South Shore Phil Anderson

Ending nuclear madness

“The way to win an atomic war is to make certain it never starts. And the way to make sure it never starts is to abolish the dangerous, costly nuclear stockpiles which imprison mankind.” General Omar Bradley in 1948

August will be the 75 th anniversary of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. We need to do more than just remember these tragic and unnecessary events. We must work to abolish nuclear weapons.

We are the nation that created SOUTH SHORE nuclear weapons. We RUMINATIONS are the ONLY COUNTRY to use them. We used them primarily against a PHIL ANDERSON civilian population which is a war crime under international law.

During the Cold War we created an arms race with the former Soviet Union that resulted in some 15,000 nuclear warheads being produced. This was enough destructive power to literally destroy the world. We seem to have no remorse for having unleashed this evil on the world.

We still think we need nuclear weapons for our defense. Despite all the evidence, and the testimony of many experts, we think nuclear weapons keep us safe and are a deterrence to war. General George Lee Butler, head of US Strategic Nuclear Forces from 1991-1994, disagrees. He has said,

“It is my profound conviction that nuclear weapons did not, and will not, of themselves prevent major war. To the contrary, I am persuaded that the presence of these hideous devices unnecessarily prolonged and intensified the Cold War. In today’s security environment, threats of their employment have been fully exposed as neither credible nor of any military utility.”

Although so far the world has avoided a nuclear holocaust, these weapons have not prevented conventional war. Korea, Vietnam and many deadly “proxy” wars by the superpowers in Asia, Africa and Latin America occurred during the Cold War. Some politicians and military leaders actually advocated USING nuclear weapons to “win” some of these conflicts.

Then there is the threat of a nuclear exchange between Pakistan and India. A regional nuclear conflict would have severe consequences for the rest of the world regardless of its length or intensity. Israel having nuclear weapons is a similar threat.

A small country surrounded by more populous “enemies” might feel compelled to use nuclear weapons. The existence of Israeli nuclear weapons also drives Iran’s desire to become a nuclear power.

The very existence of nuclear weapons is a threat to the safety and well being of everyone. Given the power of nuclear weapons, the environmental damage caused by their production, and the record of accidents involving them, this is not just hypothetical rhetoric.

In his book Command and Control, Eric Schlosser discusses the history of nuclear weapons and efforts to control them. The book details some of the 1,200 accidents between 1950 and 1968 involving nuclear weapons or the nuclear strike force.

There were bombs dropped by mistake, bombers catching on fire or crashing, missiles exploding, computers miscalculating, and people jumping to wrong conclusions and almost launching attacks. The Cuban

missile crisis was not the only time we almost had a nuclear war.

The bottom line is we would be more secure by eliminating all nuclear weapons. General John Sheehan, the former commander of NATO, agrees and has said, “These weapons have increased global uncertainty and it is time for the global community to work toward a regime that eliminates their existence and possible use.”

Nuclear weapons are not necessary for defending our country or for preventing war. In fact nuclear weapons are the ONLY weapons that are deliverable and powerful enough to actually destroy our country.

No foreign power has the capacity to actually invade the United States with conventional forces. But even a few nuclear bombs would wreak havoc regardless of who “won.”

But rather than abolishing these weapons of mass destruction, we are making them easier to use.

The Obama administration started this “modernization” program. The plan included redesigned nuclear warheads, new nuclear bombers, submarines, land-based missiles, weapons labs and nuclear production plants.

The current administration’s fiscal 2021 budget calls for a $46 billion increase in this spending. In the next three decades, buying and maintaining the new arsenal could cost an astonishing $1.5 to $2 trillion.

This budget proposal is a 20% increase on nuclear weapons while cutting funds for the Centers for Disease Control and other public health agencies.

Secretary of Defense Mark Esper recently called modernization of U.S. nuclear forces a “top priority ... to protect the American people and our allies.”

Given that more than 150,000 American are now dead from COVID-19, this is a bizarre priority.

Retired Lt. Gen. Robert Gard, Jr. who now works for the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation says, “Perhaps the most egregiously wasteful defense expenditure is the excessive budget for the entire nuclear weapons complex...This includes expenditures for unnecessary infrastructure, nuclear warhead modernization, and new and expensive delivery systems at a time that we are reducing the role of nuclear weapons in our defense strategy.”

Eliminating nuclear weapons is not a Utopian fantasy. It is possible. The United Nations has a treaty to ban them and people around the world are working to get this treaty ratified by all nations.

Again, General George Lee Butler has said, “It is a measure of arrogance to assert that a nuclear weapons-free world is impossible when 95% of the nations of the world are already nuclear-free. There is no security in nuclear weapons. IT IS A FOOL’S GAME.”(emphasis added.)

For decades we have had a bipartisan aggressive, militarized foreign policy. It makes no difference which party is in control.

Currently we are reigniting an arms race with Russia over nuclear weapons modernization. The current administration is creating conflict with China on trade and on control of the South China Sea.

We don’t need more conflict in the world. We need a new foreign policy that “projects” cooperation and peaceful problem solving rather than military power.

We can’t wait for the politicians to end nuclear weapons. Nothing will happen unless people demand action.

Walter J. Brannan 2/16/1929 – 7/29/2020

Walter J. Brannan, 91, of South Range, died at St. Luke’s Hospital, Duluth. He was born in Pierre, SD, son of Joseph and Bessie (Peterson) Brannan. Walter sailed on the Great Lakes as an oiler from 1944-1949. In 1949 he was hired by the Great Northern Railroad as a fireman and retired in 1990 as an engineer for the Burlington Northern Railroad. On Sept. 29, 1951 at Concordia Lutheran Church, Superior, Walter J. Brannan and Delores S. Moen were united in marriage. From 1950 to 1952 he served with the U.S. Army 712 th Transportation Railway Operating Battalion in Korea. He enjoyed living in the country with his family working in his garden, and caring for his cattle, horses, pigs and chickens on his hobby farm. Walter also loved fishing, hunting, camping, traveling and going to play Keno at the casino. He was a loving and caring person and will be greatly missed. Survivors include his daughters, Janice (Arlyn) Brackemyer and Susan (Bill Mohr) Brannan; son, David Brannan; grandchildren, Jamie Goodiel, Richard Eischen, Andrew (Sarah) Brackemyer and Tony Mohr; 8 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from noon until the 1 p.m. service Saturday, Aug. 8, at Downs Funeral Home, Superior. Military honors will be accorded.

Janet Kreutter 11/21/1957 – 7/23/2020

Janet Kreutter, 62, died peacefully at home in Two Harbors, Minn. Janet was born in Milaca, Minn. She graduated from Coon Rapids High School in 1976. She worked as an accountant for Anoka County for more than 30 years, retiring in March 2018. She loved going up the North Shore, collecting Coca Cola memorabilia and going to the State Fair. Janet fought a courageous battle against cancer since 2013 with the motto, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” She is preceded in death by her parents Chester and Lorraine (Berg) Samuelson. Janet is survived by her husband Mark, daughters Laura (Dennis) Kleven of Rosemount, Minn., and Angela (Stacy) Thaxton of Sauk Rapids, Minn., grandsons Brandon and Tanner, grand dogs Diesel and Zoey, siblings Judy, Jay and Joy, and many other friends and family members. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. In lieu of flowers or plants, donations towards a memorial bench placed near Lake Superior are preferred. A celebration of Janet’s life is planned for Saturday, Aug. 15. from 2-5 pm at their home, 1240 Shoreview Road, Two Harbors. Please bring a chair if you are able. For those who want to stay longer, we will have a potluck – one of Janet’s favorites – and a bonfire starting at 5 pm.

James Peter Brown 5/7/1956 – 7/17/2020

James Peter Brown, 64, of Duluth, died peacefully at his home with his loving wife by his side. James was born in Superior to Harold and Annette (Hinders) Arnold. James was a very active member of AA for more than 35years. He was a former member of the Elks Lodge #133 and he was recently active in the Fraternal organization of the Moose and was a member of the Proctor Moose Lodge #1302 and the Moose Legion Arrowhead #72. A graveside service was held July 31 at the Minnesota Veterans Cemetery, 4773 Hwy 53 Saginaw, Minn.

Carol J. Evered 7/12/1942 – 7/26/2020

Carol J. Evered, 78, Superior, died at Encompass Healthcare in Superior. Carol was born in Superior, the daughter of Selma (Lammi) and Clyde Foote. She graduated from Superior East High School with the class of 1960. She had worked for SWL& P, Shell Tire Service and Garon Knitting Mills before working for and retiring from Lake Superior Laundry. Carol enjoyed ice skating, bowling, knitting, and walking at the mall. She loved kids and enjoyed spending time with her family. She also loved her cats. Services were held Aug. 3 at Downs Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers and gifts, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Eva Ferreira 11/4/1950 – 7/12/2020

Eva Ferreira, of Duluth, died peacefully at the age of 69. Eva was born in Paterson, NJ, to Raymond and Eva Ferreira. She was a loving mom who devoted much of her life to raising both of her sons. Despite so many challenges and hardships she faced after her initial stroke years ago, it was amazing to see how positive she became about everything. She was always so appreciative and grateful for actions done by those who cared about her. She will be deeply missed for her smile, sense of humor, laughter and gratitude. She had a love for music and dogs. Red Lobster was one of her favorite places to visit.

Keith Aaron Haglin 11/10/1937 – 7/25/2020

Keith Aaron Haglin, 82, Duluth, died at the cabin he built in Alborn, Minn., from complications of amyloidosis of the heart. He was born in Duluth to Elmer W. and Ida M. Haglin, the seventh of 12 children. Keith graduated from Denfeld High School, Class of 1955, and from the University of MinnesotaDuluth with a bachelor of science in industrial arts education. He was a City of Duluth firefighter for 37 years. He married Peggy Jean Ralph on June 1, 1963. A private family service will be held.

Renora Henricksen 9/9/1938 – 7/6/2020

Renora Julienne Sundquist Henricksen, 82, died at Edgewood Memory Care Unit in Hermantown, Minn, where she had resided since 2016 and recently was under hospice care. She was born in Chisholm, Minn., to Ray and Ora (Hill) Sundquist. Renora graduated from Chisholm High School and worked in health care offices for many years, including St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth in the Home Care department. She said this was her favorite job. She married Kent Henricksen on Nov. 4, 1966. She was a devoted wife and mother, raising a daughter and a son. She was an amazing holiday hostess for her large extended family for many years.

Madeline J. Johnson 11/15/1941 – 7/22/2020

Madeline J. Johnson (VanDell), 78, died at Golden Oaks in Proctor, Minn. Maddie, as her friends called her, worked at Chung King, Jeno’s and Park Point Manor amongst other jobs. Family will have a celebration of life in the future to be announced by her children. Special thanks to Golden Oaks in Proctor and St. Croix Hospice.

Judith A. Kyromaki 2/29/1944 – 7/28/2020

Judith A. Kyromaki, 76, lifelong resident of Superior, died at Superior Rehab Center. Judy was born in Superior, the daughter of Helen (Sommerfeld) and Neal Van Horn. She married Arto A. Kyromaki on June 5, 1965 and they re-cently celebrated 55 years of marriage. Judy began her working career as a hairdresser prior to driving bus for the Superior School District for 25 years. Judy’s lifelong love of horses led to the establishment of horse boarding business which Judy, Art and her family maintained for decades. Judy also owned and operated Horse Haven Tack for several years. Judy expressed her love of young people as a 4H leader for many years. Visitation will be held Friday, Aug. 7, from 5-7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at Downs Funeral Home, Superior.

Matilda Kucharyski 1/1/1925 – 1/28/2020

Matilda “Tillie” Kucharyski, 95, lifetime Superior resident, died St. Luke’s Hospital with her family at her bedside. Tillie was born in Superior to Anthony and Anna (Polacik) Topak. She was united in marriage for 55 years to Robert Kucharyski before his passing in 2008. She was also preceded in death by her parents, three sisters and one brother. A private family service and gathering was held at Cathedral of Christ the King in Superior on July 23, 2020.