As a whole, many American people are unhappy with the way the Bush administration has continued to increase the United States military’s nuclear weapon stockpile. Many feel that actions like these violate nuclear weapons acts that were put into effect long ago. Speaking on behalf of people who share this belief, the author of “Rich in Plutonium,” an editorial published on October 26, 2006 in Nature, expressed his/her own feelings that the US nuclear-weapons complex is way too large and continued growth should be stopped. My personal opinion regarding this issue is that the government has taken the right steps in acquiring more nuclear weapons and more nuclear weapon facilities considering the high threat of nuclear warfare posed by pro-terrorist countries. In order to protect American citizens, it is only right to take every precaution, and by nuclear weapon increase the US will intimidate competing countries and stay ahead in the weapons race.
As of October 26, 2006 the United States was retaining about 50 tons of plutonium for military use. This amount is enough to fuel approximately 9000 warheads. (Nature, 2) While many Americans feel strongly opposed to the fact that our military has equipped itself with a large amount of nuclear weaponry, including the author of “Rich in Plutonium,” I feel that this is necessary in order to intimidate other countries who are planning to attack. Most of the countries considered to be “nuclear weapon holders” are ones that we are not at peace with. Thus, it is necessary to increase the amount of nuclear weapons in the United States in order to create a feeling of threat towards these countries. If they are aware that we are fully equipped to go to war with them at any time they are less likely to initiate conflict and turmoil. On October 9, 2006 North Korea successfully conducted an underground nuclear test in Hwaderi. This was following the statement of the United Nations Security council that warned North Korea against nuclear testing saying that “if a nuclear test was carried out it would represent a clear threat to international peace and security.” It was also reported by US intelligence that traces of plutonium were found in the air over the Kharan Desert in Pakistan, indicating a joint test of nuclear weaponry with North Korea. (Global Security, 4) Obviously pro-terrorist countries like North Korea and Pakistan are not respecting the values of the United Nations, in which the United States is a member. In order to gain this respect the US government must show other pro-terrorist countries that they will not back down from their posed threats. In effect, it is vital that we increase the number of nuclear warheads in our disposal, as to create a sense of ultimate superiority that these countries will learn to respect. Those in opposition might argue that creating intimidation will only generate hatred from opposing countries, it is clear that these countries have already chosen to instigate conflict with us, making it clear that they wish nothing but distress upon us.
In order to be successful at keeping other nuclear countries at bay, the American government must continue to excel in creating new ideas, specifically nuclear weapons and improved weapons facilities. The country who is ahead in the weapons race is always at a great advantage; holding the upper hand when it comes to running the show. Therefore it is imperative that the United States occupy this position. The main reason the US government is constructing this new nuclear weapons facility is to accommodate the production of a new kind of nuclear warhead. This innovative missile would require less maintenance than existing designs, accelerating the United States ahead of other weapon producing countries such as India, Pakistan, and North Korea in nuclear advancement. (Nature, 5) (Wikipedia, 1) While those in opposition of more nuclear weapons facilities argue that increasing our stockpile will only prompt other countries to reinvent their own, I feel that this type of competition is only natural. Every citizen should be aware by now that there are other countries out there that do not share our beliefs and practices and will do anything to overcome us. They are not going to stop producing nuclear warheads no matter how many treaties or signed. Consequently, we must enter into the competition and do our best to come out on top.
Overall, the idea of nuclear warfare between opposing countries is always going to raise some type of controversy and debate. As for the actions of the United States government I disagree with the author of the editorial “Rich in Plutonium” who feels that our country’s nuclear weapon complex has become too large. In my opinion, the actions of the US government have been correct and they should continue to increase their stockpile of nuclear weapons and nuclear weapons facilities. By intimidating competing countries and staying ahead in the weapons race the US government is keeping the best interests of American citizens in mind.
Works Cited
“Rich in Plutonium.” Nature. 443 (2006): 883-884. University of North Carolina, Undergraduate Library. 10 Feb. 2007. http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v443/n7114/full/443883b.html
Nuclear Weapons Testing. John Pike. Oct. 10, 2006. Global Security. 10 Feb. 2007 http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/world/dprk/nuke-test.htm
Lists of States with Nuclear Weapons. 14 Feb. 2007 Wikipedia. 14 Feb. 2007 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_states_with_nuclear_weapons
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