Military Cuts

Kliphnote: Is this Obama's agenda: make America weak? 

Looks like it to me. Weak and broke. 

U.S. weighs steep nuclear arms cuts

White House mulling options to slash number of deployed strategic nuclear weapons

The Associated Press

Posted: Feb 14, 2012 4:46 PM ET

Last Updated: Feb 15, 2012 1:25 AM ET

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A weapons trainer talks to U.S. officials about an inert non-nuclear B53 training weapon during an event commemorating the dismantling of the final B53 nuclear bomb in Amarillo, Texas on Oct. 25, 2011. (The Amarillo Globe News, Roberto Rodriguez/Associated Press)

The Obama administration is weighing options for sharp new cuts to the U.S. nuclear force, including a reduction of up to 80 per cent in the number of deployed weapons, The Associated Press has learned.

Even the most modest option now under consideration would be an historic and politically bold disarmament step in a presidential election year, although the plan is in line with President Barack Obama's 2009 pledge to pursue the elimination of nuclear weapons.

No final decision has been made, but the administration is considering at least three options for lower total numbers of deployed strategic nuclear weapons cutting to: 1,000 to 1,100; 700 to 800, and 300 to 400, according to a former government official and a congressional staffer. Both spoke on condition of anonymity in order to reveal internal administration deliberations.

Military Cuts and Tax Plan Are Central to Obama Budget

Doug Mills/The New York Times

President Obama unveiled his budget proposal Monday at a community college in Virginia. Republicans have criticized the president for not fulfilling a campaign promise on deficit cuts.

By JACKIE CALMES

Published: February 13, 2012

WASHINGTON — President Obama’s final budget request of his term amounts to his agenda for a desired second term, with tax increases on the affluent and cuts in spending, especially from the military, both to reduce deficits and to pay for priorities like education, public works, research and clean energy.