Should the United States expand its nuclear arsenal? | The Tylt

The United Sates has more nuclear weapons stockpiled and deployed than any other nation. 

Anti-nuclear proliferation activists argue nuclear weapons are too dangerous for countries altogether. The immense destructive force held within a single nuclear bomb is already too much. An entire arsenal has the potential the destroy all of humanity. That's not a power anyone should have. 

A single nuclear weapon can destroy a city and kill most of its people, making it impossible to provide meaningful aid to the survivors. A nuclear war could kill many more people in an hour than were killed during the entire second world war.Nuclear detonations in cities would ignite massive fires with extreme and long-lasting environmental consequences, disrupting the Earth’s climate and agricultural productivity. Less than 1% of the nuclear weapons in the world today could cause a nuclear famine with the potential to put two billion people at risk of starvation.

Supporters of nuclear proliferation argue peace can only achieved by strength. Nukes are the ultimate weapon for peace when other countries know the devastating consequences for their actions.

To be credible, nuclear weapons must be a key component underpinning relevant U.S. foreign policy. It erodes morale and encourages perpetually low funding when the Nuclear Posture Review adds “as long as nuclear weapons exist” to the phrase “safe, secure and effective,” as if it is a foregone conclusion that these weapons will be eliminated. Russia, China, India, Pakistan, Israel, France, Britain and North Korea all treat nuclear weapons as a key component in their nation’s strategy, and they are modernizing weapons and/or delivery systems.

Here's the tweet that has everyone worried. Trump is relying on a Cold War mentality that does not work today. Nuclear deterrence does not make sense when there are no enemies to deter. 

The United States must greatly strengthen and expand its nuclear capability until such time as the world comes to its senses regarding nukes

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 22, 2016

Trump's tweet inspired a huge backlash. Most people do not think we should make it easier to destroy Earth. 

Nuclear proliferation is not a joke- we don't need to build more nuclear weapons- we have enough. #stopnuclearwar ; enforce #lovenothate

— NikolovaforCongress (@Nikolova2016) December 22, 2016

The US and Russia both have over 1700 nuclear weapons at the ready as well as thousands more in reserve. We don't need more. https://t.co/qd48kMmKQR

— Adam (@mackuromi) December 22, 2016

Mfw @realDonaldTrump tweets how we need more nuclear weapons... pic.twitter.com/tkMK2Bfqlx

— Brayton Jue (@JueBoy77) December 22, 2016

More #nuclear begets nukes from other countries and rogue states. The world does not need a new Arms Race or a new Cold War. #Trump

— Diane Russell (@MissWrite) December 22, 2016

Really? We need more nukes? We have world class nuclear subs, bombers, stealth bombers, missiles. We can easily retaliate.

— Cody Yeary (@codyyeary) December 22, 2016

Despite the vehement opposite, some of Trump's supporters still agree. They think a stronger America with more nuclear weapons will signal American strength and deter war. 

@FoxNews @realDonaldTrump. A robust nuclear weapons program&strong military deter war. America will rise as a superpower again under PEOTUS!

— jeanine foisy (@g_unit00) December 22, 2016

@MicahZenko Why is this a debate? Kennedy and Nixon agreed on strong nuclear aresenal in the 60s. We need to deter Russia and China.

— Ron Green (@HugePhinsPhan) December 22, 2016