Nuclear Weapons

Recently in my U.S. History class we learned about World War Two and the nuclear bombs that were dropped on Nagasaki and Hiroshima. These atomic bombs completely ended World War Two since the Germans had already surrendered after Hitler committed suicide. It was the simplest solution in ending the war most would say, and it was the only way that made it possible for no more American lives to be lost. Looking from our point of view, I would say we made the right decision. Why send hundreds of thousands of more soldiers over to be killed, when dropping one or two bombs ends it? The problem is, dropping nuclear bombs doesn't just kill soldiers, and the majority of its victims are civilians; most of whom didn't even want a war. Not only were innocent lives lost, but the economy of the country was in ruins, as most of their structures in the cities had been knocked down and the air was filled with radiation. Looking from the point of view of the Japanese, the atomic bomb seems like maybe it wasn't a good idea.

Today, many people think the story is very different. People don't realize that atomic bombs are still a very big threat to us. With most Middle Eastern and communist countries hating us, it's a wonder that we don't still have bomb shelters to protect us from radioactive fallout if a nuclear bomb was dropped. Obama recognizes this threat though, and is taking steps to help ensure our safety. The plan requires every nation to keep their stocks of weapons out of the hands of terrorists. This is not the first action he has taken though; Russia and the United States also signed an agreement to dispose of 68 tons of surplus weapons-grade plutonium. Each of the two countries disposed of 34 tons; the two added together are enough to make 17,000 nuclear warheads. The disposal of this was not cheap though; Russia estimated their cost to be 2.5 billion and the United States has agreed to give them 400 million dollars in assistance.

I personally think that all nuclear weapons should be destroyed. The only reason countries would need them would be for destruction and/or to threaten other countries. Removing all nuclear weapons from the planet would move us closer to peace on Earth. Pointing missiles at each other and threatening the lives of innocent civilians is not a good way to solve any political or religious problem.

Here is a link to the article about Obama's nuclear plan.