Former nuclear launch officer John Noonan knows the danger of nuclear weapons and the vast devastation they cause to anything and everything in their path. Blasts extend miles in every direction, spreading lethal radioactive particles into the air, buildings, soils, and drinking water for years to come. The destruction surrounding these explosives is immeasurable and the radioactive aftermath lingers for years, slowly killing humans across the globe.
While humans across the world are aware of the mass destruction that comes from using nuclear weapons, Donald Trump seems unable to grasp that concept. According to Joe Scarborough of MSNBC:
‘Several months ago, a foreign policy expert on the international level went to advise Donald Trump. And three times [Trump] asked about the use of nuclear weapons. Three times he asked at one point if we had them why can’t we use them.’
Upon hearing this news, John Noonan called out Trump’s ignorance in a series of tweets.
1. I cant get this in one tweet. So bear with me as I air some laundry here on Scarborough's claim Trump's interested in nuclear First Use
— John Noonan (@noonanjo) August 3, 2016
2. Pulled 300 nuclear alerts, 100 ft under the Wyoming turf. Job is serious and full of serious people.
— John Noonan (@noonanjo) August 3, 2016
3. When we went into ICBM training, we went through a battery of tests and interviews. Are you sane? Are you willing to turn your key?
— John Noonan (@noonanjo) August 3, 2016
4. I see how those might sound at odds.
— John Noonan (@noonanjo) August 3, 2016
5. But the whole idea behind nuclear deterrence is that you don't use the damn things. So I thought the mission credible and worthy.
— John Noonan (@noonanjo) August 3, 2016
Noonan pointed out that the United States does have nuclear weapons, as do other countries, but that fact is not to be taken lightly. Nuclear weapons cause mass destruction and kill millions, but the secret to having nuclear weapons and keeping peace across the planet is to not use them, as this will likely set off a chain reaction.
He continued:
6. There are a hell of a lot of bad actors out there who have nukes. They are restrained only by our ability to instantly lay waste to them.
— John Noonan (@noonanjo) August 3, 2016
7. The nuke triad, which Trump doesn't have a clue about, has been the single greatest contributor to global peace for decades. You heard me
— John Noonan (@noonanjo) August 3, 2016
Noonan then questioned Scarborough’s sources.
8. I dont know if Scarborough is telling whole truth here. Anonymous sources suck. BUT… if he is… buckle the hell up.
— John Noonan (@noonanjo) August 3, 2016
However, he didn’t put it past Trump to only think of the present and not plan for the future.
9. Because Trump would be undoing 6 decades of proven deterrence theory. The purpose of nukes is that they are never used. Trump disagrees?
— John Noonan (@noonanjo) August 3, 2016
10. This would be the single greatest strategic shift in US national security in decades. In a Trump Presidency, our foreign policy
— John Noonan (@noonanjo) August 3, 2016
11. ….would be this. "Leave our alliances, fall back on a nuclear first use policy." Does he understand just how F'ing dangerous that is?
— John Noonan (@noonanjo) August 3, 2016
Trump has already proven that he only cares about his own selfish wants and needs, crossing boundaries and promoting hatred and violence throughout his campaign. He has proven he knows nothing about foreign policy, nor does he care to learn, and he only thinks of the present, not what pain and suffering his actions will cause later. Trump has no sense of good will, empathy, or compassion for others, and his thoughts and requests to use nuclear weapons show just how feeble minded he truly is.
12. But what really concerns me, as a former nuke guy, is the idea of a narcissist walking around with nuclear authenticators.
— John Noonan (@noonanjo) August 3, 2016
13. I could sit 100ft underground, on alert, knowing that the POTUS would not make me do my duty — not unless it was absolute last resort
— John Noonan (@noonanjo) August 3, 2016
Noonan pointed out that nuclear weapons are meant as a very last resort and should not even be considered until there are no other viable options. He then began pointing out how even the slightest blow to Trump’s ego could cause the childish narcissist to lose it.
14. But imagine having to turn launch keys not knowing if we were under attack or if it was b/c foreign leader said a mean thing on twitter
— John Noonan (@noonanjo) August 3, 2016
15. The power is there to kill millions. Permanently alter the geopolitical landscape. It is a sacred, sobering responsibility.
— John Noonan (@noonanjo) August 3, 2016
16. Idea that nukes would be used, say over Raqqa or Mosul, simply because we have no more allies and it's a simple, easy fix is nauseating
— John Noonan (@noonanjo) August 3, 2016
17. Simply signaling that you're open to using strategic weapons as a tactical solution rewrites the rule book. Russia, China, others will
— John Noonan (@noonanjo) August 3, 2016
18. respond. Nuclear deterrence is about balance. Trump is an elephant jumping up and down on one side of the scale. So damn dangerous.
— John Noonan (@noonanjo) August 3, 2016
19. But geopolitics aside, I can't get my mind off the young officers on nuke alert right now. Wondering if they'll soon answer to a madman.
— John Noonan (@noonanjo) August 3, 2016
20. And be asked to do a duty that should morally be asked of no human being, ever. //end
— John Noonan (@noonanjo) August 3, 2016
Noonan thinks not only of himself but of the nuclear officers who may, in the near future, be under order of Donald Trump and may be asked to perform a daunting task that they will never forget. This election season has brought fear across the nation and terrifying thoughts of the future.
Image Source: Getty
