Necesary Restraint in Nuclear Weaponry

When I scroll through the news on my phone, I always seem to see similar headlines-- portending that-- oh no-- another country (besides the United States, of course) has attained nuclear weapons or even has presumed plans to utilize the deadly arms on us. In other words, the ownership of nuclear weapons has caused even more tension between countries across the world, specifically North Korea and Russia. Over the years, this tension has been accumulating progressively, and, eventually, we might have another war or maybe cold war on our hands. Or rather World War III. Most likely the deadliest war in the history of the world. All because of nuclear weapons.

At this point, you might be wondering, “What’s the big deal? Nuclear weapons are just another object to hurt others, just like guns or regular bombs. How is it possible to cause the ‘deadliest war’ of all time?” Well, it appears that you have been snoozing off in American history class. Ever heard of Hiroshima? In World War II? The first nuclear bomb that was dropped to intentionally harm others? And then the long-lasting effects it had on the Japanese citizens? Hundreds of thousands of deaths. And then even more injuries. There were further physical damage to the citizens even months or years after the dropping of the bomb. Most prominent and detrimental effect: cancer-- leukemia and/or lymphoma. Then, there’s mental retardation, delayed development, horrendous scarring, increase in breast cancer, hair loss, and even blindness. “The Clan of One-Breasted Women” further exemplified the horrific consequences to using nuclear weaponry: breast cancer spread from woman to woman in a family after being in relative proximity to a testing nuclear site.

In “A Measure of Restraint”, Ramyo further demonstrates the extensive consequences to the radioactive substances from such nuclear bombs. As we continue to develop our technology, especially weapons technology, we have to be extra careful to be judicious with the strides we choose to make. Developing the technology to instantly kill hundreds of thousands of people probably isn’t wise. Instead, it causes more suffering and chaos in the world.