On Thursday, March 25 our group had the extraordinary opportunity had the opportunity to witness first had the terrifying work required to begin to rid a country of landmines. At a demining demonstration arranged by LSN, we observed the extreme risks that the deminers must take in their efforts to make Dong Hoi a safer place for its residents. At a time when the United States refuses to sign the Ottawa Treaty, the experience of watching a demining demonstration is a powerful reminder of the need to prevent the use of landmines. Mines that can take a short time to plant require years and years of many lives risked to remove.
I don't believe it is right that people in Vietnam should have to remove the landmines that were placed there by other countries. I understand that these people are employed to demine but I don't think it seems ethical.
When I talked to Jerry White last month he said, "I believe the responsibility for clean up lies with the governments who have made and used these weapons. The polluter pays, as we say. Just like we teach our kids to clean up after themselves.... militaries worldwide should clean up their lethal litter."
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