Corker: Further Reduction Of U.S. Nuclear Arsenal Without Modernization First Could Amount To “Unilateral Disarmament”

The Chattanoogan, June 19, 2013 - Responding to President Barack Obama's speech in Berlin signaling further reduction of U.S. nuclear forces, Senator Bob Corker, R-Tn., the ranking member of the Foreign Relations Committee, on Wednesday said any additional limitations of the U.S. nuclear arsenal without first fulfilling commitments to modernization of existing forces could amount to “unilateral disarmament.”  ...(link)


Remarks by President Obama at the Brandenburg Gate: I've determined we can cut 1/3 of nukes.

Excerpts from White House press release- Peace with justice means pursuing the security of a world without nuclear weapons -- no matter how distant that dream may be.  And so, as President, I've strengthened our efforts to stop the spread of nuclear weapons, and reduced the number and role of America’s nuclear weapons.  Because of the New START Treaty, we’re on track to cut American and Russian deployed nuclear warheads to their lowest levels since the 1950s.  (Applause.)

But we have more work to do.  So today, I’m announcing additional steps forward.  After a comprehensive review, I’ve determined that we can ensure the security of America and our allies, and maintain a strong and credible strategic deterrent, while reducing our deployed strategic nuclear weapons by up to one-third.  And I intend to seek negotiated cuts with Russia to move beyond Cold War nuclear postures.  (Applause.)

At the same time, we’ll work with our NATO allies to seek bold reductions in U.S. and Russian tactical weapons in Europe.  And we can forge a new international framework for peaceful nuclear power, and reject the nuclear weaponization that North Korea and Iran may be seeking. (link)

My Comment: I supported the last New Start treaty primarily because it was supported by the last six Republican Secretaries of State. I trust them, more than I trust the critics of Start. I also think the World would be a safer place with fewer nuclear weapons. However, along with approval of the last Start treaty, we were supposed to spend up to $85 billion dollars to test and modernize our nuclear arsenal.  Unless that has been done, we should not begin negotiations on further reductions. I'm glad we have Bob Corker as ranking Republican member of the Foreign Relations Committee.

One thing that continues to gall me about President Obama is his arrogance. Instead of saying, "I've determined...," why not say, "We have determined that a reduction of one-third of the ....," or why not say, "The State Department has concluded.." or "in the opinion of our arms control experts..."

There is a difference between self confidence and arrogance.  Obama is arrogant. "I've determined" sounds like the statement of an emperor.

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