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
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