Jack,
If you are speaking targets perhaps Pakistan?

1. Walk as softly as possible, but be sure they all know you carry a VERY big “stick”.

2. Also let them all know you WILL use it if needed as a LAST resort.

He should begin talks with Russia, China and the rest of the club to begin a serious attempt to reduce the arsenals. No one needs enough fire power to destroy the Earth 10 times over. Destroying it once should be sufficient. Besides, we’re doing a good enough job on that without the use of nukes.

He should begin an education program that teaches the proper pronunciation of the word “nuclear.” First two students: EX-president Bush and (hopefully) never president Pailin.

As far as nuclear weapons go, he needs to set an example by destroying some nukes in order to stem the tide of proliferation by other countries. Set a coordinated date to destroy some nukes with other countries. Another option is to have a conventional arms for nukes deal where industrialized nations provide conventional arms to countries who completely destroy their nuke piles.

Jack,
The United States has nuclear weapons, having said that, what would give president Obama or the United States the right to dictate who gets nuclear weapons and who doesn’t. Our presidents need to learn that the United States is not the police of the world. It’s time we keep ourselves out of other countries and worry about what goes on in the United States, like rebuilding our roads,schools etc.
Carl

The first priority should be to see that nuclear weapons are being secured and protected from terrorist around the world. The second priority should be stopping the spread of nuclear weapons and their development in terrorist countries like Iran and North Korea.

Try to arrange a meeting of all the countries that have nuclear weapons and forge a treaty to stop the proliferation of such weapons.

Priority No. 1 should be to keep nukes out of the wrong hands. For starters, we need to make sure that we have all our ducks in a row, so we can show the rest of the world we mean business.

Chris from NC

To make sure that they are never used except as an abolute last resort. Nuclear weapons have the potential to exterminate all human life on this planet, not to mention 99% of all life. I hope that they are NEVER used again.

The single most significant threat to life on this planet is the risk that terrorists acquire NC2 weapons and use them. Period! There is no room for failure here; this cannot happen. Ever! Ever! If it does, we are all doomed.

When it comes to nuclear weapons, what should Barack Obama’s first priority be as president?

Well since Israel has nukes, refuses to have IAEA inspections and declines to sign the Non Proliferation Treaty, I think that Obama should have our ally join the fold.

Afterall didn’t we go into Iraq because of WMD’s and Saddam’s “refusal” to have IAEA inspections?

Jenna
Roseville CA

Jack: President-elect Obama should use diplomacy to limit the spread nuclear weapons to other nations. To those rogue nations trying to acquire nuclear weapons and delivery systems should be met with strong words, but with a full diplomatic plan to convince these nations to reconsider their plans. President-elect Obama should require strong measures to account for nuclear weapons and treaties to destory these weapons.

John
Alabama

Get the launch codes

work with the UN and insist that all nukes from the break up of the Soviet Union are collected and accounted for. With the people in charge now it is easy for anyone to see these being sold to a country like Iran.

A meeting of the world leaders should be arranged to try and convince other countries of our sincerity, creditbility and willingness to work
together to try and resolve this horrific problem. After that is
established, they all need to join forces and come up with
agreed upon solutions to eliviate the loss of control that has
been allowed to take place.
In the meantime we all must pray and hope that insanity will
not occur.

Jack, the United States should have unlimited access to Pakistan’s A.Q. Kahn, the world’s most dangerous nuclear arms peddler. Since he was the one that provided the nuclear know how to rogue nations like North Korea and Iran in the first place, we can interrogate him on who else has this information. I feel that finding out what nations and groups have what technologies is more important at this point, since we already know for the most part what Iran and North Korea already have.

Get a concensus in NATO.

Well Jack, the way i see it is, americans can`t stand to be told what to do. I think it`s safe to say, Iran and other countries don`t like it ether.If you try to tell them what to do, it will only anger them into postureing. So my answer is, Obama should reduce arms as a sign of good will, and set the pace for others to follow.

My personal opinion for President-Elect Obama is to solidly establish his energy team that can monitor the growth of nuclear proliferation throughout the global community. There are various countries who have made it publicly aware of engaging in nuclear activities and others who have gone undetected for over the years. If Obama wants to make his mark as a no-nonsense, he must act fast and make an example out of his first contender.

My personal opinion for President-Elect Obama is to solidly establish his energy team that can monitor the growth of nuclear proliferation throughout the global community. There are various countries whom have made it publicly aware of engaging in nuclear activities and others whom have gone undetected over the years. If Obama wants to make his mark as a no-nonsense president, he must act fast and make an example out of his first contender.

I would hope he would make agreements with these countries to have that stop making nuclear weapons or at least slow them down with the idea of further agreements to cease making weapons. He should also try to find out exactly what they have and how many. If we get rid of the “do as I say, not as I do” approach to world politics, it would be a helpful start.

Good Question Jack, however, how to put a priority on this one is not easy, this being due to unstable countries having this weapon at all is the biggest issue of all.
After recent events then Pakistan and India would be at the top of my agenda, it will require a huge amount of diplomacy to get these two working together. Ironic really, after all they are the same race seperated by that man made beast religion.

On top of these two we have North Korea and Iran, currently I would have to place Iran in first place out of these two, then we need to get the russians on side to try and prevent further unstable countries getting hold of materials and technology, Israel is probably ok, however, I do not believe they would think twice to use it if required.

So in order of priorty I would go to Pakistan and force them to play ball with the incentive of aid, then to India and get them to do the same, heavy import duties on the products they manufacture would probably bring them to the table. Iran would be more difficult, so I would work with them the Palestinians and Israel for a fully negotiated peace settlement. In fact I would invite Saudia Arabia, and other friendly Arab nations to work with us on that one, sorry Israel you may not like it but face up to it, as this will have to happen one day. Jordan would be an excellent mediator.

With Iran then feeling a part of the world again then it just may be they would play ball, so that now leaves Korea, again an aid package of some sort and perhaps China taking in a hand in negotiations could be constructive, that then leaves our old friend Russia, I believe anything is now possible with them; but never forget what Karl Marx said. “Never trust a Russian”, but since he wrote that a lot has changed within Russia; just look at all of the multI Billionares coming out of their to answer that one.

Martyn, Fort Lauderdale.

to protect and create a bit more.

Nuclear weapons are a no no once they are distributed around the world. I think as his first job in the nuclear relm is to get a real number of just how many of these weapons are around and who has them.

We know there has been some uranium stolen and there may be even more that they are not telling us. We should know who has them and what can be done to make those weapons more secure. I think its a matter of time before the wrong group gets a nuclear weapon and uses it.

John F.

Dayton Ohio

Jack,
Simple. He has already appointed the right people for this. Obviously anything that would not harm the Ameican people is the ultimate and only priority.

Daniel Ambrose,
Atlanta, GA

Obama should have a summit with all the countries who have nukes and begin a full scale disarmament. Nothing good can come from owning a nuclear weapon.

Make sure we still have the ones we are supposed to have. Then ask other countries to account the same. Probably a lost cause in both instances.

Denis
Upper Saint Clair, Pa.

Stop Iran from developing its nuclear ambitions, first by attempting lengthy diplomacy, second by international sanctions, and third by United Nations resolutions. If all these attempts do not convince Iran to end its nuclear program, the last option available is to take military action against them with tactical missile strikes on their nuclear facilities.
Doing nothing would end with greater consequences. It would encourage our enemies to further destabilize the region. It would embolden the enemies of Israel and further erode the confidence our allies see in us as a superpower. There would be little chance for a peaceful future in the middle-east without this military option.

He needs to keep Iran from getting them. North Korea wants nukes for self preservation, while Iran seems to have genocide on the mind.

As others have said, we need to get our own house in order before we try to tell them what they should do. We have by far the largest arsenal of nuclear weapons beyond what all other nations togeher have.
Start by setting a good example.

Control proliferation so we don’t depleat our stockpile in retaliation for some stupid ass using their’s.

Pronouncing ‘nuclear’ correctly is the top priority.

The US should help other, less secure countries (like the former USSR, Pakistan, and India) control their nuclear weapons stockpiles to keep them out of the hands of rogue states and stateless terrorist groups.

Obama and others should educate the World on the after affects if nuclear weapons are used. Obama has effectively used the internet to spread his messages around the world and I can think of no better way to reach people which could result in putting pressure on world leaders to disarm themselves of nuclear weapons.

Dust off our arsenal

Jack
Its a whole new ballgame we have to establish our position on nuclear power, with all the countries that have this capability, and let them know that we will not stand for the production of weapons of mass destruction.

Jack,

Create a global network that tracks every single nuclear device that exists on this planet. Nuclear armament is one issue that is important to all humans. In a world where rogue radicals will do anything, all countries must account for where all their nukes are. Only until all nukes are accounted for will it be possible to plan disarmament.

If you are referring to our nuclear weapons, it isn’t Christmas day and they aren’t some kind of toy that Obama will unwrap. In a world were deterrents are a form of diplomatic currency, nuclear weapons should serve only as the underlying gold standard. Only in the most extreme of crisis need the weapons be called upon with the clear understanding that we intend on destroying a part of the very civilization we live among.

If you are referring to others processing nuclear weapons, it would be naive and ignorant to believe anyone would relinquish there weapons or intentions until we demand and facilitate the removal of nuclear weapons from Israel, ending an era of antagonism and oppression against its own citizens and neighbors.

He may not have a choice. Looks like Pakistan and India may still be in the forefront on Jan. 20th. Wouldn’t it be great if he could deal with them AND Iran at the same time?

1. To prevent any of them from being fired…period!!!

After that–he can try to negotiate issues with Iran, etc, etc….but frankly speaking–we want to avoid ANY KIND of nuclear war or attack at all.

In my humble opinion, I think President-Elect Obama should take a cautious approach with other Nuclear Armed countries. He should call for a special meeting in Washington with Leaders of Nuclear Armed Countries and address the issue accordingly. Some of the key talking points is to find a way to reduce Nuclear weapons, discuss best was to Safeguard Nuclear Weapons Sights, so terrorists will not get access to them, and discourage other nations that are persuing Nuclear Weapon Technology.

keep nuclear weapons out of the wrong hands…always watch other countries because they may stabb you in the back too just like the bad guys..obama will make the right decision for this country unlike bush who caused a unnecessary war as well ruining lives too..

ideally we would want to keep those weapons out of the hands of terrorist and unstable governments. That should be Obama’s focus, and that would need the cooperation of every nation in the world.

When you answer that question you have to ask yourself another: Why would anyone want to be President given the Iran/Pakistan/India nuclear threats. It is surely a daunting task and balancing act.

I don’t believe we have the right to rule the world, but we do have the right to protect our country and allies. We should also have the right to withhold monetary aid to countries who are a threat, and put those resources toward improving our military.

I think Obama’s first priority should be stabilizing our relationship with Pakistan. This is a nuclear state that has terrorist operating in its borders and a place many people believe Osama bin Laden is located. In the last two years the former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was assassinated, President Pervez Musharraf was forced to resign, the current government is now in a state of transition with recent resignations and the election of a new president and now most people believe the terrorist attacks in Mumbai were carried out by a terrorist group from Pakistan. Add all of this to the growing anti-American sentiment from cross border attacks from Afghanistan in which our forces have killed Pakistani civilians, it seems that Pakistan may be a ticking time bomb, no pun intended.

Jack, President Obama’s first priority needs to be making sure that Bush no longer has the launch codes.

why should should we even worry. wehave enough ourselves to blow the world apart.

After being sworn-in,President Obama should immediately organize an Armed Nuclear Conference with all nations possessing nuclear weapons and also include the ones that are developing them. His diplomatic team should try reasoning with these nations and present the consequences of using these weapons in today’s interdependent world. To use them would be a lose-lose for everyone.

The best offense is still a strong defense so we need to maintain a level of nukes that are greater than our enemies and then let them know up front the exact number of weapons we have. But will never and I mean never use them first.

Let’s have some common sense enter the room. There are countries out there with more nuclear weapons than we know of, counting us and our allies. No one country is honest about their capabilities. Let’s be real about it.

Right now, everyone is bluffing to see what the other hand is holding.

President-Elect Obama should as some others have said, walk softly and carry that big stick and let others know that if pushed he will use them. But on the outside chance that one of these countries are telling the truth, try to stop the further development of these types of weapons and try to reduce what we have.

He should be very careful and respectful. There are many small countries in the middle east who want the power to push forward their political agendas. They think Nuclear Weapons are their “Big Stick”. Diplomacy, diplomacy, diplomacy.

Before he thinks about what to do with nuclear weapons, he should think of a good use of nuclear material: Nuclear power. If Obama really cares about energy reform, nuclear power is one of the safest and cleanest options out there that’s ready for large scale use the fastest.

The older and grayer I get the more hopelessly cynical I become. Forty or fifty years ago, we might have had a chance against nuclear proliferation. Now? I can’t think of anything useful, and I bet nobody else can either. Since the breakup of the USSR, nobody knows who has their weapons. SO–who do you talk to, and what do you do if someone uses them? Nobody has any answer.

Keep our nukes under the control of the energy department.
Keep theirs out of terrorist hands.

Diplomacy, Diplomacy, Diplomacy - with the clear objective of ending the threat to the entire Planet from nuclear weapons and proliferation.

Jack we for once need to mind our own business. We, at home are in worse shape than them. Our military are worn out, our economy has already been bombed by a nuclear landside and we are worried about over seas? Bring the jobs back stateside.

Attempt to make nice with the guys who have nuclear arsenals, for starters, none of this “I am the decider” dipolomacy. I like to believe most leaders worldwide don’t want to be involved in nuclear war, or have their nukes wind up in the wrong hands. However, I can be very naive.

Use them! No more troops should be killed by terror and out of control Dictators.

The best option would be to know who has control of the nuclear weapons in Russia, Pakistan, etc…And then work on a worldwide unified agreement to keep them out of the hands of those who want them now and then on the dismantling of them…

President Obama’s only option may be to appeal to the world on the importance of protecting those weapons already assembled and not make anymore…

His first priority should be an investment in nuclear weapon detection and interception. Reports have proven that nuclear bombs can be brought in via our ports and we need to invest in mechanisms to prevent attacks by land, sea, and air.

Halt any more development and show the world that we are serious about curbing nuclear power and lead the way to ending nuclear development worldwide. Lead by example. We have made war acceptable again thanks to the Bush administration’s imperialistic and greedy policy’s. Hey, if the U.S. condones invasion of another country and supports even an illegal war, other countries mentality is,”Why can’t we?” It’s time for real and lasting peace and war will never attain that.

Thom
Negaunee, MI

Unfortunately the U.S. has lost so much credibility with the illegal invasion of Iraq it is virtually impossible to convince nations like Iran they don’t need nuclear weapons for self defence.

America can no longer say to these nations, “You don’t have to worry about us we wouldn’t attack an innocent nation!”.

Likely the best bet is try to get as many countries as possible involved in nuclear prolifercation an forget about trying to bully and scare other nations into abandoning their nuclear ambitions as it just won’t work it will just make more enemies.

A new President Obama should follow our current policy. No nukes for Iran. If Iran does get a nuke and attacks Israel, Obama’s presidency will become historic for another reason. One that won’t be very positive.

Jack, let’s nuke the bad guys before they nuke us. Actually, if Obama will take America off China’s list of economic dependents, he’ll not only fix the nuke problems, but he’ll fix our economy as well.

Jennifer F., Tupelo, Mississippi

Jack, this answer is obvious: to contain further proliferation of nuclear weapons and to prevent any access by terror groups to nuclear weapons and technology.

Leonard, Philadelphia, PA

Talk to our adversaries, tell them how many nukes we have, brag about being able to memorize the launch codes and ask them to play nice.

Jack, the first priority when it comes to nuclear weapons is to make sure they are never used. Whoever has them now should prove to the world that they are secure, then the President must take the lead in disarmement and inform the world that no one will be allowed to gain the technology. Weapons of mass distruction make no sense as there are no winners if they are used.

It means that the world is coming to an end. For those of us who believe in the bible, it says that fire and brimstone will destroy the earth. And it’s nothing more than the nuclear arsenals countries are buidling. Countries are building these arsenals so they could anahilate each other.

The answer is obvious, Iran. If our country and the rest of the world really believe Iran having nuclear weapons is a threat to everyone, then, Iran should be address first as it relates to that subject.

Jack,
Make sure all his military leaders and staffers know that we will not even threaten any nation with a devestating attack. Once our axis of evil (Bush/Cheney) are secured in their home states, then more thoughtful responsible people can deal with war mongers from other countries.
Yertie in Tyler,MN

Priority one for President Obama should be to keep nuclear weapons as well as all weapons of mass destruction out the hands of terrorists. He should secure and prevent the proliferation of these weapons from countries that already have them. Finally, he should prevent other non-nuclear countries from obtaining nuclear weapons.

No Pun intended Jack but this is a loaded question. We have plenty of our own Nuclear weapons but we don’t know what everyone else has. On top of that we don’t know what lose material is still out there or where it is going to end up. That would be my top priority. Securing the lose material and preventing more from being made. Not so much what weapons are currently out there but what material is available to produce them. A dirty bomb in the wrong hands or even in the right hands could start world war 3. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Think and plan very carefully. Now that we are a bankrupt country and CEO’s and our leaders are ignoring the fact that crimes have been committed against the working people. They may buck our policy of “Do as WE say and not as we do”. We need write a program that shows our good faith.

There is only one effect method to deal with today’s problems whether they be nuclear or something else. That way is diplomacy period.

America has to get used to the fact it doesn’t scare anyone any more with their only advantage being their nuclear arsenal and pretty soon most other countries are going to be just as well equipped.

First, craft a non-proliferation agreement for all current nuclear powers. Then total world disarmament for all nuclear and biological weapons. If that doesn’t work, start casting for a Slim Pickens replacement to ride the first nuke launched.

Who says we are the only country in the world with enough responsibility to have nuclear weapons? And what gives us the right to say we should be?

Call a meeting with the highest representatives, or leaders , of each country that has nukes. Lay his cards on the table ! No time like the present !

Ask Chuck Norris to please rid the world of nuclear weapons once and for all.

Initiate constructive talks. The Bush approach has not worked at all. Set meetings and listen what nations with nuclear capacity have to say but also make the stand point of the US clear. If talks are not constructive then economic pressures and isolation should follow. This can only work if the US and its allies are on the same page not like the last eight years.

To get the rest of us to understand that except for the US and the Euro nuclear powers, all the rest of the Nuclear club and the wannabees are dysfunctional states or failing states barely containing large oppressed social-economic groups. This includes China and India that have show-case economies with massive poverty and instability 20 miles from every “prosperous civic center”.
Then Obama can obtain really broad support to suppress these nuclear government nutcakes by hammering them to spend their money on the people and avoid a revolution from within. Is it little wonder that the Indian Gov’t immediately needs to scapegoat Pakistan; beats taking your own blame! There is nothing more dangerous than an educated elite without upward equal opportunity.

Jon in Calif.

gather everyone having them and banning and destoying all of them. including US. we are the only nation to use them, we should be at the top of the list.

I don’t know where the US government is getting this idea of being “The Universal Police” of the world? As importatant as this issue is, the allies must take big part of the International Diplomacy to make the world safer… No wonder the country is facing the economic challenges we are going through now. I believe it is because of this non sense and arrogant signal of US and it’s allies being entitle to it and not the rest of the world that create hate and furie around the world. With that said, I do believe that Barack Obama should work hard with the allies through the UN to STOP some of the countries in pursuit of that kind of weapon through international diplomacy…

Best,
Aly

What’s the big deal? We have them and anyone who wants to can develop them, too. Nothing more than simple physics. The only sane approach is to watch out for those who don’t want to play nice and make sure they understand the consequences if they don’t. Please note that this does not rule out pre-emptive action.

He is a lot smarter than I am and I leave it up to him to know what is in our best interest. For the first time in a long time, I think this man actually would know when the smart idea comes along and as far as I can tell, he is smart, he is not encumbered with cigars and interns, he hasn’t told us to “read my lips” and he doesn’t seem to have a lot of oil people in his back pocket. He may be able to identify a smart idea or a problem area and actually know how to resolve it without putting on a cowboy hat and threatening whoever.

To use them on Saudi Arabia and Pakistan! Weren’t we going after the countries that housed, financed, and protected terrorists?

Wildwood Crest, NJ

He needs to be SURE he knows where the button is! That’s something I doubt anyone ever told Bush.

The thing is Jack, that America must do what it preaches. We cannot ignore our own mounting pile of bombs and rockets and yet tell the rest of the world “NO NO”. Especially after this last 8 years we are not the moral leadership of the world. In most cases we have no rights telling anyone anything. We have even sponsored torture. If there is to be monitoring of nukes then it is a world wide issue because it will effect the whole world if something blows. (No pun intended) But with us screaming and shouting and acting like the worlds ego shouting and telling everyone what is right and wrong, who wants to listen to that? It is time that a whole lot of politicians and others here got a life and made their own lives better rather than worrying about Iran and others.

What about the united nations, aren’t they the ones that should be the police? We can not be a nation of peace, if we don’t let the U.N. do their work.

Palin watches Russia, maybe she could keep an eye on Iran and
N. Korea too. No pardons, like the turkey though!!!!!

Make sure that they are secure, also that we have sufficient numbers to defend our country against anyone that gets a wild idea that they can defeat the U.S.

I seem to remember a phrase my father used,”It’s a Rich Man War,and a Poor Man’s Fight”. Your probably asking yourself,well, what’s that got to do with Nuclear War? Thankyou for asking, the”Rich Man”, will now have to fight “Their War”…..

This whole concept of instant nuclear attack capability is a throwback to the Cuban missile crisis. In my opinion it is promoted and given extended life by the Pentagon war spenders. If the amount of weapons were used you talk about, the earth would no longer support life of any kind.

Make no miostake, there is no such thing as nuclear retaliation, it is spelled a-n-n-i-h-i-l-a-t-i-o-n.

He needs to talk individually and en mass to all of the current and future nuclear powers, some of whom haven’t conversed with a US President in eight years. They need to know where we stand and we need to know where they stand. We can’t police the world, but we can talk to fellow weapons owners in a civil manner.

Jack, I expect President-Elect Obama to use the God given wisdom that he has in deciding how to use the power of nuclear weapons. I also expect him to use Clinton as an extention of himself in speaking to other countries around the world pertaining to this issue. It’s my belief that many nations around the world share America’s vision of peace. Secty of State Clinton has her work cut out for her in repairing the damage done by the Bush Administration regarding America’s world image. I have all the confidence in the world in Obama and his Administration in protecting America and it’s allies. We, as Americans, have a golden opportunity to show the world our real intentions of working together within the world community. Let’s all seize this moment in history and support President-Elect Obama and his team of all-stars.

Jack,

Do you have any idea how the thought of it being in his hands has comforted me….. A grown up who does not react… a Grown up who thinks before he speaks and acts….
It will be in the hands of a man, smarter than all of us, who does not feel he has something to prove…who is slow to anger, quick to think…

Change the launch code, memorize the new one, and don’t write it down. Then think long and hard about ever using the “football” in a pre-emptive strike. I trust President Obama with this particular “football” far more than I could ever trust President Bush with it. Look at how much damage he did without it. Come January 21st, I think I’ll finally be able to take a deep breath after living 8 years in fear that Bush would finally figure out how to open that briefcase.

He needs to form a NATO type organization of Lybia, Syria, Jordan, Isreal, Palestine, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Afganistan, India and start them ALL talking to each other to see what THEY can do to help their own situtation. Then get that group talking to NATO and Western countries talking and MAYBE, just maybe we ALL can talk instead of bombing!!!

It would be nice if Obama could organize the rest of the world leaders to enact global laws against religious extremism that spreads hate and bigotry as well as advocating murder.

Doing this might not diffuse the nuclear threat but it might help to diffuse the wackos who you have to fear using them to further their radical views.

He’ll know what to do without our even making suggestions. He has been doing a terrific job so far without our input. As he said, he can multi task and has shown us all how capable he is in doing so!

Jack,

The United States HAS NUCLEAR WEAPONS, having said that, what would give president Obama or the United States the right to dictate who gets nuclear weapons and who doesn’t ???

So why should other countries NOT be allowed to have Nukes ??

Our presidents need to learn that the United States is not the police of the world.

It’s time we keep ourselves out of other countries problems, and worry about what goes on in the United States, like rebuilding our roads, schools, fixing Health Care, & etc.

Larry C.
Houston, Texas

Obama should take the lead and make a goodwill gesture of destroying some of our nukes in the U.S. The less nukes in the world, the less likely an accident could occur.

Or, he could emulate our current president and talk about ‘mushroom clouds’ and the ‘axis of evil’ and how we’re gonna ’smoke ‘em out of the foxhole’ ‘dead or alive.’

He needs to go to the UN just as Bush did to try and form a coalition.
But instead of a coalition to start a war which many nations said no way, we need a coalition to have everyone to start destroying their nuclear weapons. I think Obama needs to first tell Israel if they want our money and support they need to get rid of their nuclear weapons. Just like Libya,North Korea,and hopefully Iran will do.We need to be realistic Iran,Syria,and Iraq will always want nuclear weapons as long as Israel has them wouldn’t you.

L.M.,Arizona

Well before he becomes president, Barack Obama should know the nuclear response system and all its’ options absolutely cold; inside and out. Given the proliferation of nuclear weapons in areas of the world currently controlled by nitwits, the “3:00 AM phone call” just might come on inaguration day. His first priority as president is to already be prepared.

I think Obama has shown he is a man who will give more thought than Bush has ,we have had a hot head,for the last 8 years . I was afraid to wake up not knowing when someone would tick Bush off to the point where he would push the button,come 21 of jan, I think we can all sleep better.

I think he should send his Secretary of State to visit all the countries with nuclear power and invite them to the White House for a meeting.
Set up some binding rules and regulations that are clear and fair.
Help those countries that have had problems keeping their nuclear power safe.

Keep doing work to minimize Nuclear Proliferation and to reduce arsenals by disposing of stockpiles of unused weapons

I think he should propose a global banning of all nukes and the destruction of all those already made. There was a raid on a nuclear plant in Africa to get uranium for bombs and the perpetrators got away. Abolish nukes of every kind, everywhere, globally. Einstein would agree. Burn the football and start a new game that’s less competitve and more co-operative. Use the UN to do it. We don’t need them. Educate all people of the evils of mass destruction.

Seeking a 21st century accord with Russia is the top priority. While Iran is on the front page, they have little global capability. In reality, Russia and the U.S. are the only substantive nuclear threats on a global scale. The administration’s first priority is the protection of the homeland. The U.N. should focus on Iran, not the U.S. IMHO

Houston, TX

His first priority regarding nukes should be to stop using them (as bush has) as a tool for fear-mongering the American public. Open a dialogue with other nations, respect the decision by nations in the non-proliferation treaty (like Iran, for example) for making said decision, and put the screws on nations that won’t sign the non-proliferation treaty (Israel, India)…no sign-ee, no support-ee. Oh, and set a good example by putting the US on that list.

What can he do. Everybody else has failed with this problem, and the problem is the other nuclear powers. They are the ones that have given and or sold the technology, and the equipment to these other nations. Hell, we are guilty of this too. The biggest problem is the nuke black market ,and up to now we haven’t been able to penetrate that operation. Heck, we can’t get into the terrorist organizations either.

He should remind the world that we have them, that we never want to use them, but we will never say “never” — especially if we are attacked with WMD’s.

Nothing. The whole point of nuclear weaponry at this stage is show, not blow. A mass deployment of large scale nuclear weapons is certain doomsday, thus a more sane approach is a silent, secret, quiet, non-reminder that the U.S. can eradicate forever a country such as, say, Iran if it opted to do so, but has the sense, civility and sanity not to (even though it doesn’t seem to have the sense to stay out of conventional conflict). Thus it may become apparent that the acquisition of nuclear weapons by renegade countries such as, say Iran, is a foolhardy use of their own national resources. It’s a club not to be coveted.

It should be to reduce nuclear arsenals around the world.

He should give his national security team the task of finding out, who has them, who are trying to get them and who in the future have potential for making them (North Korea) and get them away from them as soon as possible.

He should make certain that he does not drop the football.

The true enemy in the nuclear age is not any given nation or group of nations. The true enemy in the nuclear age is “War Itself”. Humans in all nations are sadly violent by nature. Unfortunately, we now have weapons that can destroy all life on this planet. Obama needs to get the nations of the world to concentrate on finding a way to overcome this human nature to destroy that is within us. It will matter little what we do with these weapons . . . if we can’t figure out what to do with ourselves.

Jack,

He needs to reign in all of the nuclear weapons in rogue nations such as Iran. A lot of it is being made in terrorist friendly nations and additionally there are still many unaccounted weapons from the former Soviet Union. Third, he should lead a global effort to eliminate ALL NUCLEAR weapons. Nuclear weapons allow humans to play God.

Dr B,
Bloomington Indiana

Keep them safe. Educate replacement scientist that know how to build them. Work hard to ensure we never have to use them. And remind our enemies that they should never use wmd on us either.

Jack - Obama’s first priority should be to send a message to the World that we are for non proliferation and that we seek a broader committment from Russia, China, Pakistan and India to reduce the stockpile. In addition, Obama should make it clear to IRAN that we will not tolerate a Nuclear IRAN and will use force to prevent it. We should also let Russia, Cuba and Venezuela know that we will not tolerate another Nuclear Power in our Hemisphere.

Greetings:

Disarmament is the fist priority with regard to Nuclear weapons.
There is no proof that Iran is looking for nuclear weapons.

First ask Dan Quail to spell, “nuclear”, if he spells that word right, then the whole country is in danger! But let’s not worry. The average American is worried about spelling yhe words, “food”, and “potatos”, or was Quail right in spelling the latter, “potatoes”? Let’s first worry about Earth’s starvation, and then about plaques, before suicidal actions by nuking!

Hi JAck,

this is a multi answer :

coalition to stop the proliferation of such weapons

Major diplomacy has to be done to reduce tension in concerned countries.

Also, India and Pakistan has to be taken into account to bring dramatic change to the quality of life of many citizens.

We need to focus on the well being of people to be able to work and feed themselves…Can we understand for once that a person that can work and eat has no reasons to fight!

To not have an anxiety attack

Jack - if people are truly innocent than no pardon would be necessary. However, if a person has been unduly punished then why wait for a Presidents exit to do the right thing. Is it justice or another abuse of power?

Obama’s first nuclear priority should be to completely disarm most, if not all, of America’s nukes. We have enough nuclear weapons to destroy the world many times over. And while other countries, dangerous countries, have nuclear weapons, we have the military might to overcome them if necessary, without nukes of our own. It would be a great sign to the rest of the world if we were to disarm.

The PEOPLE Jack.

First priority? No brainer, Jack.

Do
Not
Use
Them.

Everything else is secondary. I’m shocked you have to ask — didn’t you watch The Day After?

Memorize the codes.

The PEOPLE, Jack.

Jack, as always good question, I think he should have a sumit of all nations holding such weapons, and let them know that it is in noone`s interest that these weapons be used, and that if these weapons get in the hands of radical, it would be a disaster not just for the U.S. but for the rest of the world as well.

He should make sure they’re all accounted for, and not falling off a plane somewhere. That would be a good start.

Disarm Pakistan!!!
With the international pressure they are under at both borders and internally, Pakistan is dangerously close to being declared a failed state. With such insecurities threatening its very existence, it is almost certain that they will try to prove their prowess by launching an attack in South Asia !

The first priority should be to see it that nuclear weapons never have to be used.

Given Barack Obama’s affinity for a different sport, perhaps the ‘football” should be renamed the “basketball”. He seems quite adept at handling that, as I think he will be at at managing any full court press that confronts him.

Dan
Vancouver, BC

I think his priority should be to make other countries aware that we no longer subscribe to the policy of “appease us or we’ll attack”. He needs to follow through on his promise to be as diplomatic as he wants the rest of the world to be.

Jack,

Pres-Elect Obama’s nuclear priorities after taking office…
Iran, North Korea, Syria, Venezuela, Cuba, Somalia, and then finally Fox News HQ. If we have some nukes left after that, Wal-Mart HQ in Bentonville, AR.

Arliss
Calistoga, CA

Obama needs to solicit world-wide coopertion in reducing nuclear proliferation as it serves no nation’s interest and certainly not world peace.

Making sure all necessary security measures are in place and up to date. No more lost or misplaced nuclear pieces regardless of how dangerous they are by themselves, or unauthorized bombs, armed or unarmed, flying across the country.

Barack Obama should approach a situation, how he promised. That being diplomatically.

As John McCain said “Bomb Bomb Iran”

Keep the nuclear bombs hidden, not to be used except in dire straits. Then hit Wall Street, the auto industry, AIG and force them to surrender or else. Treat them like a foreign country and no financial aid, no talks, just unconditional surrender.

he needs to talk to all who have nukes and try to get a peace treaty with all nations so we don’t annilalate oursleves

Jack:

Be not the first by which the new is tried, but not the last to lay the old aside. With the situation of the world today, he should have his target list revised. Keep the phone close by and don’t be affaid to use them. Some radical groups would stop and nothing. Sometimes countries must suffer who support and do nothing about these groups.

I think his, and EVERY leader’s, first priority should be to do everything possible to create PEACE!
This is not like the old days. If the bombs start flying now, the whole world will be affected, enemies and friends alike.

I think we, and everyone on this planet, should pause for a moment and consider the devastation that could ensue from irrational reactions and anger….and the consequences that would affect EVERYONE!
This is not something to be taken lightly.

The only way for Iran to become a Nuke Free nation is to allow Israel to bomb the various sites.Make no mistake,Israel knows all those sites and has the capabilities of doing a clean job.

Global Disarment should be the cornerstone to any presidency.

Jack,
Of all the issues facing Obama, this one he started the ground game in his first years in Congress with his bill on nuclear proliferation. Now he will use his present popularity along with the charm of Hillary Clinton to re-establish relationships with the Nato allies, to create a strong coalition behind nuclear accountability and control. I think he has in mind a world in which countries don’t fight countries, but if there is fighting it is countries verses extremists.

Renewal. Ask NASA or any other large technical organization how brain drain due to retirement can impact the expense and feasibility of a large scale project. Institutional knowledge is priceless. For example, today NASA is relearning the lessons it learned in the 1960s with a new generation of scientists because the rocket scientists of the Saturn V era have long since retired. The US still needs nuclear weapons in this dangerous world as a deterrent, but has not built a new design since the mid-1980s. President Obama should ensure that the US not only has the will to maintain its strategic deterrent, but the technical capability to maintain it.

Stop helping all the other countries we support until we have taken care of all Americans at home.

Do NOT get involved again unless NATO all nations of that alliance get involved as well. Don’t do this all on our own again. It has put us in debt. It has hurt Americans at home and those killed, it hasn’t kept us any safer if there had been no war.

Obama’s first priority with respect to nuclear weapons should be to make further dramatic cuts in the US nuclear arsenal. Perhaps it would set an example to the world that the US is no longer the worlds biggest hypocrite when it comes to weapons of mass destruction. You can not lead the world with a mantra of “do as I say, not as I do”.

Is there even any imaginable situation which could ever justify launching over a thousand nuclear weapons? It’s time to end this madness.

Jack, he should first insure that the Military people responsible for turning the keys and pressing the button are not out trying to get unemployment checks.

1300 on alert! Barack’s no dope so there’s only one way to go. The man will gravitate to sanity, his brain will lead him there.
Viva Obama!

He should contact Allies and enemies a like and find out what it would take to reduce the amount of nuclear weapons. The people who want Nuclear weapons like Iran, Syria and Saudi Arabia will never under stand why we don’t want them to have them when Israel has them and they were provided by us. We need to find out and do what works to reduce nuclear weapons

I hope he knows. I sure don’t.

Dear Jack , Obama will do just fine , thank God Palin hasent got her mittts on that briefcase .
Love from Cape Breton Island , Nova Scotia to you all .

JACK,
We need to become friends with people again.George Bush has killed any diplomacy with anyone. Obama is right about talking
with other countries.

How President elect Obama deals with the topic of nuclear weapons is just one more opportunity for the US to become truly re-engaged with the world….and not as the world’s policeman. Reinforcing to the rest of the world that America’s nuclear weapons are not deployable by any one person, including the President, will go some way towards achieving this.

Disarm, Disrobe, Make Love, Not War! Love is the Answer!

Yea I agree with the Roosevelt quip about carrying a big stick, Obama is smart and he’s behind the most advanced nuclear weaponry in the world, so that’s not a problem. But really, can we get someone to slip a small uranium pellet into Ahmadinejad’s Kashi?

-Mike

Nuclear weapons are insanity personified. Obama should do everything in his power to get all nations with such weapons to destroy them. There are many other ways we can kill ourselves without contaminating the whole planet.

the President-elect certainly has his hands full with a variety of issues, but one of the most disturbing related to nuclear weapons is in our own country.

For years the University of California Berkeley has run our major nuclear facility at Los Alamos, New Mexico. Unbeknownst to most Americans, the Bush government removed UC and in its place it has put Haliburton. So, nulcear weapons are being produced in our own country by a for-profit entity. Considering the “magnificent” job Haliburton has done in Iraq they should be removed immediately - or is this Dick Cheneys new - post Vice President employment — controling the production of nuclear weapons?

“Above all, not knowingly to do harm”

Hippocrates

First priority should be; making sure he’ll never have to use those weapons…….I hope he’s the Man we all have made him out to be…..

Hi Jack,

President Obama should do what the presidents have all done before him. Do everything possible to avoid ever having to use nuclear
weapons.

Isborne
(Proud Vietnam Vet)

Obama should reiterate his campaign pledge to “set a new direction in U.S. nuclear weapons policy and show the world that America believes in its existing commitment under the nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty to work to ultimately eliminate all nuclear weapons.”

To turn rhetoric into reality he must start by : negotiating deeper, verifiable cuts in U.S.-Russian stockpiles to 1,000 warheads or fewer; winning Senate approval of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty: engaging with Iran to convince its leaders to freeze its program and allow broader IAEA inspections.

More on Obama’s nuclear risk reduction pledges, see

Obama needs to show the world a United States that is confident, yet responsible in all regards. Given the current state of affairs in Mumbai and Russia’s threats, Obama needs to attempt to stabilize, to create a peaceful balance. When we retaliate, fight violence with violence, we only fuel the fire. I’m hoping that Obama will be able to establish a sense of détente.

Peace, Peace, Peace, Peace, Peace, Peace, Peace. With all of the nuclear and biochemical capabilities nations have, I would hope Peace and Diplomacy is the goal of all nations. GOD HELP US.

President Barack Obama needs to have as his first priority, to be cautious and aware of all people who would step forward to influence him. Caution is the number one rule. Not all data is fact. President Obama needs to follow (what I feel) is his natural reaction to problems and that is step back and take a very good look. He has stated he will emphasis diplomacy not blustering and saber rattling.
Regarding the nuclear weapons he needs to continue what he worked on in the Senate: To locate and tabulate and attempt to eliminate nuclear weapons. Perhaps a lot more talks with Iran will help reduce this threat, meanwhile.
Number one in nuclear issues is to get the treaty back on track with Russia.
Barb Townsend Clearwater, FL

Regarding nuclear weapons, Obama’s first priority has to deal with nuclear proliferation. SALT and SALT two were a good start, but proved in the end to be ineffective. Limitation is not an option with nuclear weapons. One mistake, and the world will quickly be plunged into world war three. Is nuclear deterrence and the possibility of a nuclear winter worth sacrificing millions or even billions of lives?

In my perspective, Barrack Obama needs to reassure other nations that he will not use it as a threat but as a defense mechanism in case of an immediate precaution. However, I think he should advocate that NATO needs to be removed from Russia’s borders becuase it causes more conflict against the re surging Russia. Barrack Obama should apprehend in a manner of peaceful negotiations and set NATO proliferation treaty just like the nuclear proliferation treaty to increase a better relationship with Russia, Iran, and other adversaries.

Since my high school days 40 years ago I have been advocating for World nuclear disarmament. It is high time this country and ALL countries abandon the totally devastating “possible” use of nuclear weapons which can only hurt potentially millions of innocents and permanently pollute our environment. The means have never justified these ends. The use of nuclear energy for our power needs is also a worn out, unjustifiable solution as we still have NO place for the tons of radioactive waste that is generated from these power plants. Let’s develop geothermal and solar and other environmentally friendly systems. Put this genie back in the bottle, no matter what it takes. Our wishes for world domination are backfiring, we MUST lead the way to a non-nuclear future.

I feel that his first priority with regard to the nuclear weapons, should be to listen to the experts that he’s appointed…and make a collective decision from that…
I also feel that the present administration was never asked these kinds of questions, nor was it questioned until it was too late…
Therefore, I’m hoping that these questions are not just being asked because president elect, is the first man of color in the white house…
If we had this level of concern before we went into iraq, maybe things would be different for our country….