Only the American People Can Stop the Spread of Nuclear Weapons
The US was the first nation to make and use nuclear weapons, it has one of the largest stockpiles and it has the world’s most powerful conventional military. Nuclear weapons are no longer a deterrent, but have become a defense liability that limits our capacity to solve other problems. As the world observes our clinging to nuclear weapons, the chance of limiting their proliferation fades. For these reasons, the US is in the best position to lead  the disarmament process.

In June, 2006, Hans Blix, Chairman of the independent Weapons of Mass Destruction Commission, spoke of the need for the US to ratify the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and the Fissile Materials Cut-off Treaty.

“If it takes the lead, the world is likely to follow. If it does not take the lead, there could be more nuclear tests and new nuclear arms races.”

Getting the US to take the lead is important for the survival of people everywhere. This is a heavy responsibility. Fortunately, we live in a democracy. This means that it is up to us, the American people, to insist that our representatives follow the lead of President Obama by supporting the negotiations with Russia that resulted in the new START treaty. It is up to us to pressure the Senate to ratify this  treaty, which will reduce our weapons stock by roughly one third to some 1500 warheads. (Still quite enough to end human life, if ever detonated.)

Together we can do this!