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To the Editor: 

Sen. Dianne Feinstein voted with Bush regarding war on Iraq, which is against the wishes of the vast majority of her constituents. Surely she is aware of the U.S. military use of depleted uranium in Iraq during the Gulf War, and of its devastating harm to both Iraqis and our own soldiers who were not informed of the risk or of the necessity of protective gear, despite Pentagon advisors’ pleas. More than a quarter of our Gulf War veterans suffer from a sickness whose symptoms indicate that our own use of depleted uranium is the cause. If she is not aware, I could send her a book on the subject with photographs of victims and interviews. There is also an excellent documentary on the subject and a photo exhibit currently featured in the Bay Area. I would be happy to provide contact information. 

U.S. defense pros, including many Republicans and former UN weapons inspectors, have testified that Iraq does not have weapons of mass destruction or the means of delivering them. We destroyed that capability. By the way, our weekly bombings throughout the past decade have also destroyed their basic infrastructures like water processing, which has resulted in the deaths of over half a million children. Madeleine Albright was wrong. It was not “worth it.” Do we feel safer? Are we safer? Terrorist attacks are now more likely due to our callous disregard for the fates of these children. An apology is in order and would make us much safer than continuing to bomb Iraq. Of course Hussein is horrible. But two wrongs do not make a right.  

Which is the only nation to have used nuclear bombs? How many innocent civilians were instantly killed? 200,000? How many later died of disease caused by radiation exposure? Which is the only nation that attacks with depleted uranium? This defies international law and common decency. Which is the only nation to adopt a strategy of possible pre-emptive nuclear strikes against non-nuclear nations? We are such hypocrites. 

Phoebe Anne 

Berkeley