To the editor:

The threatening phrase “weapons of mass destruction” is now used sarcastically by columnists and comedians. Perhaps this represents understandable relief at the realization that we never were in danger of attack by Iraqi nuclear weapons. Still, President Bush promoted a war because of these non-existent weapons. This is why nearly 500 Americans and thousands of Iraqis have died. Will our notoriously short attention span allow us to forget this massive miscalculation and accept the capture of Saddam as a substitute rationale for these sacrifices?

Certainly the world needs to eliminate nuclear weapons. I only wish the United States would lead by example rather than by threat. We have the largest arsenal of these weapons, but our president has been silent about plans for disposing of them. On the contrary, he is promoting the development of new “tactical” nuclear bombs. The administration’s Nuclear Posture Review also calls for upgrades so that nuclear testing can be resumed easily.

Threats sometimes work, but they are only transient solutions. There will be no sustained peace until countries cooperate on the basis of respect and trust. The United States has the most potential for helping create a better life for all. We should set an example of reaching out to the hungry, the impoverished, the hopeless, the angry people of the world. I hope you agree.

Joe Douglas,

Lawrence