1.  What is the main idea of Thomas Sowell's commentary?

2.  Nuclear disarmament refers to both the act of reducing or eliminating nuclear weapons and to the end state of a nuclear-free world, in which nuclear weapons are completely eliminated. (from wikipedia)  For each of the following statements made by Mr. Sowell, state whether you agree or disagree.  Explain your answers:

__________________ "But the only country we can disarm is our own. The only countries we might be able to persuade to disarm are countries that intend no harm in the first place. Those that do intend harm would be delighted to have all their victims disarmed."

__________________ "In the real world, the question of whether nuclear disarmament is desirable is irrelevant because it's simply not possible, except in words -- and we'd truly be fools to accept such words at the risk of our lives."

__________________ "Even if every nuclear weapon on the planet were destroyed -- and how could we be sure that had happened? -- it still wouldn't destroy the knowledge of how to make nuclear weapons. Countries with aggressive intentions need only choose the time when they would put their knowledge of nuclear weapons to use, and have the world at their mercy."

3.  Ask a parent to answer question #2.  How do your answers compare?