The U.S. will be far better off if the new START treaty between the U.S. and Russia is ratified and goes into effect. That’s the position put forth in a Wall Street Journal op-ed by Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates.
Gates argues that the treaty would strengthen the security of the U.S. and our allies and promote stability between the two major nuclear powers in several ways. The op-ed concludes:
"The New START Treaty has the unanimous support of America's military leadership—to include the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, all of the service chiefs, and the commander of the U.S. Strategic Command, the organization responsible for our strategic nuclear deterrent. For nearly 40 years, treaties to limit or reduce nuclear weapons have been approved by the U.S. Senate by strong bipartisan majorities. This treaty deserves a similar reception and result—on account of the dangerous weapons it reduces, the critical defense capabilities it preserves, the strategic stability it maintains, and, above all, the security it provides to the American people."
General Assemblies of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) have made many statements on issues related to nuclear weapons, guided by the understanding that working for God’s intended order and life abundant involves seeking international disarmament and arms control measures