Just Say NO to Nuclear War

 I just received an email from a well-meaning idealistic asking me to sign a petition against nuclear war.

I did so, but also explained:

I think you would have a hard time finding anyone saying YES.  Wars often start by accident.  World War I came about because Russia mobilized its army primarily as a threat, but Germany realized that by the time they knew if this was a bluff or not, it would be too late.  Secretary of State Dean Acheson gave a speech in 1950 defining the U.S. defense perimeter which left out South Korea.  North Korea got the message and invaded South Korea. 

U.S. ambassador April Glaspie met with President Saddam Hussein concerning Iraq's armies massing at the border with Kuwait and told Hussein it did not matter:

"We have no opinion on your Arab – Arab conflicts, such as your dispute with Kuwait. Secretary (of State James) Baker has directed me to emphasize the instruction, first given to Iraq in the 1960’s, that the Kuwait issue is not associated with America. (Saddam smiles)"

More recently, in January, the Senile-in-Chief said that a minor incursion into Ukraine would not be the same as an invasion:

"It's one thing if it's a minor incursion and we end up having to fight about what to do and not do," Biden told reporters at an East Room news conference. "But if they actually do what they're capable of doing with the forces amassed on the border, it is going to be a disaster for Russia if they further invade Ukraine." 

The big hazard now is that the Ukrainians have fought the least prepared army in modern history to a standstill.  Putin, if he perceives that he has lost may well order launch of nuclear weapons.  It is not difficult for him to read Biden's call for regime change as a call for Putin's removal and this death. 

'For God's sake this man cannot remain in power,' he said in unscripted remark 

Back to the wall, Putin might decide to go out Samson-like destroying everything.  I am hoping his generals would refuse such an order and take him into custody, but stupider things have happened.

A relative voted for Biden because he was tired of the drama.  Putin is a bully; Trump is also something of a bully; it is best to have a bully on your side.  But no mean tweets!