Obama deserves support

It takes courage and skill to lead, even more to lead the world. As chairman of the U.N. Security Council, President Barack Obama won unanimous approval from all 15 nations – including Russia and China – for his bold road map toward a nuclear weapons-free world (“Obama nuclear goals backed,” Sept. 25). It was a stunning victory on the world stage. And one of those rare times when a politician chooses the tough but effective road instead of easier, half-hearted approaches more likely to pay off before the next election.

Obama stepped up to the plate to deal with nuclear weapons head-on. We all know this will be a long slog, to include dealing with Iran and North Korea. But, over the long haul, the only way to remove the nuclear weapons threat to our children is to get rid of all of them, worldwide. Cold turkey.

It’s no pipe dream, and it transcends liberal vs. conservative differences. Ronald Reagan passionately embraced this goal. Former secretaries of state George Shultz and Henry Kissinger, hard-eyed conservative realists, were in the room to show their support. In this historic effort, Obama also needs and deserves support from senators and representatives of all political persuasions.

Martin D. Fleck

Coeur d’Alene