Above: Graphic shows US nuclear weapons over time. Obama is planning to upgrade them. According to Wikipeadia: “The current delivery systems of the U.S. make virtually any part of the Earth’s surface within the reach of its nuclear arsenal. Though its land-based missile systems have a maximum range of 10,000 kilometres (6,200 mi) (less than worldwide), its submarine-based forces extend its reach from a coastline 12,000 kilometres (7,500 mi) inland. Additionally, in-flight refueling of long-range bombers and the use of aircraft carriers extends the possible range virtually indefinitely.”
Does It Make Sense for the US to Spend a Trillion Dollars to Upgrade Nuclear Weapons? That is the Plan of the Obama Administration
Note: The New York Times reports that the Obama administration is planning a massive increase in nuclear arms spending:
A sprawling new plant here in a former soybean field makes the mechanical guts of America’s atomic warheads. Bigger than the Pentagon, full of futuristic gear and thousands of workers, the plant, dedicated last month, modernizes the aging weapons that the United States can fire from missiles, bombers and submarines.
It is part of a nationwide wave of atomic revitalization that includes plans for a new generation of weapon carriers. A recent federal study put the collective price tag, over the next three decades, at up to a trillion dollars.
This expansion comes under a president who campaigned for “a nuclear-free world” and made disarmament a main goal of American defense policy.
Instead, because of political deals and geopolitical crises, the Obama administration is engaging in extensive atomic rebuilding while getting only modest arms reductions in return.
Supporters of arms control, as well as some of President Obama’s closest advisers, say their hopes for the president’s vision have turned to baffled disappointment as the modernization of nuclear capabilities has become an end unto itself.
Anti-Nuclear Weapons Advocates Organize Day of Action
The first International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons is almost here – already this Friday, September 26.
To raise awareness for the day, we’ve launched a global call for action that anyone, anywhere can join.
Learn about it in our new video, share it with your friends, and read on to see what else you can do to support this important day.
WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR SEPTEMBER 26
Join the global action. Film your friends or people in the streets answering two simple questions: “How many nuclear weapons do you think are in the world?” and “How many should there be?” Send us your video by the end of September. We prepared a manual to help you with filming.
—Organise an event to commemorate the day. Whatever you can think of – debate, film screening, flash mob, public gathering… You can get inspired by what others are planning, and you can also inspire others byannouncing your event.—Engage your government. A high representative of your country (president, prime minister or foreign minister) will be speaking at the United Nations General Assembly this week. Write to them and ask them to call for the elimination of nuclear weapons in their statement.—Engage your parliament. Ask your parliamentarians to promote and support the day through motion or statement. Read more on our website.—Spread the word. Blog about the day, post our video on Facebook and Twitter, and get your local media to cover the day. Share and follow #unfoldzero.
You can find help and resources for your actions on:
www.unfoldzero.org/sep26