Peace:

Land Mines

Land mines are a cruel and indiscriminate weapon, killing and maiming civilians, including many children, for years or decades after hostilities have ceased. Over 20,000 people around the world are killed or maimed by land mines each year.

Land mines are dangerous to American troops: 34% of American casualties in the Gulf War were caused by land mines. Land mines, in many cases American land mines, caused large numbers of casualties for American troops in Vietnam and Korea as well.

Land mines are not necessary for our defense. Many military experts, including Gen. Norman Schwartzkopf and Gen. Robert G. Gard, have joined the consensus of human rights activists who support this treaty, arguing that the prohibition of landmines would not in any way threaten national security. Our future military strength rests in mobility and superior technology; these low-tech, indiscriminate weapons can be safely eliminated.

We should: