OPINION:
New Democratic House leaders are reportedly reducing America’s nuclear deterrent. The chairman of House Armed Services Committee proposes cutting several parts of the U.S. nuclear-rebuilding-and-modernization program. Cuts are especially directed against two programs intended to deter Russia and Red China.
As of 2016 President Trump has worked to build at least 12 new Columbia-class ballistic-missile submarines to replace the 1980s-era Trident ones. He also has plans to build a new B-21 bomber and a new intercontinental ballistic missile to replace the 1960s-designed Minuteman III. President Trump has also added to our nuclear deterrent a nuclear-armed cruise missile and a low-yield warhead to be fitted to a few active-service Trident D-5 submarine launched missiles.
The Democrats seem intent on cutting the main elements of the plan to modernize the arsenal and rebuild the armed forces. If they succeed in reducing the U.S. deterrent while Russia and China are increasingly building a nuclear-arms superiority, our enemies will be tempted to conduct a first strike to defeat the only super power to take over the world. Either Russia, Red China or an alliance of both will be given a chance to strike first if they see a good chance of success against a vulnerable, suicidal, unilaterally disarmed America. President Trump must veto all budgets with dangerous deterrent cuts and continue the present rebuilding of the armed forces.
LT. COL DOMINIK GEORGE NARGELE
U.S. Marine Corps (retired)
Arlington
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