commieboy
7th October 2003, 01:09
The purpose of this paper is to support the contention that there are positive results from the Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) the United States holds in it’s military arsenal. Although there is a compelling argument to make regarding the negative impact of such devastating weapons on the earth and it’s occupants, there are some singular, important aspects to their existence.
The first and foremost direct benefit revolving around the existence of WMDs in modern society is the concept of Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD). This concept, based on the ability of more than one nation-state possessing effective quantities of WMDs, represents the basis for modern, strategic deterrence. Basically, “if you nuke me, I’ll nuke you and no one will survive.” This crude, but effective strategic theory has been the basis of contemporary superpower balance since the late 1940’s. The results have been a period of relative peace compared to the tragic toll of human life taken in war in the first half of the 20th Century.
The second benefit associated with the existence of WMDs effects the research and scholarship spin-offs that grew out of the billions of dollars and thousands of man-hours dedicated to the development of WMDs. Quick examples can be illustrated by significant advancements in the fields of medicine, space travel and computer technology.
A third benefit has to do with a deeper spiritual relationship among thinking men and women around the world. With the existence of WMDs, man for the first time, had the ability to destroy his environment. Until this time, that ability was reserved for a higher power. This realization, among enlightened individuals, also leads to the conclusion that man can remake or improve his environment into anything he desires. Questions related to man’s ultimate purpose in the universe take on a new relevance.
The fourth and final benefit of WMDs has to do with the existence of life beyond our planet. Shortly after Western Civilization began testing nuclear weapons, hundreds of reports of unidentified flying objects sighted around the world began to filter into the mass media. This phenomenon, although disputed by many as being kind of weird, is responsible for one of two things. First, either the earth has been visited by extra terrestrials interested in our common development or, second, at a minimum it is responsible for some of the finest science fiction books and films ever made.
Based on the previous four benefits derived from the existence of WMDs, it is clear that their position in our world and culture contribute to many more outcomes than the potential end of civilization, as we know it.
The first and foremost direct benefit revolving around the existence of WMDs in modern society is the concept of Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD). This concept, based on the ability of more than one nation-state possessing effective quantities of WMDs, represents the basis for modern, strategic deterrence. Basically, “if you nuke me, I’ll nuke you and no one will survive.” This crude, but effective strategic theory has been the basis of contemporary superpower balance since the late 1940’s. The results have been a period of relative peace compared to the tragic toll of human life taken in war in the first half of the 20th Century.
The second benefit associated with the existence of WMDs effects the research and scholarship spin-offs that grew out of the billions of dollars and thousands of man-hours dedicated to the development of WMDs. Quick examples can be illustrated by significant advancements in the fields of medicine, space travel and computer technology.
A third benefit has to do with a deeper spiritual relationship among thinking men and women around the world. With the existence of WMDs, man for the first time, had the ability to destroy his environment. Until this time, that ability was reserved for a higher power. This realization, among enlightened individuals, also leads to the conclusion that man can remake or improve his environment into anything he desires. Questions related to man’s ultimate purpose in the universe take on a new relevance.
The fourth and final benefit of WMDs has to do with the existence of life beyond our planet. Shortly after Western Civilization began testing nuclear weapons, hundreds of reports of unidentified flying objects sighted around the world began to filter into the mass media. This phenomenon, although disputed by many as being kind of weird, is responsible for one of two things. First, either the earth has been visited by extra terrestrials interested in our common development or, second, at a minimum it is responsible for some of the finest science fiction books and films ever made.
Based on the previous four benefits derived from the existence of WMDs, it is clear that their position in our world and culture contribute to many more outcomes than the potential end of civilization, as we know it.