Nuke the Economic Crisis
Posted on Jun 01, 2009
5400 nuclear weapons are sitting around decaying in the US alone (Russia has closer to 14000). Since the last nuclear test conducted by the US in 1992, the "Stockpile Stewardship and Management Program" was created to ensure that the weapons will still function properly, if they're ever needed. Under the program, the Department of Energy receives approximately $4 Billion every year to test the viability of nuclear weapons.
That's right! We're spending $4BN/year to maintain our ability to destroy the planet. Given that the average nuclear power plant costs $10 Billion to build, I propose the diversion of these funds to the creation of a special nuclear plant dedicated to decommissioning nuclear warheads and using the plutonium / uranium to generate electricity. I recognize that hippies have been pushing for nuclear disarmament for decades. I'm simply hoping that in the context of the current economic crisis, a financial argument might sway the paranoid neoconservatives. After all, the only thing they're more afraid of than military impotence is their investment portfolio. A bold move such as this would also greatly strengthen the moral position the US can take in disarmament negotiations with Iran and other nations. The current non-proliferation policy is akin to a drunk-off-their-ass parent telling a teenage child that they can't drink alcohol. It doesn't take long for the teenager to resent the parent's double standard and crack into the liquor cabinet. Likewise, Iran cannot possibly interpret our current double standard policy as anything other than insulting and demeaning. Especially considering the fact that the US has basically handed Israel a giant bottle of whiskey ("just don't tell anyone, ok kid?"). So to the home of the brave I say: Bravery is being the first one to put down your weapon... and burn it up in a nuclear reactor. Let's lead by example and use our knowledge of radiation for something good. blog comments powered by Disqus |
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