The most drastic alternative they envisioned was a 60,000 man commitment of American ground troops in southern Laos, with a possible use of nuclear weapons.

Some hard-line U.S. officials are flirting with more drastic alternatives.

Then, a few days later and a few decibels lower, he opts for the least drastic alternative.

But there may be a less drastic alternative.

A less drastic alternative to going to court, however, might be to make one final appeal to the managing agent to solve the problem.

But we should certainly pursue all the less drastic alternatives first.

The evidence is mixed and, in any case, proponents of repeal have yet to show why less drastic alternatives won't work.

Other less drastic alternatives have also surfaced in recent days.

But he and others testifying today said agents are still under pressure to make seizures even when less drastic alternatives would be appropriate.

Less drastic alternatives are available to protect the jurors from "predatory" reporters, they said.