The Bomb

Alexander S. Peak

Also available in .txt and .pdf.

18 August 2005;  partially updated 6 September 2007

[EDITOR’S NOTE:  This piece contains religious sentiments that may be
offensive to some audiences.  Reader discretion is advised.]

Let me start off by saying that I’m not taking a stance on the previous use of the bomb.  At least not in this piece.

This admission is not made because I have some incorrect thought that we needed to use it to end the war.  I know we didn’t.  (We were asking for unconditional surrender.  Japan was asking for one condition, that the leader could stay in power.  Truman could have conceded this one condition, and as we’re aware, he ultimately did.  We could have ended the war earlier.  But that’s not what this piece is about.)

I will take a stance on the weapon itself.  The Atomic Bomb (and it’s brother, the Hydrogen Bomb) are the physical embodiment of evil.  Yes, evil.  If anything proves the existence of Satan, the Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs do.

Not only that, it is an unnecessary evil.  (Evil never is “necessary.”)

I will say this:  If an atomic or hydrogen bomb is ever used again to target civilians, that nation or organization which sets it off will have committed an immoral and unethical act.  The initiation of nuclear force is wonton.  Especially knowing what we do now about the effects of the bomb.

I will also say this:  Nobody should ever target civilians.  Do unto others as you would have them do to you.

There’s one last point I’d like to make:  Some socialists and conservatives (I mention these two political groups, not to chastise them, but just because they seem to be the ones saying this) say that the creation of the bomb shows the success of government.  But, in my opinion, it wasn’t a success because of government.  It was only a “success” because of competition.  We were competing against the Nazis to get the bomb first.  Competition drove the scientists to success in a way that government alone never could.