Americans are known throughout the world for their courage, both for their bravery in the face of danger and for their courage to do what is right. The best of us think little of their own lives when working to save others from disaster or tragedy. Today, we must rally our courage to lead the world in the elimination of nuclear weapons.
We all gave a collective sigh of relief when the cold-war ended. The image of school children hiding under their tiny desks practicing their drill in case Russia should ever strike is now, thankfully, a distant memory. However, unknown to many Americans, another grave danger continues today. Rather than the cold-war posturing of two superpowers, poised, ready to destroy each other, the vast numbers of our own stockpile, the real possibility of accidental launch, or the imminent danger of materials falling into terrorist hands continues the greatest threats in the history of humanity.
Throughout the United States' nuclear history, there have been several incidents of accidents and losses involving nuclear material. Worldwide the record is even more astounding. With the former Soviet Union struggling to keep a lid on its nuclear material, this problem is only exaggerated.
The United States can and must lead the world in resolving this dire situation. We must first ascertain what our needs truly are. Are thousands of warheads really necessary to protect this country, and, at what count do they stop being protection and become a liability?
List of Nuclear Accidents in the United States
Nuclear Accidents Worldwide
Twenty Mishaps That Might Have Started Accidental Nuclear War
Fifty Year Old Russell-Einstein Manifesto Against Nuclear Weapons