EmmyLou Harris suggests that the U.S. agree to stop using land mines, as an example to the world (Tempo, Jan. 5).
Ms. Harris ignores several points:
First, American land mines are not the kind that are exploding and harming civilians. American land mines are sophisticated and time limited; they are not operational after a set time.
Second, our armed services know where the mines are. Third, the land mines Ms. Harris rightfully opposes are being buried by rogue armies that will not be affected by the land-mine treaty she supports.
To propose that the U.S. disarm itself without a means of disarming terrorist states or the many ragtag, looting armies throughout the world is like proposing that our police forces set an example by voluntarily disarming themselves while gangs, organized crime or civilian militia groups remain armed.
Does Ms. Harris think that gangs and militia members would imitate the example of disarmed police forces by putting away their assault rifles and handguns?
