Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 9/18/84; site brl-tgr.ARPA Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!bonnie!akgua!sdcsvax!dcdwest!ittvax!decvax!genrad!wjh12!talcott!harvard!seismo!brl-tgr!jcp From: jcp@brl-tgr.ARPA (Joe Pistritto) Newsgroups: net.politics Subject: Re: Re: Controlling Nuclear Weapons Message-ID: <6173@brl-tgr.ARPA> Date: Thu, 29-Nov-84 13:05:49 EST Article-I.D.: brl-tgr.6173 Posted: Thu Nov 29 13:05:49 1984 Date-Received: Mon, 3-Dec-84 12:32:18 EST References: <1133@drusd.UUCP> <2082@randvax.UUCP> Reply-To: jcp@brl-tgr.ARPA (Joe Pistritto ) Organization: Ballistic Research Lab Lines: 32 Summary: Re the Soviets preparing for a nuclear war: Lets remember that Russia was absolutely devastated by World War II (in fact, the casualty rates approach those of several nuclear war scenarios). In terms of economic damage, it was probably GREATER than many possible nuclear wars. (the Soviets actually lost control of most of their major cities, and several more, (Leningrad, Stalingrad, etc.), were destroyed as thouroughly as by nuclear weapons). It is therefore entirely reasonable for the Soviets to prepare to fight a nuclear war. Russia didn't start World War II, but it happened anyway. Similarly, any reasonable Russian would look at the situation and say, 'Well, assuming I believe that our Government would never start such a thing, the nuclear war still might occur, (if the US started it, or China, or anyone else)'. Hence, civil defense preparations, etc. Now, of course, being well prepared, (which is reasonable without malicious intent), would provide a substantial lowering of the risks of nuclear war, (as viewed from the perspective of the Soviet military), making it less likely to avoid the event. (this is the malicious part of the problem). On the other hand, I quite agree with the logic shown by the Russians here. Being eminently practical people, they are preparing for something THAT REALLY MIGHT HAPPEN. As soon as Americans face up to the real possibilities here, I expect a crash program, (typical American style), to prepare here as well. We actually did a little of this in the 50s, (which was exactly the right thing to be doing), but for some reason stopped doing it in the 60s. (Got distracted, I presume). Oh well. -JCP-