Is Java Safe?

[John Sowden]

There has been a lot of talk that Java is not safe (can be attacked, 
virus, etc.) recently, and due to the nature of some of the security 
problems, will never be fixed.  I was told to remove Java from Firefox 
(not Java Script).  Libre Office uses Java as part of the Base section.

What's the deal?  Is Java going to be the 'back door' into Linux re: 
virus', attacks, etc.

John