Letter to Editor: Eliminating Nuclear Weapons

Cascadia Daily News, Bellingham, WA (posted on Aug 5, 2025)

Editor,

In 1945, only one country in the world, the USA, had the world’s supply of two nuclear bombs. “Little Boy” (the nickname given to the bomb) was dropped on Aug. 6 in Hiroshima and “Fat Man” (the nickname given to the other bomb) was dropped on Aug. 9 on Nagasaki. Over 210,000 were killed.
     Thousands died from radiation poisoning later. Let’s remember this on Aug. 6.

In 2025, there are nine countries with nuclear bombs and 15,000 nuclear bombs in the world. Both the U.S. and Russia have 6,000-plus each. The explosive yield of the Hiroshima bomb was 15,000 kilotons of TNT. In 2025, one nuclear warhead on a Trident submarine yields 475,000 kilotons of TNT. There are at least 50 warheads on each submarine.

President Trump’s nuclear modernization plans will cost $1.7 trillion in the next 25 years. His goals are supported by the majority of Republicans and half of Democrats.

Do you agree with this policy?

There are two paths: Join 93 countries in this world to pursue the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons — eliminate them! Or, remain silent in the face of this growing threat to destroy everything living on this planet.

We need reason, connection, communication and cooperation. We need nuclear disarmament. Let us honor the victims of nuclear bombs and testing. You know the drill: Call your representatives; speak to your people; fight for moral budgets.

Bellingham City Council has been urged to sign onto an action with 85 other US cities to tell our federal government to negotiate to drawdown/elimination of nuclear weapons.

Join us:wanwcoalition.orgpreventnuclearwar.org

Barbara Sardarov
Bellingham

“Fat Man” (a replica)