General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsSo about that nuclear weapons thing
Donald Trump is a man who does not understand why we cannot/should not use nuclear weapons.
So what if he decides to give an order to launch against North Korea, Iran, ISIS, (or San Francisco)?
Here's my question: Would the military obey that order?
I don't know.
What do you think?
dhill926
(16,339 posts)jesus, the military and sane republicans might be the only thing saving us from disaster....I need a drink....
Cyrano
(15,041 posts)dhill926
(16,339 posts)we may soon be in uncharted territory. and I'm anything but a conspiracy theorist...
NRaleighLiberal
(60,015 posts)grantcart
(53,061 posts)spin
(17,493 posts)Fortunately that is not quite true.
The President cannot unilaterally use the nuclear codes to launch a nuclear attack, according to a report by Jason Fritz that was commissioned by the International Commission on Nuclear Nonproliferation and Disarmament. Rather, the United States enforces a two person rule with respect to nuclear activation at every level. At the highest level, this rule requires that the President jointly issue launch orders with the Secretary of Defense. The rule continues down the line, with commanding officers and executive officers working in tandem, and missile operators agreeing on launch order validity.
https://www.buzzfeed.com/mikehayes/dont-worry-president-trump-wont-actually-have-his-finger-on?utm_term=.bbPdNwKDx#.oiP4qpxK2
Of course if Secretary of Defense went along with Trump for some reason it could happen. Once both authorized the strike it is unlikely that it would not be carried out.
etherealtruth
(22,165 posts)...sycophants and lunatics.
Oh wait ... that is exactly the scenario we will be confronted with
spin
(17,493 posts)uppityperson
(115,677 posts)spin
(17,493 posts)to allow two egotistical leaders like Trump and Putin to coexist.
JI7
(89,251 posts)Many of them tend to have a more liberal view of things .
hunter
(38,316 posts)It's a hand scanner and big red button that makes very serious sounding noises and very serious flashing lights, but otherwise does nothing.
The morning after some poor schlep intern has to make up some story why the system failed.
Repeat as needed.