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Path: utzoo!utcsri!utcs!mnetor!fred
From: fred@mnetor.UUCP
Newsgroups: can.politics
Subject: Canadian participation in Star Wars.
Message-ID: <893@mnetor.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 29-May-85 13:25:01 EDT
Article-I.D.: mnetor.893
Posted: Wed May 29 13:25:01 1985
Date-Received: Wed, 29-May-85 15:23:42 EDT
Organization: Computer X (CANADA) Ltd., Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Lines: 28


	Well, those that represent our interests have still not decided
whether we are to participate in the U.S. "Star-Wars" defence
research. I feel I should contribute my two cents worth, so here
it goes.
	I believe that we should not invest any effort or cash in
this project; not because I am pro-communist, (I am a member
of the PC's and a friend of John Gamble - which should stand me
solidly on the right!), but because from what I've heard of it,
it won't work.  It only defends against ICBM delivery, and it
is not even 100% at that! 
	It is very easy for the Soviets to say OK, we'll just deliver
the bombs by a different method, (ie. planes, trucks,...), and
the west can play with all their high tech toys all they like.
It is even possible that nuclear devices be planted in strategic
locations far in advance of hostilities for detination at the 
convenient time, *without warning*. The cost is very low compared
to the budget for Star Wars. This means that the whole effort is
a waste of time from a stategic standpoint.
	About the only advantage I can see is the development of a
capability to handle this kind of technology. The spin-offs
might be rather neat. But it doesn't really justify the expence.
We could spend the money to much better advantage elsewhere, and
that could include conventional military weapons as well as 
more peaceful research. Things that are more likely to be used.
	That's it folks...any comments?

Cheers,		Fred Williams.