RE : Nuclear issue "too philosophical" for Greens?

Paul,

I think I meant to say That no technology that has been developed could ever be un-developed. Technological invention once known will always exist, this is true of Nuclear chain reactions as well as it was of the wheel.

One Point, in defense of U.S. nuclear policy I would add is that the United States even though it is the only nation to ever use an atomic weapon did so at a time in world history when the total consequences of using the bomb was somewhat unknown, and arguably it's use did serve a purpose to end the most destructive war in the planets history. The United States has never again used or even threatened the use of nuclear weapons as a first strike, accept to use the possibility as a deterrent to nations such as China and the Soviet Union who also had a similar capability, and, did have a policy to use there weapons against the American population as well. We never used nuclear weapons in Vietnam or have we in Iraq even though we have the capability.

"Indeed, everyone, including you, seems to be saying "Jump." "Get it over with." "Let's have the Rapture. Jesus will save those who believe."

Paul,I Don't remember writing anything close to what you are attributing to me in the statement you make above. I do not in fact believe in the inevitability of a Nuclear Holocaust . I don't know for sure what the so called Leaders of our country believe, but just the fact that America has such a destructive arsenal, but has chosen not to use it since the bombing of Nagasaki says something positive I believe.

I believe that it is wishful thinking in the extreme to believe it possible to eliminate nuclear technologies completely, and what about nuclear technologies in medicine ? A lot of cancer patients who have been saved (I have first hand experience in my family) would take issue with your very notion. There can be good applications to the technology, it's not practical or desirable to eliminate it completely.

Paul, on the contrary I am optimistic about the future, I am also realistic and believe that nuclear tech is here to stay and can offer benefits to mankind and this planets future. Yes I wish the proliferation did not extend to rouge nation's particular those that would be more willing to weaponise the technology and use it on a whim . If all nations were as self restrained as the major nuclear powers have been over the last 6 decades then we will be lucky. Either way I don't see a planetary holocaust, but the future perhaps will be more challenging because of regional pressure to use nuclear weapons,by newly emerging nuclear states ie Iran, North Korea etc, but even in light of that possible consequence I think that humanity will survive and thrive at the same time. sam