Trade bomb work for positive action

ARE WE New Mexicans nuclear bomb prostitutes? The answer is a resounding “no.” ... Millions of federal nuclear dollars flow through New Mexico. We do the nuclear dirty work for our country. Dirty deeds done dirt cheap.

Holtec wants to bury nuclear trash in New Mexico. Their average salaries are about $57,000, which seems fine, but AARP states that the average cost of fighting cancer is $150,000, plus you might die and funeral expenses are $8,000 to $10,000.

But, we could change our lot in life. We are resilient. There is a worldwide nuclear weapons ban treaty that (went) into effect on Jan. 22, and we should jump on board.

Now is the time for our elected congressional people to direct Los Alamos and Sandia labs to transition from being nuclear bomb makers to fighting pandemics, improving agricultural productivity, fighting cancer, strengthening clean energy industries, and bolstering programs with immediate positive impacts.

We have the brain power to get this done. Los Alamos and Sandia labs are packed with geniuses. Let’s welcome federal dollars and spend this money on positive outcomes for all Americans.

Countries that have approved the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons include Ireland, Norway and Costa Rica, you know, the cool countries. Places you would like to take your family on vacation. Countries against a nuclear weapons ban include Pakistan, North Korea and Russia. You get the picture.

Let’s make the switch and join the cool countries. Lead them into the light . ... Let’s keep moving in the right direction and minimize our focus on nuclear bombs and being a nuclear litter box. Let’s clean up New Mexico while improving the lives of all Americans.

PAUL PINO Sandia Park