by Robert M. Traxler
Let me start by saying the chances of a nuclear exchange are very remote. If you research the subject, please note the date of information used; before 1984 is obsolete data.
The fact that two nuclear armed nations are at war, the Russian Federation, and the state of Israel (up to 6377 warheads), though not with each other. If their backs are to the wall they will turn to nuclear weapons, and that needs to concern us. Pakistan (170 warheads) has attacked terrorists in Iran; both nations, I believe, are nuclear capable. Iran has been standing in the doorway of the nuclear club for more than 15 years now; to think they have not crossed the threshold to become a nuclear power is, in my opinion, naive.
The” Islamic Bomb,” the nuclear arsenal in Pakistan (over 170), is controlled by the Inter Service Intelligence (ISI), a group in their government like the FBI/CIA/NRC and military intelligence rolled into one. The ISI draws many members from the most radical Islamic tribes in Pakistan. They should be a concern to the world. To see the ISI clandestinely provide radical Islamic groups with a nuclear device would not be out of the question.
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, having more nuclear weapons than it needs as a deterrent (30 to 100), should also concern us; if the price is right, a few billion dollars, euros, marks or rubles, they may sell a nuke to whomever has the funds.
Most Americans have grown up in the shadow of a nuclear attack. The bomb has been a fact of life worldwide since 1945, some 79 years. We have learned to just ignore the facts and tell ourselves there is nothing we can do to protect ourselves from annihilation, so put it out of our minds.
This attitude was developed before the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaties (SALT) and the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) drastically reduced the nuclear arsenals of the United States and what is now the Russian Federation.The “through weight” of both nations has been reduced from around 480,000,000 tons of trinitrotoluene (TNT) to a small fraction of that, from 63,600 warheads of up to 100 megatons. The Tsar Bomba, claimed to be 100 megatons by the Union of Soviet Socialists Republics, to 12,500 warheads worldwide (6,100 are ours or our allies) with the largest being around 1.2 megatons, most are much smaller.
According to our current government, a nuclear exchange is survivable for some areas. Our major cities and economic centers along with military installations (especially Air Force and Space Force installations) will tragically be destroyed. However, most of our nation, including Dorr, Hopkins, Martin, Moline and Wayland, will survive if we take a few precautions.
Allow me to refer you to this site that has the best common-sense advice for preparing for a nuclear incident I have seen: ki4u.com/guide.pdf Only 14 pages long, it has a plethora of logical advice on survival in place using mostly household items we currently have. Printing a copy to keep on hand could not hurt.
To those who believe that they would not wish to live in a post-nuclear war world, you are of course free to disregard this and take your chances.
A total of 2,058 atomic bombs have been detonated in the world thus far and we are still here. So much for the one bomb radiating the world, folks. The Nevada desert test site saw 900 atomic bombs detonated in a small area, and today all but a few square miles of it are habitable. Ground zero at the Japanese cities nuked in WWII are completely livable, with an apartment complex and a museum at ground zero.
You may read the information contained in the ki4u.com/guide.pdf guide and do nothing, or take a few inexpensive steps towards keeping your loved ones safe, your choice. Three possible nuclear targets are within 25 miles of us with one, the Grand Rapids Airport, being some 15 miles; all three attacks are very survivable in our area with some early preparation.
After-the-fact preparations will be difficult, as we will see panic runs on supplies needed, like batteries. Most have a shelf life of 10 years, so keeping a few would not hurt.
Some nonperishable food can be stored for a decade or better. It will be impossible to find many items after the fact; remember shortages of toilet paper, hand sanitizer, disinfectant and face masks during Covid? Again, your choice, but it will not hurt to take a few minutes and read the article. My opinion.
Wow, Army Bob, you are nothing if not informative!
I’m sure the nattering nabobs on the Lefty side will attack you, but your hide is thick as a bison (that’s a buffalo for you city folk and recent high school graduates).
Good stuff to know!
Bass Man,
Thanks for the comment. Keeping a few days supply of necessary (just in case) items on hand is an intelligent thing to do and never hurts. A $14. 20 lb bag of rice or beans, $17. will feed 4 folks for 4 days and kept dry and cool has a shelf life of 10 or more years.
I am curious, Bass Man (whoever you are), why you would believe that those “on the Lefty side” would attack Mr. Traxler for the information in this piece? When Army Bob gives us a thoughtful, well-researched, non-partisan column such as this, most all readers benefit. It would seem that you desire conflict where none seems appropriate.
Just wondering.
RMT,
Thank you for speaking to a (hopefully) non partisan issue. The provided information is helpful, of course the desire is that it will be irrelevant and never needed, perhaps it may save lives if it comes to it. If anything -knowledge, information, and preparedness to a degree and not an obsession, can help ease anxieties.
It may be obvious that no one is going to convince “the other side” of anything at this point on a national, political level. It appears that revving up ones cheerleaders, or preaching to a choir, can only be counterproductive to the betterment of society at this time.
I hope you are able to continue to find topics to share and explore that are less divisive, or inflammatory and more conducive to equipping and growing the capabilities of our local communities as this seems to be. I realize it may take more work, and is not as engaging(controversial) or exciting as some would prefer. Although, I would like to think a more common ground is for the best and is certainly more fitting to someone of your stature. I also suspect you have a plethora of experience and knowledge to share that could be far more interesting as well.
It may not be a bad idea to bring back some of your “greatest hits” or “re-run” topics from years past if you deem them important. Many folks could have missed out on them. I do not think anyone would fault you for the redundancy.
Thanks Again, and Good Luck!
Mr. Baloney,
Since it is obvious your preference for president is the present occupant, I understand your reluctance for Army Bob to bring up facts. His record so far is dismal and he is not popular overall. I like AB’s perspectives on the national issues and Biden’s predicaments.
AB, keep up the great work goring the bull!
Mr. Baloney, please ask the author of TB to contribute your own viewpoints as a contributor. You can influence other Marxist elites so you can play to your audience. That way you can support the illogical nonsense coming from the president and his inept administration and make your views known. Good luck!