Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 6/24/83; site ubc-vision.CDN
Path: utzoo!utcsri!ubc-vision!banner
From: banner@ubc-vision.CDN (Allen Banner)
Newsgroups: can.general
Subject: Star Wars...for the record
Message-ID: <907@ubc-vision.CDN>
Date: Wed, 3-Apr-85 23:43:45 EST
Article-I.D.: ubc-visi.907
Posted: Wed Apr  3 23:43:45 1985
Date-Received: Thu, 4-Apr-85 13:28:48 EST
Organization: UBC Computational Vision Lab, Vancouver, B.C., Canada
Lines: 58


> I repeat, the worst consequence of accidental initiation of an
> SDI system is shooting down a manned space launch.  This would be
> regrettable, but surely we can live with the risk.


Two points:

- (less important of the two...)  How long will it take to get an
  operational "SDI system" up there?  If and when it happens (God
  forbid...) what sort of reaction times will we be looking at for
  various weapons systems? (since the development of offensive sys-
  tems is not likely to stand still until that umbrella becomes a
  reality)  Given the trend right now, it seems that they will be 
  short and will involve control by computers...possibly to full
  "launch on warning".  It seems reasonable to assume that control
  systems for an SDI defensive system will end up talking to the
  control systems for offensive weapons to provide for a "compre-
  hensive command and control system".  I don't see that we should
  discount the possibility of a bug in SDI starting a catastrophy.

- (more important of the two...)  SDI promises to be dangerously
  destabilizing long before it becomes operational.  It also will
  distract resources (funds, human talent and labour) from projects
  which *could* lead to a more stable future.  The issue is will the
  scientific community accept its responsibility to speak out publicly?
  For the record...have YOU, Henry, signed Ray Reiter's Declaration 
  and are YOU promoting it?...please do!
  
  
And while everyone is sitting at their terminal, consider banging out
a letter to your favourite M.P. or one of the M.P.'s below.  The address
for all of them is (free postage):

	House of Commons
	Ottawa, Ontario
	K1A 0A6

- Brian Mulroney, Prime Minister
- Joe Clark, Minister of External Affairs
- Eric Nielsen, Minister of Defense
- John Turner, Leader of the Opposition, Liberal Party Leader
- Jean Chretian, External Affairs Critic, Liberal Party
- Len Hopkins, Defense Critic, Liberal Party
- Lloyd Axworthy, Disarmament Critic, Liberal Party
- Ed Broadbent, Leader of the New Democratic Party
- Pauline Jewett, NDP External Affairs Critic
- Derek Blackburn, NDP Defense Critic


Another potentially effective option would be to write an appeal to Mila
Mulroney...she is near and dear to her husband...convince her and let her
work on her husband...

- Mrs. Mila Mulroney
  24 Sussex Drive
  Ottawa, Ontario
  K1M 1M4