Would there be any way to stop * from

[Humor_In_Cuneiform]

launching a nuke attack?

The condilizard's statements are making me a bit concerned, given how anxious I'm sure they are at the WH.

Or are we simply at their mercy to take another step towards ... another horrible war?

[jody]

1. Yes if the JCS refuse to follow a full scale nuclear attack order that

was clearly unjustified.

Your question was broad and an attack with a single tactical nuke would be different from a full scale nuclear attack. Regarding a tactical nuke, I believe the JCS would follow such an order.

[Humor_In_Cuneiform]

2. So what is the power of theJoint Chiefs? n/t

[Humor_In_Cuneiform]

3. JCS after 1986 Goldwater-Nichols Act:

"After the 1986 reorganization of the military undertaken by the Goldwater-Nichols Act, the Joint Chiefs of Staff do not have operational command of U.S. military forces. Responsibility for conducting military operations goes from the President to the Secretary of Defense directly to the heads of the Unified Combatant Commands and thus bypasses the Joint Chiefs of Staff completely. Today, their primary responsibility is to ensure the readiness of their respective military services. The Joint Chiefs of Staff also act in an advisory military capacity for the President of the United States and the Secretary of Defense. In addition, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff acts as the chief military advisor to the President and the Secretary of Defense..."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joint_Chiefs_of_Staff

[jody]

4. Agree however, the JCS has tremendous moral suasion that could

dissuade operational commanders if a president ordered a full scale nuclear attack.

[Humor_In_Cuneiform]

5. IOW

they'll know how to not allow Dr. Strangelove in the wh destroy the world.

That is encouraging.

[jody]

6. Yes, and the JCS are aware of what a rogue president could do. I trust

them more than I do a chicken-hawk president who is a mere puppet for forces that financed his campaigns and control his administration.