What do you think about Obama's goal of a nuclear weapon-free world?

[Colobo]

Make no mistake: we must always be prepared to use force to protect America. But the best way to keep America safe is not to threaten terrorists with nuclear weapons – it’s to keep nuclear weapons and nuclear materials away from terrorists. That’s why I’ve worked with Republican Senator Dick Lugar to pass a law accelerating our pursuit of loose nuclear materials. And that’s why I’ll lead a global effort to secure all loose nuclear materials during my first term in office.

But we need to do much more. We need to change our nuclear policy and our posture, which is still focused on deterring the Soviet Union – a country that doesn’t exist. Meanwhile, India and Pakistan and North Korea have joined the club of nuclear-armed nations, and Iran is knocking on the door. More nuclear weapons and more nuclear-armed nations mean more danger to us all.

Here’s what I’ll say as President: America seeks a world in which there are no nuclear weapons.

We will not pursue unilateral disarmament. As long as nuclear weapons exist, we’ll retain a strong nuclear deterrent. But we’ll keep our commitment under the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty on the long road towards eliminating nuclear weapons. We’ll work with Russia to take U.S. and Russian ballistic missiles off hair-trigger alert, and to dramatically reduce the stockpiles of our nuclear weapons and material. We’ll start by seeking a global ban on the production of fissile material for weapons. And we’ll set a goal to expand the U.S.-Russian ban on intermediate-range missiles so that the agreement is global.

As we do this, we’ll be in a better position to lead the world in enforcing the rules of the road if we firmly abide by those rules. It’s time to stop giving countries like Iran and North Korea an excuse. It’s time for America to lead. When I’m President, we’ll strengthen the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty so that nations that don’t comply will automatically face strong international sanctions.

This will require a new era of American diplomacy. To signal the dawn of that era, we need a President who is willing to talk to all nations, friend and foe. I’m not afraid that America will lose a propaganda battle with a petty tyrant – we need to go before the world and win those battles. If we take the attitude that the President just parachutes in for a photo-op after an agreement has already been reached, then we’re only going to reach agreements with our friends. That’s not the way to protect the American people. That’s not the way to advance our interests.

[Adelante]

1. I've been agreeing on this my whole life

Praying for it.

[Colobo]

3. It's why we need to vote for him.

[mark414]

2. am i wrong to say that anyone who votes 'disagree'

has their head stuck a half mile up their ass?

(or maybe up their primary candidate's....?)

[Colobo]

4. LOL!

[LWolf]

23. Yes. n/t

[Colobo]

5. Kick.

[Double T]

6. A world without nuclear weapons is pure fantasy.

Many countries with nuclear weapons maintains EVERYONE in check, at least for NOW. IMO this position represents a candidate that does not have a realistic view of the world; lack of experience comes through for Obama once again.

[Colobo]

10. "We will not pursue unilateral disarment."

Obama will not do anything unless he manages to convince other to join in his effort.

Unlike Bush, Obama will pursue a more peaceful world.

[BadgerLaw2010]

7. Been theorized about for a long time. In the real world, it's unrealistic.

We know how to make nukes and they work too damn well.

[Jed Dilligan]

8. Sounds like one more excuse to start conventional wars

I feel like our government has relinquished its authority to deal internationally with WMD issues. It's gone forever. Europe should probably lead this effort, and we need a president humble enough to FOLLOW. (see also: Climate Change)

[killbotfactory]

9. It would be nice living in a world where a nuclear holocaust isn't a possibility

one can dream.

[iconocrastic]

11. Pie in the sky he doesn't even believe himself.

C'mon.

How are you going to put the genie back in the bottle?

He's a nice guy, yes. He wants us to believe the rest of the world will consider him such that they'll lay down their arms?

Doesn't hold water.

Let's be real folks.

We can win this if we don't shoot ourselves in the feet.

[mark414]

18. he said it's a goal that would take more than the length of single presidency

but hey...might as well not even try right?

[iconocrastic]

27. Not going to happen in 100 presidencies

But if you want to daydream I can't stop you.

[mark414]

29. call me a cynical idealist

you're most likely right but no need to be THAT cynical and stomp on the idea before it even gets started


might as well try not to end hunger or disease or cure AIDs because it would take really long and be really hard....right?

[iconocrastic]

30. I prefer to live in reality rather than in a fantasy world

But of course you are free to choose for yourself.

However, far more problems are caused by ignoring reality than by accepting reality and then dealing with it.

One of these ways shows more maturity than the other.

This is why foolishness is dangerous.

Again, your choice.

[Lerkfish]

12. I think that's a great thing to shoot for, and I give him credit for it., but

I think unfortunately the nuclear genie is out of bottle....so, if he overshoots for nuclear free and instead lands on a more sane approach to nuclear weapons, I'd be happy.

[Auntie Bush]

13. Silly question. How in the world can one NOT agree to that question?

Damn, even the Repuks would agree...I think!

[Bitwit1234]

14. Anybody can dream...but that's something that will never happen.

Too many rogue nations have them and won't give them up.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

15. having an arsenal of nuclear weapons and 'star wars' are no use against suicide bombers

terrorists pop up when one is least expecting them, Nukes are not very helpful and are not a deterrant to a terrorist, maybe in conventional warfare?

[illinoisprogressive]

16. I don't think anyone would disagree with this goal.

[iconocrastic]

17. Anyone?

Anyone?

You don't think so?

Anyone?

[Donald Ian Rankin]

19. I think the OP title is misleading.

Obama specifically says that he will not pursue unilateral disarmament.

While I approve of what he's saying, I don't think that it adds up to "Obama's goal is a nuclear free world".

[dugggy]

20. A wet dream !

Just reinforces my opinion of Obama about his lack of
experience. Obama has no clue how the Russians, Chinese,
Indians, Pakistanis think.

GO Hillary! Go Biden!

[Nutmegger]

21. The MIC sure hates it, I'm sure.

He's right though. These things need to be abolished for the sake of humanity.

[oasis]

22. That's everyone's goal if you stop to think about it. Use it as a campaign gimmick

and run the risk of looking soft on national defense.

[LWolf]

24. Other: I'm ambivalent.

It all sounds right. I agree that a nuclear-free world is an important goal.

Underneath all that "sounding right," though, are some of my deeply held convictions:

1. We are not the police of the world, deciding who gets to have/make nuclear weapons besides us. I agree with most of the goals, but would like to see an international body working towards those goals. The "we" should not be the U.S., but the U.N.. International Diplomacy, not U.S. diplomacy. The U.S. has a voice, and a part in that, but doesn't "lead." In my opinion.

2. Deciding that the world isn't safe with nuclear weapons, and that everyone else should lay theirs down while we retain our own, is hypocritical.

3. "The pursuit of loose nuclear materials" sounds kind of like his support for a unilateral invasion to find Osama. It sounds like an excuse for empire, for playing gang leader on the world stage. While the U.S. should certainly play a part, it should be a part of an international effort, with international leadership.

[Totally Committed]

25. I've believed in total nuclear disarmament my entire life!

This is a wonderful goal!

TC

[AtomicKitten]

26. Three words: Fab-U-Lous

[DemocratSinceBirth]

28. It's A Laudable Sentiment...

But it reminds me of the bumpersticker "if guns were oulaws only outlaws would have guns"...

It's like imagining a world without robbery, rape, burglary , and other mayhem... Man is an aggressive animal...That's what kept him alive and might ultimately kill him...