This is with reference to the article “Ticking toward doomsday” (Feb. 6) by Ira Helfand. It is really sad to note that we spend billions of dollars on weapons. The same amount could be used to fight poverty and hunger in the world. By developing nuclear weapons, we have embarked on a suicide mission. I am surprised that the nuclear powers are trying to modernize their nukes. We all know that these weapons will never be used. They just act as deterrence. I think we should adopt a different approach to ensure peace. The funds that are being used on nuclear programs should be channeled into more useful projects.