So I decided to write a good old-fashioned guns vs. butter letter to one of my Senators, Mr. Richard Durbin. I was prompted to write mostly because of the next round of
failed missile defense tests.
Though I received what I think is a form letter back, it was a well-written one that actually has some substance to it (unlike some of the form letters I've got...ahem, Mr. Fitzgerald). In it, Durbin called the program "a mistake" and touched on the military-industrial complex as a major problem after 9-11.
The actual letter is below:
Thank you for your message about plans for the U.S. to build and deploy a ballistic missile defense system.
I share your concerns about this matter. I believe President Bush's decision to withdraw from the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty and
begin deployment of a ground-based missile defense system in 2004 was a serious mistake. The disappointing results from the highly scripted
missile defense tests conducted to date, including the recent test failure
in mid-December, underscore the need for further testing and research. Yet the Bush Administration is proceeding with a premature deployment.
Deploying an expensive, unproven missile defense system could also divert resources from more urgent national security needs. For example, the
terrorist attacks of September 11 tragically illustrated our need to strengthen our intelligence capabilities and homeland defense. Our intelligence agencies have agreed that the U.S. is more likely to be attacked with a weapon of mass destruction delivered by non-conventional
means, such as in a shipping container, truck, or suitcase, than by a long-range missile delivered by a known country against which the United
States could immediately retaliate. Therefore, we should focus much more strongly on protecting our country from terrorist attack.
I have sought to prohibit the deployment of ballistic missile defenses until their capabilities are demonstrated by testing under realistic conditions, and I have supported efforts to reallocate funds from building
a missile defense system to nuclear non-proliferation efforts and homeland security programs. I regret that Congress has approved President Bush's proposal to spend billions of dollars to build an unproven weapons system.
I also understand your broader concerns about excessive military spending in general. The tragic events of September 11 have awakened us to new threats we face, and it is important that we ensure our nation's military remains strong to protect U.S. interests. I have joined with my
colleagues in the Senate from both parties in providing President Bush and his administration with the resources and authority necessary to be
successful in fighting terrorism.
At the same time, we must remember that our military should be used only as a last resort, and that our national interests are often better served by spending money on non-military priorities such as education, the
environment, and transportation. In addition, our security and budgetary interests are frequently better served by forward-thinking policies such as helping the Russian government safely store its decommissioned nuclear
warheads, closely monitoring the activities of domestic and international terrorist groups, and promoting democratic and economic reforms in
developing countries to ensure their future stability.
The September 11 terrorist attacks and our global campaign against terrorism have also dramatically underscored the need for international cooperation to address problems that know no borders. Our participation in the United Nations is one of the most cost-effective ways of addressing global challenges--such as terrorism--that no one country can resolve on its own. Throughout my congressional service, I have worked to ensure that the U.S. remains an active and vital member of this organization,
which has a valuable history of promoting world peace.
I will be sure to keep your views in mind as the Senate continues to address these important issues. Thank you again for contacting me, and
please feel free to keep in touch.
Sincerely,
Richard J. Durbin
United States Senator