Americans: Do we have the right to limit weapons?

Question

It seems to me presumptuous for the U.S. (and other countries) to dictate which weapons and technology other countries can have, especially since we give our own country a free pass as far as arms and technology go. It's like trying to put limits on what your next door neighbor can and can't own b/c you have suspicions about him. Lately it seems U.S. foreign policy is more "pre-emptive" than reactive and we're really overstepping our bounds based on hunches and suspicions. What are your thoughts?

Just so you know....I love my country!

I ascribe to the Just War Theory

I am not a moral relativist. I am a conservative Catholic and I hold to the centuries-old Just War theory which basically states that we cannot attack until attacked ourselves.

I can't believe YOU would start a nuclear war over hostages from another country, and Muslim extremism.

Answer 1

Do we have a right? Of course not, no country should tell what other countries can/can't/should/shouldn't do. The only problem America's influence in the world and their role as Worldcop is so dominating that they use their influence to their own gains.

Answer 2

You ascribe to the "just war" theory huh? I can see you also subscribe to moral relativism. There are no good guys or bad guys, it's all perspective.

Well the rest of the free world may not be as enlightened as you, but let's put it this way and see if any of it makes sense. When the American president, whoever it may be, openly advocates the annihilation of a country simply because they are Jewish, when Americans start kidnapping people and post videos of their beheading on the internet, when we execute women for getting raped without a male witness, and when we take hostages for entering the Gulf of Mexico then make them apologize for "invading our waters," then I'll stand right there with you on your position.

Edit: Normally I don't respond to comments, but you missed the entire essence of my point. No, I would not start a nuclear war over 15 hostages. That is precisely why I advocate keeping nuclear weapons out of the wrong hands, to AVOID it. Notice that the country who took the hostages is the same country we are trying to keep from getting those nuclear weapons.

Answer 3

Your question assumes facts not in evidence.

First, the U.S. does not give itself a "free pass" where " arms and technology" are concerned. In fact, the U.S. is a signatory to several arms control treaties and abides by them. We have eliminated biological and chemical weapons from our active forces. (We still have them stored because the environmentalists won't let us incinerate them.) We have been very aggressive in reducing the number of nuclear warhead in the world. A great number of our nuclear weapons have been destroyed as a result. Much of that reduction has occurred during the current administration.

Second, while one could argue that our war in Iraq is preemptive, I do not subscribe to that notion. Our war is Iraq deposed a vicious despot who murdered over 300,000 people during the last five years of his reign. Even if you regard the Iraq War as preemptive, that it exactly one preemptive conflict. (Afghanistan was not preemptive because they were hiding the people who attacked us.)

Also, I'd like ask you some questions. If you knew of an anthrax attack on LA would you wait for it to happen or preempt it.?. If you knew of nuclear attack on Chicago would you wait for it to happen or preempt it?

Answer 4

Just war theory changes over time. I have no idea what you are talking about, because i know the current Just War theory, and a pre-emptive attack to prevent a future attack is justified in it.

Answer 5

You have touched on the fine balancing act of our right to protect our nation and other nation's rights to do the same.

America is an aggressor on this planet. You may not feel like one, but you are part of it.

We are aggressively putting capitalism into play globally and as with any business venture we are maneuvering to be the ones in control of the market.

We don't have the right per se, but we have the power, so far, to pull it off.

I think China and the EU may have something to say about that in the near future, as will a united communist Latin America if Chavez has his way.

It may not seem right for us to control the weapons from other nation's perspectives, but just like the semi-truck on the freeway who starts into your lane... does he have the right of way? No Are you gonna argue in your little car? Not unless you are suicidal.
It's good to be in the truck. Go with it. :)

Answer 6

I believe we not only have the right, but the obligation.

"The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who would do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing."
Albert Einstein

Sounds pretty logical to me.

Answer 7

That wont work! Look at Korea and Iran, Would you trust them!!
Besides that would Communism!To rule the world!! Isn't that what Islam is all about!