how Be Career selection for talented graduates can be confusing at best. NCR Corporation wants to simplify the matter for your convenience. It's the least we can do. 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