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TEXANS ENDORSE NATIONAL MISSILE DEFENSE

In December and January, this column included a list of questions seeking readers' opinions about issues currently in the forefront of public debate. As has been the case in previous years, your answers were very informative, and I would like to thank this newspaper for allowing me to communicate with you this way.

Over the next several weeks this column will address the responses you provided, beginning with the column regarding our national security and foreign policy.

The first question asked about your opinion on the need to proceed with the development and construction of a missile defense system capable of shooting down enemy ballistic missiles. By a significant majority, 73 percent, Texans said it is very important that we build such a system. You also said you would not feel differently about building a missile defense system if it means withdrawing from the decades-old Anti Ballistic Missile Treaty (ABM) that restricts us from building such a system. Here are some of your comments on this issue:

From Levelland – "That China and countries such as Iran, Libya and Russia have missiles is a great threat to U.S. national security."

Magnolia – "Our security problems have worsened with the current administration's transfer of nuclear technology and missile guidance systems to avowed enemies such as China."

Carrizo Springs – "There is no doubt in my mind that we need a missile defense system and the sooner the better. It should be at the top of the list."

Kirbyville – "A missile defense system should be a major part of a greater effort to rebuild our national defenses after Clinton leaves the White House. We have been left vulnerable and the next administration will have to fix that."

La Marque – "It seems to me we have no alternative but to take steps to defend ourselves against missile attack."

Adkins – "Communism is not dead. There are at least a half-dozen countries, maybe more, that hate America and that have or will have the bomb, and are dumb enough to use it."

Hondo – "Once we get a missile defense, we need to figure out how to defend ourselves against international terrorism, or at least a way to keep terrorists out of our country."

Dripping Springs – "It is most important for us to precede with building a missile defense system and with funding other new technology for our Army, Navy and Air Force."

Orange – "Our best missile defense system is for other countries to know that if they attack the United States, they will be destroyed by all means at hand."

Texas City – "Build a missile defense. We must not let ourselves believe that there is nothing out in the world that can harm us. Just because the Cold War is over does not mean we should let down our guard."

Lampasas – "Thumbs down on the ABM Treaty. It has outlived its purpose."

Seguin – "The ABM Treaty is out of date, and it seriously affects our national security."

Congress realizes the gravity of this situation and is pursuing the creation of a missile defense.

After many years of trying, Congress has finally forced the administration to move forward with developing this technology. There will be successes and failures along the way as we test and perfect it, but a missile defense for America is no longer a question of whether but when. The answer: The sooner the better.

February 15, 2000