Yesterdays post got me thinking about the nature of nuclear war. Is it ever acceptable to deploy a nuclear weapon? Is there ever a time when it is ok to kill thousands of innocent bystanders? Most people will agree that a certain amount of war is inevitable. I think it should be avoided if possible but in the end, many battles lie ahead for America. However nuclear war is different altogether. Nuclear war is so broad and vast that it encompasses killing thousands of innocents in one moment, while also destroying the environment at the same time. Could the United States ever consider actually firing a nuclear weapon? Under what situation would you agree with America using their nuclear weapons?
Back to the issue of North Korea. Hypothetically lets say that they threaten to fire nukes at the US. At that point, would it be ethical or right to take them out? What other considerations exist? Would the US only hit military compounds? Can anyone argue that it would be acceptable to hit civilians as well? Innocent bystanders are a result of war. However there is a difference between accidentally killing innocent bystanders and firing weapons which will knowingly kill many innocents.
Bottom line, I hope that we never have to use nuclear weapons. If we ever do, I hope it is purely as a defensive tactic to keep America safe. Either way nuclear war is a scary business.
