In The Dallas Morning News' column, editors compare Senator Helms' failure to schedule hearings on the CTBT to the actions of the insane general who trips a chain of destructive events that lead to a global nuclear holocaust in the 1964 movie, Dr. Strangelove . Its merits shine through.
Testing is the principal engine of nuclear proliferation.
Without tests, a would-be nuclear power cannot be sure enough the thing would work to employ it as a reliable military and political instrument. The United States, which enjoys immense global nuclear advantage, can only be the loser as additional countries go nuclear or extend their nuclear reach. No nation possibly can gain more than we do from universal acceptance of a test ban that closes off others' options. Senate Republicans should pressure Helms and Senate Majority Leader Lott to get off the dime and bring this popular and necessary measure to a vote. The Republican leadership needs to show greater responsibility on this issue.