Food For Thought

[Gregory Matthews]

See:

https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2020/08/06/trump-unchecked-power-nuclear-arsenal-392522?cid=apn

 

This week is the 75^th anniversary of the explosions on Hiroshima (August 6) and Nagasaki (August 9), ending World War II with the only two nuclear bombs ever deployed as instruments of war. This naturally invites a measure of historical reflection. But a more productive way to mark the occasion is with contemporary agitation: Are you comfortable with the fact that Donald Trump has the unilateral authority to launch the third nuclear bomb? Or the 30^th? Or the 300^th?

[Gregory Matthews]

JFK never knew during the Cuban crisis that operating tactical nuclear weapons were already on the island and commanders had authority to use them—a fact learned only decades later. His assessment that there had been a one-in-three chance the crisis ended in nuclear war was likely far too optimistic. Richard Nixon was a heavy drinker at critical moments in his presidency. Ronald Reagan by the end of his tenure was showing signs of mental decline. On at least three occasions during the Cold War, there were reports on radar of incoming nuclear missiles from the Soviet Union—the result of technical failures that, under different circumstances, might have provoked a retaliatory response. As Perry often says, nuclear catastrophe was averted “more through good luck than good management.

 

 

[B/W Photodude]

More Trump Derangement Syndrome. President Trump has used markedly less military power than any recent president, including the most recent president. 

So, he has power. That is why you choose wisely who your president is going to be. Reagan may have been showing cognitive decline at the end of his presidency, but one person running for president is showing serious cognitive issues and he hasn't even been elected yet!

[phkrause]

Excellent article GM!! Pretty much right on!!