The Foreign Service Journal, September 2005

America and Global Security.” It deserves to be read by our president, Secretary of State and all representa- tives and senators. Perhaps it could help bring about needed changes in the way Americans think about the world, and could even reverse thoughts by others about America. We’ve got to promote world peace, not hatred. Carl R. Fritz USAID FSO, retired Chapel Hill, N.C. A Positive Look at Depleted Uranium The article, “Depleted Uranium Munitions: A New WMD,” in the May Journal , is fraught with misin- formation and demonstrates a sig- nificant lack of understanding of existing scientific data. The author’s fears of massive amounts of aerosolized depleted uranium are not supported by fact. We all inter- nalize natural uranium every day. It’s in the air we breathe, the food we eat and the water we drink. Natural uranium becomes depleted uranium when the most radioactive isotopes are removed. Depleted uranium saves American lives, because it defeats the enemy at long range with efficiency and pro- vides superior shielding against con- ventional anti-armor munitions. As a weapon, it penetrates armored vehi- cles not easily damaged by high explosive rounds. Depleted uranium munitions are anti-armor munitions. They are not weapons of mass destruction and should not be com- pared to weapons that are used to kill large numbers of people. The depleted uranium round is simply a very heavy metal dart. When it strikes an armored target, it self- sharpens and cuts a hole. The deplet- ed uranium ‘shavings’ ignite and may cause munitions inside to explode. This is the only time an aerosol is gen- L E T T E R S u S E P T E M B E R 2 0 0 5 / F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L 9 Fully furnished apartments and single family homes, with large spacious rooms, full sized kitchens, and housewares. Separate living, dining and sleeping areas. Hotel style amenities, including swimming pools, hot tubs, fitness centers, optional maid service and more. Rates within the TDY per diem. Whether you are with the Local, State or Federal Government agency or the military, Crimson offers superior solutions to fit your budget and per diem. Crimson Government Housing Solutions Include: Assignment Changes Evacuations Intern Programs International Visitors Project teams Relocations Short / Long Details TDY Training Crimson offers an exceptional value in temporary housing for government personnel. Our furnished apartments and single- family homes are a spacious and more luxurious alternative to the cramped quarters of a hotel room. 202.986.0433 888.233.7759 info@crimsonworldwide.com www.crimsonworldwide.com