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McDowell, Mary S., July 4, 1946.
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| Revision as of Oct 14, 2014 9:26:01 PM created by 128.193.164.34 |
Revision as of Oct 14, 2014 9:27:52 PM edited by 128.193.164.34 |
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My dear Dr. Einstein: | My dear Dr. Einstein: | ||
| − | + | I am grateful to you and the other scientists for arousing the people to the serious implications of atomic energy, and I am glad to enclose a small check for your campaign. | |
| − | + | But may i make a suggestion to you and your associates which may possibly add a constructive side to your important negative approach to the problem of peace. | |
| − | + | Many people have associated armies with police and have justified wars as police action. Of course we know many points of difference; but the confusion occurs more readily because both police and soldiers, at times, use the same type of weapons. The weapons of war, upon which inventors and scientists have largely devoted their abilities, are increasingly destructive and increasingly indiscriminate. But the policeman's duty is, not to destroy, but to protect, not only himself but also the offender as he is taken to court; and in the process of law the greatest care is taken to punish only the guilty person. But i have heard of no movement or attempt to replace fire-arms in the hands of police with weapons more appropriate to this purpose, - weapons that will efficiently enable the policeman to <u>catch</u> the guilty, or suspected, person and bring him to trial, without inflicting serious injury or endangering his life. A lasso has occurred to me as a primitive means of this sort; but our modern geniuses, who know about electric eyes and other wonders, one would think could easily invent weapons or instruments that could catch not only individuals, but automobiles, and airplanes, and ships; and also non-destructive weapons to deal with mobs and riots. I suppose tear gas is one such weapon which has been used. | |
Revision as of Oct 14, 2014 9:27:52 PM
25 Rugby Road, Brooklyn 26, N.Y July 4, 1946
Dr. Albert Einstein Room 28, First National Bank Bldg. 90 Nassau St. Princeton, N.J.
My dear Dr. Einstein:
I am grateful to you and the other scientists for arousing the people to the serious implications of atomic energy, and I am glad to enclose a small check for your campaign.
But may i make a suggestion to you and your associates which may possibly add a constructive side to your important negative approach to the problem of peace.
Many people have associated armies with police and have justified wars as police action. Of course we know many points of difference; but the confusion occurs more readily because both police and soldiers, at times, use the same type of weapons. The weapons of war, upon which inventors and scientists have largely devoted their abilities, are increasingly destructive and increasingly indiscriminate. But the policeman's duty is, not to destroy, but to protect, not only himself but also the offender as he is taken to court; and in the process of law the greatest care is taken to punish only the guilty person. But i have heard of no movement or attempt to replace fire-arms in the hands of police with weapons more appropriate to this purpose, - weapons that will efficiently enable the policeman to catch the guilty, or suspected, person and bring him to trial, without inflicting serious injury or endangering his life. A lasso has occurred to me as a primitive means of this sort; but our modern geniuses, who know about electric eyes and other wonders, one would think could easily invent weapons or instruments that could catch not only individuals, but automobiles, and airplanes, and ships; and also non-destructive weapons to deal with mobs and riots. I suppose tear gas is one such weapon which has been used.