It seems as if TIME's December 25, 2006 issue, in regards to foreign affairs, is focused on nuclear weapons. Iran, North Korea, Israel, and of course, the United States. Reading this got me thinking.

Now, perhaps this is old news. Perhaps this is so blatantly obvious that it doesn't need to be written about. However, I am writing to reinforce this upon those who already know, and to inform those who do not, as well as sharing my own opinions.

We all know that the United States has unfavorable relations with Kim Jong II of North Korea and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran. We all know that North Korea has launched a nuclear weapon program, testing their new weapons last summer, and Iran is not far behind.

Certainly, this scares the United States and the rest of the world. It scares me. Americans, in general, believe that our having and testing nuclear weapons is safe; they're in good hands. I have to say that I am one of these people, and I know that we will probably not launch these weapons unless we are attacked.

However, that is nonetheless not a completely valid reason for the right to own nuclear weapons; surely, we must be hypocrites to deem it okay to have nuclear weapons, so long as no one else does.

Honestly, I believe the reason that other countries are developing nuclear programs is out of fear or the need to have means of defense, and if they ever give them up, it will not be until the United States gives up theirs.

Now, what exactly is the point of having nuclear weapons? Are we ever going to use them? Do we want another Hiroshima and Nagasaki under our belts – does another country want to wipe out such a gigantic population? In today’s world, it would not be allowed without a war between virtually the entire world; which, with far too many nuclear bombs in the world, could very well result in wiping out a significant portion of the earth’s population, not to mention contaminating the earth even further. With the issue of global warming already a major concern, we do not want to damage our planet with excessive radiation. Unfortunately, it almost seems as if such a war is expected.

Maybe I’m far too idealistic, but sometimes we need to set high standards. I share the hope of many, the hope that no country will possess nuclear weapons; having nuclear weapons represents the potential of using them against another country, to take hundreds of thousands, even millions, of innocent lives. After all, that is what they’re for; they’re weapons of mass destruction.

If the United States gave up its weapons, would the rest of the world follow? It’s a questionable issue, for sure, and it depends on whether the United States can overcome its pride and rid itself of its killing machines. We need to accept our differences, our outlook on the world, and open rational negotiations.

I admit, I’m no expert, but this is my perspective. Any thoughts are welcome, although I beg you to be rational and considerate.