START Treaty Should Not Be Ratified

by: jason hammond | published: 07 28, 2010

Back in May of this year, Defense Secretary Robert Gates stated that the new START Treaty signifies ongoing cooperation between the two countries. I could not disagree more with Mr. Gates. To say this treaty helps America and its allies to be more secure is at best misleading. How can he say Russia has ANY desire to cooperate on nuclear weapons, strategic missile defense against terrorists and missile defense that is well needed against rogue states such as Iran and North Korea?

Remember when the U.S. had plans to install missile defense batteries in certain locations in Poland and other sites around Europe before it was canceled by Obama ? The high and mighty Russians were enraged at this proposition and felt “threatened” by the big, bad American Bully. However, even in this article by CNN the reason for the missile defense is to help keep NATO allies protected from the growing threats in the Middle East. What is Russia’s response? The deal could make Poland more open to an attack. Hummm, by whom I wonder? This is just one example of how Russia really does not desire cooperation with the United States.

Many critics have stated that the treaty does not have any specifics that will tie the Russians in a way to be held accountable for their weapons. Instead the Obama administration admits before Congress that the treaty has nothing to hold the Russians back:

Exchange from a hearing on July 20–

Sen. McCain: General Chilton, do you agree with the unclassified statement in the State Department Verification Assessment that ‘any cheating by the Russians would have little, if any, effect?’

General Chilton: Senator McCain, I do agree with that…

Sen. McCain: Well, what this brings to the casual observer’s mind, General, is if it doesn’t have any consequences if they do any cheating, what’s the point in having a treaty?

So if we know the Russians can cheat on the treaty, then why are we going head first into this agreement? We must use our brains and come to the conclusion that this something which should trigger all sorts of red flags in our minds.

Another area in the START treaty that catches my attention is around nuclear modernization. The treaty has some language regarding the upgrading and renewal of nuclear arms and facilities. President Obama has “promised” $80 billion towards this effort, but that requires a new bill from the House to authorize that money. With Pelosi in charge, do you really believe that is going to happen? Again, credibility of the START Treaty is now pretty much gone.

These are just two areas that are enough for me to tell my Senators to vote NO on approving this treaty. President Ronald Reagan used a unique phrase when negotiating on arm controls with the Russians. The phrase was “trust, but verify.” The START treaty in front of us today embodies NOTHING that would allow sufficient verification to be conducted. As I have stated in a previous post here, Washington continues to water down our military at the expense of our safety. Tell your Senators today to NOT ratify the new START Treaty.

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