Newspapers / Elon University Student Newspaper / Feb. 28, 1985, edition 1 / Page 8
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Page 8 The Pendulum Thursday, February 28,1995 Emphasis SALT II class ponders the nuclear question By Maureen Sweeney Features Editor Once a week for three hours, a group of twenty-txld students gathers to discuss SALT talks and "the nuclear question." The seminar meets on the second floor of the library—appropriate since the class members spend many of their waking hours scanning the racks their in search of informa tion to help them piecc together the puzzle of nuclear negotiations. Dr. Fred Watts is the professor for this political science class, the second of its kind to be offered at Elon College. His background is especially suited for a seminar on this subject: he is otherwise known as Colonel Watts (retired) of the United States Air Force. During the first day of class. Watts discussed what he hoped the students would gain from their studies; “A better understanding of the history oi' deterrence and arms talks, and the ability to function well in arms talks simulations to be, held at the end of the semester." Watts continued his pep talk with a discussion of the general public’s knowledge about strategic arms limitation talks. "Everybody has an idea, some knowledge of what’s behind arms talks, but most of that is very shallow," he said. " By the end of the semester you (his students) will have an understanding equalled by very few in the com munity.’’ The students began the class expecting to work long and hard hours in preparation for the final project, a simulation of strategic arms negotiations—and they were not wrong. There are papers due every other week, the topics ranging from U.S./U.S.S.R. strategies to nuclear freeze to deterrence theories. If the work is difficult, it is also rewarding. The students in this class will be better able to unders tand the problems encountered every step of the way by American and Soviet negotiators. Watts predicted. U. S. Secretary of State George Shulz and Soviet Foreign Minister Gromyko are scheduled to meet in Geneva next month for the latest round of SALT talks. The meeting has been hailed in the press as perhaps a significant thawing in U.S.-Soviet relations, which had been quite chilly dur ing the first Reagan administra tion. World peace seems to be an important concern of the entire .class. Many students become frustrated by the discussions of nuclear overkill capacity (overkill is the ability of each world power to destroy the world more than once). Watts noted. Some of the class members coniment on the idiocy of the en tire of the entire arms race. One class member said, "the whole game is ultimately stupid but, one we’re committed to play. This class will help me understands little of what’s going on this March." m rW Peacemakers discuss U.S. military tactics By Maureen Sweeney Features Editor "Peacemakers is an organiza tion of college and community members actively seeking world peace ” These were the words of Rev. Richard McBride, College Chaplain the first evening the group was together. Members of the group are primarily off campus residents. The group it,self is affiliated with the Allied Church of Alamance County. Because of this affilia tion, organizers are able to draw on the many and varied resources of the community for discussion leaders. Issues discussed cover such topics as, “Alienation from Russia,” “Arms Control Negotiations: SALT Without Savor," and "Ministry and the Military." Participants are urged during each meeting to actively con tribute to the discussion. McBride has expressed pleasure at the turn-out which has included faculty, student, and community members alike. McBride stated the groups ob jective concisely, “to move away from the verbal assaults of the other countries and to realize that it is possible for two nations to understand each other.” In light of the upcoming arms negotiations (slated to begin this March) “Peacemakers” becomes a potentially important group. It is imperative that citizens of the United States and the Soviet Union realize the vast implica tions arms negotiations (if proper ly executed) can hold for each nation. Current military strategies stress the “winability of a nuclear war. ’ ’ This wa^ stated by Samuel Payne in The Soviet Union and SALT. He continued to illustrate a Soviet view on deterrance, “If you wish to deter a nuclear, be prepared to fight it.” Peacemakers meet each Thurs day from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. in the conference room, Alamance 213. The final meeting of the group will be held March 28. On April 27, a H.E.L.P. Con ference will tie together the eight Peacemakers discussions. HELP stands for, Hunger, Energy, Lifestyle and Peace. The con ference will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Elon’s Lodge. The day’s-featured speaker will be Philadelphian, Ron Sider. Sider’s work includes two books. Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger and Nuclear Holocaust and Christian Hope. All of the events are offered free of charge to Elon students, faculty and staff.
Elon University Student Newspaper
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Feb. 28, 1985, edition 1
8
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