Frank Natoli's defence of America's right to test Bombs (Ban bombs, Feedback, 15 October 1999) is very reminiscent of the arguments for Americans' "right to bear arms". The consequences of that stupid, pig-headed (excuse me) attitude is evident for all to see. God forbid it will become "every nations right to bear nuclear arms". As President Clinton fortunately knows, on both counts America needs to be moving in the opposite direction to that advocated by Mr Natoli.