I hate war. On that I am in full agreement with guest columnist Matthew Hoey “Target on our backs — Why L3 Harris must leave Northampton,” Gazette, Aug. 29).
Nothing would please me more than to have all of our swords turned into plow shears so that there would truly be peace on earth. But, if I understand Mr. Hoey’s column, he recognizes that we need the means to defend ourselves against foreign nuclear adversaries, but he is calling for L3 Harris to leave Northampton because as “the sixth-largest defense contractor in the U. S.” its presence makes Northampton a high priority target for nuclear attack by our enemies. And he suggests that rather than placing a nuclear bullseye on Northampton — which is “… known for art, education and progressive values” — a place like Southampton would be preferable because of its proximity to Barnes Air National Guard Base, which with the arrival of F-35A Lightning II fighter jets is already a likely target in a nuclear war.
My oldest grandson just completed his tour of duty as a Nuclear Submarine Officer, which he described as very difficult, but necessary in the defense of a country he deeply loves. I assume that his safety and effectiveness were to some degree dependent on the products produced by L3 Harris, for which I am grateful. And I am proud that my grandson — a highly educated and progressive person — did not regard himself as being too good to serve his country, in the same way that Northampton is not too good to bear a share of the danger inherent in a violent world.
I welcome L3 Harris, recognizing that the products they produce are frightening, but necessary until the day that our adversaries agree to lay down their weapons of destruction. Until that happens, we all must live under the threat of violence, destruction, and inhumanity, regardless of how special we think we are.
I pray for peace, justice, and kinship with all people. In the words of St. Francis, “Lord let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.”
Jim Palermo
Southampton