Not only are we doing new sub-critical tests, but Bush has ordered site preps for new full scale nuclear tests.This is significant in so many ways that it isn't even funny.
It means:
Our current computer models aren't sufficient,
New atomic weapon designs are being studied,
And full scale atomic weapons useage is being contemplated.
These are all good things for America. We finally have an administration that is going to use any and all means, as required, to protect our country and punish our enemies.
I've said it before and I'll say it again: the successes of our enemies will only hasten their own demise.
It is no understate to point out that the U.S. already has in its possession an unstoppable conventional military with 3rd generation aviation and submarine stealth. We have more than enough nuclear weapons on hand to wipe out 99+% of all life on any continents that we might need to eradicate. We have more than enough chemical and biological weapons to do all of that and more.
In short, the enemy who manages to damage us enough to cause us to unleash our full military potential will cease to be our enemy simply because whole regions of this planet will cease to be hospitable to life.
Or put another way, poking the sleeping giant is a very, very bad idea.
The military option is simply **not** viable for our enemies. The end game in any scenario fails to support any level of military, agricultural, or economic attack upon us.
Nonetheless, there can always exist those who can't comprehend the obvious. Such enemies will need to be Shown, rather than Told.
And that is what our new nuclear testing means. We are preparing for the day when we have to Show some enemy, somewhere, the consequences of making war against us.