In spite of the clear and present nuclear threats from North Korea, and Iran, have we used our nuclear capabilities? NO!
In spite of the fact that we could have easily beaten North Vietnam or quelled the insurgency in Iraq, have we done so? NO!
Are we any longer in an arms race with either the Soviets or China? NO! We now prefer to exert pressure [ rightly or wrongly ] both diplomatically and economically.
So my question then becomes, in a time of economic extremis with record defecits, why throw good money down a rathole with our health care, public schools, social security system, borders, outsourcing, and public morality in dysfunctional chaos?
Nuclear weapons are the fig leaf that enable our politicians and "leaders" (hahahahahahaha) to continue pretending to be tough.
The Times is slipping here. They should have detailed diagrams of the competing designs and full plans on how to produce each one. Also, a list of places to purchase all appropriate materials and equipment and a list of experts for hire.
Anything less than this is total failure for the NYT.
Well, I am sure down the line some folkes could make good use of those nukes, and that is the whole point... and even if we are using those as an excuse to not fight the enemy, let us not find excuses to not have a large and robust nuke arsenal either....
You've bought the RAT talking points hook, line and sinker. I'll bet you were one of those "Republicans" who taught us a "lesson" last election.
Soviets? No. Russia? Yes. The cold war isn't over, it's just in an "operational pause"...to think otherwise is folly.
Nuclear weapons are first and foremost a deterrent. They are the last resort.
So my question then becomes, in a time of economic extremis with record defecits, why throw good money down a rathole with our health care, public schools, social security system, borders, outsourcing, and public morality in dysfunctional chaos?
Are you proposing that we dismantle our aging nuclear arsenal, which is expensive to maintain and must eventually be replaced? What's your point? Do you have the scientific expertise to opine that it is throwing "good money down a rathole?"
Good thing for us, we're seeing record economic growth and relatively low deficits. So, yeah, we can afford this. And no, we cannot afford not to.
The answer to your question will become much more clear when a 1960s era nuclear weapon accidentally detonates in a silo because of our refusal to update the weapons.
But let's just wait and see-- why rush the issue?
That is not true. Well, it may appear so to you, but those who are charged with the responsibility have a degree of maturity in judgement.
That my friend is the the proverbial RAT HOLE that TRILLIONS of dollars poured into for the last 45yrs and you are a fool if you think another $100 billion is going to fix it!