As an ex-U.S. Navy medical officer, I must respond to the Sept. 22 editorial "A nuclear-powered presence." It is an over-sensitive reaction to the presence of a nuclear-powered carrier at Yokosuka, where I was stationed in 1952.
America and Japan are strong allies. Yes, Japan has a defense force, but it really needs more protective power, which the United States is supplying. This is a mutually beneficial arrangement should there be threats from Asia, North Korea, Russia or elsewhere. Americans who feel deeply about the atomic bombing of Japan in World War II appreciate the nuclear fear in Japan. But it's a new era of great friendship between us, and there is no reason for the Japanese people to obsess any more about American nuclear ships than they do about the risk from Japanese nuclear-power reactors.
We realize that "nuclear" is a sensitive word in Japan, but it is the power reality of the future. Science has harnessed the technology for all of us to remain safe. Fear is no longer tenable; rather, confidence in the positive, peaceful uses of nuclear energy will enhance our lives.
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