Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 6/24/83; site ttrdc.UUCP
Path: utzoo!linus!philabs!prls!amdimage!amdcad!decwrl!decvax!tektronix!uw-beaver!cornell!vax135!houxm!ihnp4!mgnetp!ltuxa!ttrdc!mjk
From: mjk@ttrdc.UUCP (Mike Kelly)
Newsgroups: net.politics
Subject: Re: Re: An Alternative to the MX
Message-ID: <179@ttrdc.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 10-May-85 14:34:26 EDT
Article-I.D.: ttrdc.179
Posted: Fri May 10 14:34:26 1985
Date-Received: Tue, 14-May-85 08:04:21 EDT
References: <728@rayssd.UUCP> <171@ttrdc.UUCP>, <222@ihdev.UUCP>
Organization: AT&T Teletype Corp., Skokie, IL
Lines: 27

[in response to my statement that we don't need the MX because the
 subs are an effective deterrent]
 >From: rastaman@ihdev.UUCP (Biding my time)
 >	Given that the the subs get by any "Hunter-Killer" subs that
 >	are after them,  Soviet surface ASW forces don't get them,  the
 >	penetration aids work correctly (or even the warheads through a 
 >	defensive blast for EMP effects maybe?), plus all the other 
 >	unknowns that won't show up until we launch under war conditions.

First, all these (except hunter-killer subs) apply as well to the MX
and any missile you care to devise.  My point was that submarines are
one of the most invulnerable basing modes.  The Soviet subs are much
louder than U.S. subs, which can easily hear them coming before they even
know the U.S. sub is present.  

Of course, Reagan realizes the invulnerability of the subs and has great
plans in mind for them: basing the first-strike Trident II (D-5) missile
in huge numbers on submarines.  That presents the Soviets with a highly
invulnerable first-strike threat potentially hanging a few hundred kilometers
off their coasts.  It reduces Soviet warning time from 15-20 minutes to 
5-10 minutes.  Great, huh?  Sure, if you like the idea of Soviet missiles
on a hair-trigger based on command and control systems using two generations
old computer technology.  Just another way Ronald Reagan has made us all
safer.  Remember, America's back.  It may not be for long, though.

Mike Kelly