Pot-and-kettle club preaching nuclear disarmament?

[Machjo]

I remember coming across an article yesterday online (on CBC News if I'm not mistaken) where, if I remember correctly, it was about the US, China, the UK, Russia, and France getting together to talk nuclear non-proliferation and pressuring other countries like Israel and Iran to get on board. I tried to find the article but can't seem to find it.

But doesn't it seem strange that nuclear powers are presenting themselves to the world as the ones who know how to establish a nuclear-free world? Wouldn't it seem more logical to conclude that non-nuclear powers would know more on that subject and that they ought to arise to lead by example?

Right now it's like the local gun club preaching about getting guns off our streets.

 

[AnnaG]

Well, they are the experts at nukes, right? Would you take advice about your plumbing from an electrician?

 

[Machjo]

Well, they are the experts at nukes, right? Would you take advice about your plumbing from an electrician?

Well, yes, they're the experts at nuclearization. Clearly Canada and other such countries are the experts at non-nuclearization.

 

[EagleSmack]

Well, yes, they're the experts at nuclearization. Clearly Canada and other such countries are the experts at non-nuclearization.

Lead the way then! Show the world what you've got.

 

[Machjo]

Lead the way then! Show the world what you've got.

I fully agree that non-nuclear powers ought to lead the charge. But since I'm not a politician I'm in no position to do it myself.

But certainly it would be less laughable for a non-nuclear power to be promoting denuclearization than if a nuclear power does so. It would at least eliminate accusations of hypocrisy and so for that reason alone it's likely t be taken more seriously.

 

[EagleSmack]

I fully agree that non-nuclear powers ought to lead the charge. But since I'm not a politician I'm in no position to do it myself.

But certainly it would be less laughable for a non-nuclear power to be promoting denuclearization than if a nuclear power does so. It would at least eliminate accusations of hypocrisy and so for that reason alone it's likely t be taken more seriously.

Well I didn't mean you personally.

But yes, non-nuclear powers should lead the way and tell nuclear powers what to do.

At least it will be fun to watch.

 

[AnnaG]

Well, yes, they're the experts at nuclearization. Clearly Canada and other such countries are the experts at non-nuclearization.

lol Canada has nothing nuclear? We could develop nukes easily, but why would we want to? There are already a few other countries doing that and making fools of themselves instead. We get to sit back and watch the show.

 

[Machjo]

lol Canada has nothing nuclear? We could develop nukes easily, but why would we want to? There are already a few other countries doing that and making fools of themselves instead. We get to sit back and watch the show.

Our nuclear power is strictly for civilian uses, as is Iran's by the way.

 

[AnnaG]

Our nuclear power is strictly for civilian uses,

Like I said, why would we want it? It was a rhetorical question.

as is Iran's by the way.

Presumptuous ... it remains to be seen, IMO.

 

[earth_as_one]

I disagree with you AnnaG.

Its presumptuous to assume Iran is developing nuclear weapons when no proof exists to support that viewpoint and Iran has always claimed they aren't interested in nukes.

The United States began their nuclear weapon efforts in 1939. It only took them 6 years to pioneer the technology and develop them. Iran began enriching uranium seven years ago and have the benefit of knowing which research efforts are likely to succeed. If they were really trying to acquire nukes, then they should have done so by now. Since they haven't tested one yet, it either means they are either extremely incompetent or not trying.

Our news and leaders have a proven history of misleading and lying about states like Iran. Claims about Iraq's WMD stockpiles in order to generate for support for an unprovoked war are a good example. I think its far more likely that we are again being misled and manipulated for similar reasons. I didn't fall for it the last time. How about you?

Personally, I think Iran seeks peaceful nuclear technology and a nuclear weapon breakout capability. That is research the nuke technology as far as they can, yet remain within the limits of the NPT. In the event that they decide to acquire nukes, they'd sprint toward their goal, probably as a response to an act of aggression by a hostile state like the US or Israel.

BTW, if Canada wanted nukes, we'd have developed them a few years after the US.