US nuclear launch officers' open letter: Cannot let Trump have his finger on nuke button

Washington, Oct 15: Is Donald Trump a warmonger? Will he prove destructive to the world peace if elected as the next president of the United States?

This is what a group of former nuclear launch officers in the US Air Force feel about Trump becoming the next commander-in-chief of the country.

In fact, the 10 experts signed an open letter, first published by The Washington Post, detailing why the Republican presidential nominee "should not have his finger on the button (nuclear)".

"Only the president can order a nuclear launch. That order cannot be vetoed and once the missiles have been launched, they cannot be called back," the letter reads.

"The consequences of miscalculation, impulsive decision-making or poor judgment on the part of the president could be catastrophic," it adds.

The letter ends, "Donald Trump should not be the nation's commander-in-chief. He should not be entrusted with the nuclear launch codes. He should not have his finger on the button."

The letter clearly reiterates why defence and military experts of the US are not very comfortable with the idea of seeing Trump as their next POTUS.

Here we bring you the whole letter below:

"Scores of leaders and experts from both political parties have questioned whether Donald Trump has the experience, temperament and judgment to have his finger on the proverbial "Red Button."

We share their concern - and we see the issue from a unique perspective. We are former nuclear launch control officers, or "missileers." We sat nuclear alert in underground missile launch centers.

It was our job to turn keys to fire nuclear-armed missiles if the president so ordered us. Once we began alert duty, we took orders from the president and no one else. Only the president can order a nuclear launch. That order cannot be vetoed and once the missiles have been launched, they cannot be called back.

The consequences of miscalculation, impulsive decision-making or poor judgment on the part of the president could be catastrophic. The pressures the system places on that one person are staggering and require enormous composure, judgment, restraint and diplomatic skill.

Donald Trump does not have these leadership qualities. On the contrary, he has shown himself time and again to be easily baited and quick to lash out, dismissive of expert consultation and ill-informed of even basic military and international affairs - including, most especially, nuclear weapons.

Donald Trump should not be the nation's commander-in-chief. He should not be entrusted with the nuclear launch codes. He should not have his finger on the button."

OneIndia News