Break ground for a thousand nukes in the West ans see how quick Russia and Iran get smart.
"nukes"
Nuclear power plants? I agree, we should go full speed ahead on nuclear power (with adequate safety controls).
My only point is, Russia and China have found a way to attack the current vulnerabilities of the United States. Even if we find ways to partially protect these vulnerabilities---we will always have vulnerabilities. (In effect, the Russians found another way to attack a US vulnerability on 9-11.)
We can never gained a comfortable position vis-à-vis Russia, China, and their satellites such as Iran and North Korea if we don't directly counter our strength (economics) against Russian and Chinese weakness (economics) in an effective strategic way. Linkage.
We are the world's premier marketplace. There are only two other markets in the world of major significance: Europe and Japan. Japan will not be an economic sanctuary for China, and possibly not Russia as well---once Japan starts to confront the ramifications of the threat to their own security that China poses.
China is completely dependent on us---we should utilize this shamelessly anytime they (or their puppet state North Korea) challenges us politically.
Russia, if we reduce their economic access, can possibly compensate with Europe---but this would create problems for all concerned---problems I am quite willing to see happen.