How Cutting Unnecessary Nuclear Weapons Programs Can Slash The Defense Budget (Maybe)

Two missile maintenance crewmen perform an electrical check on an LGM-30F Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in its silo. Photographer's Name: TSGT Bob Wickley. Location: WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE. Date Shot: 1/1/1980

How Obama Can Slash Defense Budget: Cut Unnecessary Nuclear Weapons Programs -- Daryl G. Kimball and Tom Z. Collina, Christian Science Monitor

In order to reach its goal of at least $480 billion in Pentagon savings over the next decade, the Obama administration must scale back previous schemes for a new generation of strategic nuclear weapons delivery systems.

Earlier this month, President Obama and Defense Secretary Leon Panetta outlined a more streamlined and affordable defense strategy that envisions a more limited role and smaller budget for US nuclear weapons.

While they were short on specifics, it is clear that in order to reach the administration’s goal of at least $480 billion in Pentagon savings over the next decade, previous schemes for a new generation of strategic nuclear weapons delivery systems must be scaled back.

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My Comment: Maintaining nuclear weapon platforms are expensive .... but such is the price that must be paid if you want to be perceived as a super-power. But by cutting it .... especially when America's nuclear force is aging and needs to be modernized .... is a clear sign to the rest of the world that the day of American dominance in the nuclear age is coming to an end. And the funny part is .... if you cut America's nuclear force completely to zero .... America's budget deficits and problems will still be there .... because when you look at the bottom line .... the problem is that our politicians just cannot control their spending.