Mutually Assured Destruction, MAD, works only as long as it works; it does not know what to do if deterrence fails, for it envisions no defensive capabilities. A deterrent works until it is needed; then one needs defenses.
Jerry PournelleThe American way of war is to build an army, then another, then a third, while building fleets. If the war is still on at that point we smash.
Jerry PournelleIn any ethical situation, the thing you want least to do is probably the right action.
Jerry PournelleAs a means of subsidizing lawyers the present nuclear regulation system is well designed - but is there not perhaps a cheaper way of rewarding legal diligence? It would probably be cheaper to give each law school graduate a guaranteed salary of $50,000 a year on the condition that he (or she) not practice law.
Jerry Pournelle