WAND Statement on Terrorist Acts of September 11, 2001
We are deeply shaken by the horror inflicted on our country
yesterday. For several frantic hours, WAND could not reach our
Washington staff. Thankfully, they are all safe. Like the rest
of the world, we searched for hope and assurances of the safety
of loved ones. Our deepest sympathy and our prayers are with the
victims, their families, and the emergency response teams.
We condemn these terrorist attacks and the hatred and disregard
for life and law implicit in them. Those responsible must be brought
to justice.
There are no simple answers. As The New York Times wisely
observed, "What we live with now, beyond shock and beyond
the courage witnessed on the streets in New York and Washington
. . . is an urge for reprisal. But this is an age when even revenge
is complicated, when it is hard to match the desire for retribution
with the need for certainty." Let us remember that innocent
civilians live in those countries we call "enemy."
Yesterday's tragedy underscores a fundamental truth about U.S.
national security: a missile shield will not protect us. The rush
to mount an ill-conceived defense against intercontinental ballistic
missiles is draining precious resources from programs that would
address real security needs. Missile defense funds should be redirected
toward antiterrorist work and initiatives such as the Nunn Lugar
Cooperative Threat Reduction Program.
It would be irresponsible not to acknowledge the infinitely more
horrible devastation that would result from terrorist attacks
involving nuclear weapons. Recognizing this, we advocate federal
policy and funding priorities that immediately de-alert nuclear
weapons, renounce the production of weapons-capable materials
and dispose of existing stockpiles. Further, we redouble our efforts
to abolish nuclear weapons from the earth.
Ultimately peace and security cannot come through military power
alone, but must be borne of thoughtful, determined diplomacy and
negotiation. Such a path calls us all and requires the best we
have to give. Children ask the world of us. It is our responsibility,
and our highest honor, to respond.
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