The president-elect appears to aspire to power in many forms. Nuclear weapons are, indeed, powerful, but they have consequences that are both grave and long-lasting. A full nuclear exchange is something that no country in the world can bear.

Security and stability in the world are essential, but, in the long run, we won’t find that by developing more powerful nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons systems. We can only lead by example, finding ways to achieve the same goals without risking ourselves and our planet.

We should not pursue expanded strike capability, but maintenance on the existing US stockpile is wise. Without continuous work and testing, nobody knows if weapons will function (and avoid malfunction) as designed. The existing weapons were not designed to age.

“I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones.” –A. Einstein.