Why does Bush think we need Robust Nuclear Earth Penetrators and a Replacement Warhead Program?

Question

RNEP: A proposed addition to the US nuclear weapons arsenal, designed to destroy deeply buried targets. The weapon's explosion could be as large as one megaton, around seventy times the force of the bomb used on Hiroshima.
RRW: A report in the February 7, 2005 edition of The New York Times suggests that the Energy Department may try to use the Reliable Replacement Warhead program to help field warheads with new military capabilities. In other words, the RRW may replace the Advanced Concepts program, an initiative to develop a "low yield" nuclear weapon that Congress completely cut in 2004. A "low yield" nuclear weapon is the key to the Bush administration's 2002 Nuclear Posture Review, which called for a more "usable" nuclear weapon and listed seven countries as possible targets for first strike nuclear attacks: China, Russia, Iraq, Iran, North Korea, Libya, and Syria.

Answer 1

I did not know this...70 times more powerful ? wow. I shall pass this info. on.

Answer 2

Because the world was, is and will remain to be a dangerous place. It doesn't matter which party is or has or will be in charge of this country, we are not liked in the world. We need to take the steps necessary to defend ourselves and yes...possibly attack a future enemy.

The listing of potential enemies means nothing since we're most likely on their lists also as potential targets. As much as we wish it were true, the world does not hold hands and dance in a circle, and it never will.

Answer 3

Aaah because hardware has a shelf life and maximum effective field use period. Launch vehicles and warheads get old just like cars and trucks do. The principle It is called deterrents. When a lot of other countries have armed ballistic missiles pointed at us, you had better have a fully functional system pointing back. peace doesn't come through weakness, it comes through strength.

Answer 4

Remember the 'Dunnigan Rule:'
"Buying weapons that frighten a potential aggressor is cheaper than fighting a war."

Answer 5

If we fight a war and win it with H-bombs, what history will remember is not the ideals we were fighting for but the methods we used to accomplish them. These methods will be compared to the warfare of Genghis Khan who ruthlessly killed every last inhabitant of Persia.

Answer 6

you realize our current nuclear warheads are old and getting older, in order to keep our nuclear ability we need replace old warheads. as for earth penetrators we need them to penetrate into bunkers where weapons or command posts of enemies are located. north korea for example is loaded with bunkers, and if they attack we will need to blow away their bunkers and caves quickly

Answer 7

I guess he thinks - No wait - His advisors have told him - that weapons must need to be more based for possible need. Well - no point having them base for russia anymore - they simply arnt a threat anymore! - though some form of intelligence (yep - he must have some form of intelligence in his administration!) this weapon would be more adequate.

Regardless - this is not really going for the peace option is it!!?

Answer 8

Because his family and friends probably own the companies that will build these bombs. Oh, and he's an arch imperialist who is striving for world domination.

Answer 9

The Rapture.

Answer 10

SOMEBODY HAS TO PROTECT AMERICA. WE'RE LIVING IN A BAD PERIOD OF TIME. THEIR IS ALLOT OF HATE TOWARDS AMERICA AND SOMEBODY HAS TO PROTECT US. A SMALL NUKE IS A GOOD IDEA. THAT WAY YOU DON'T HAVE TO DESTROY EVERYTHING ONLY A DESIGNATED AREA.

Answer 11

see Bush's vocabulary isn't that big so he assumes that since they are big words then they must be great!! what we need to do is send him back to the third frade and get someone in office that actually comprehends what they're talking about.