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The secret of the first atomic bomb was 100 tonnes of uranium metal and highly refined graphite. Wikipedia says the US got lucky because the Nazis didn’t know about graphite. (They also might not have had 100 tonnes of uranium metal.)
On 2 December 1942, the US started a fission reaction in Chicago, which was quickly whisked off to a classified location. About two and a half years later, the pile had generated enough plutonium for two bombs, and the US MIGHT have enriched enough uranium for a third bomb (the US initially claimed all bombs were U235, which is VERY difficult to isolate in concentration suitable for use in a bomb). It only takes about 20 pounds (or less) of plutonium to produce a bomb, and, if someone donates that plutonium (because the enemy of my enemy is my friend) one can have a nuclear bomb with very little trouble (and without highly competent scientists). I think this applies to one or two of the current nuclear powers. Anyone with 100 tonnes of uranium metal and some graphite can generate enough plutonium for thousands of bombs (at the rate of a few dozen a year), and two nations have done so. Iran has neither tonnes of uranium metal, nor friends willing to donate plutonium (or U235). But promising the Iranian people they will soon have a bomb and thereby become a Great Power (again) seems to play well on the Iranian podium. Plus, as an added benefit, by making that promise, they get to tweak the Great Satan’s tail!
There are more horrible things than the nuclear bomb. One of which is man’s ignorance and fear. Man is NOT supposed to regress, he is to acquire knowledge and progress. Islam must move aside…and, ever so slowly …is… More correct is religion rather than just Islam… But, I am an American and cab NEVER forget 911.
Just as N Korea, France, Japan and Russia have ? Ima, you live in a fantasy world of the past. I live in the real world. If Iran secures the bomb , so what ?? The definition of world power has changed… Ima, and Islam, its no longer the 1600s…
Sorry no, just because they needed 100 tones in the 40s dose not mean they need it today. I don’t believe they do. What takes to get a job done is often less after the process is refined.
And even if it dose, if China will give N. Korea the bomb why not Iran.
There are Muslims, Christians, Atheists and others who would cheerfully push the button to end the world and be glad to die in the effort. For some, power comes not from the ability to create something great, but from the ability to destroy great things. The cartoon offers a slight bit of hope. At the end of all of the blustering and displays of strength, the two take off their masks, look eye to eye, and offer to meet again next week. Maybe one day, they’ll show up without the trappings of power and talk together like truly civilized humans. Respectfully, C.
The Germans didn’t believe in the nuke, or the ‘Jew Bomb’ as they referred to it. Had America never been attacked it is highly probably that another country would have developed the nuke before we did. I realize you can’t read current events but Iran has put out news reports they have found uranium (another lie, they are probably buying it from someone equally stupid like North Korea, who is probably getting it from China).
Joel Pett is a three-time finalist for Pulitzer Prize for cartooning. He won the award in 2000. He joined Lexington Herald-Leader in 1984 and USAToday as contributing cartoonist in 2002.
Henry Payne by Henry Payne
Ted Rall by Ted Rall
Comments (17) (Please sign in to comment)
Ms. Ima said, 4 months ago
It’s funny until Iran drops a nuke.
Michael wme said, 4 months ago
The secret of the first atomic bomb was 100 tonnes of uranium metal and highly refined graphite. Wikipedia says the US got lucky because the Nazis didn’t know about graphite. (They also might not have had 100 tonnes of uranium metal.)
On 2 December 1942, the US started a fission reaction in Chicago, which was quickly whisked off to a classified location. About two and a half years later, the pile had generated enough plutonium for two bombs, and the US MIGHT have enriched enough uranium for a third bomb (the US initially claimed all bombs were U235, which is VERY difficult to isolate in concentration suitable for use in a bomb).
It only takes about 20 pounds (or less) of plutonium to produce a bomb, and, if someone donates that plutonium (because the enemy of my enemy is my friend) one can have a nuclear bomb with very little trouble (and without highly competent scientists). I think this applies to one or two of the current nuclear powers.
Anyone with 100 tonnes of uranium metal and some graphite can generate enough plutonium for thousands of bombs (at the rate of a few dozen a year), and two nations have done so.
Iran has neither tonnes of uranium metal, nor friends willing to donate plutonium (or U235). But promising the Iranian people they will soon have a bomb and thereby become a Great Power (again) seems to play well on the Iranian podium. Plus, as an added benefit, by making that promise, they get to tweak the Great Satan’s tail!
Adrian Snare said, 4 months ago
There are more horrible things than the nuclear bomb.
One of which is man’s ignorance and fear.
Man is NOT supposed to regress, he is to acquire knowledge and progress. Islam must move aside…and, ever so slowly …is…
More correct is religion rather than just Islam…
But, I am an American and cab NEVER forget 911.
Adrian Snare said, 4 months ago
@Ms. Ima
Just as N Korea, France, Japan and Russia have ?
Ima, you live in a fantasy world of the past.
I live in the real world.
If Iran secures the bomb , so what ??
The definition of world power has changed…
Ima, and Islam, its no longer the 1600s…
jack75287 said, 4 months ago
@Adrian Snare
1300s and yes it is.
jack75287 said, 4 months ago
@Michael wme
Sorry no, just because they needed 100 tones in the 40s dose not mean they need it today. I don’t believe they do. What takes to get a job done is often less after the process is refined.
And even if it dose, if China will give N. Korea the bomb why not Iran.
onguard said, 4 months ago
The Nuclear Bomb has saved countless millions of human lives. It stopped the Mega wars that had continuously infested the World.
Respectful Troll said, 4 months ago
There are Muslims, Christians, Atheists and others who would cheerfully push the button to end the world and be glad to die in the effort. For some, power comes not from the ability to create something great, but from the ability to destroy great things.
The cartoon offers a slight bit of hope. At the end of all of the blustering and displays of strength, the two take off their masks, look eye to eye, and offer to meet again next week.
Maybe one day, they’ll show up without the trappings of power and talk together like truly civilized humans.
Respectfully,
C.
Ms. Ima said, 4 months ago
@Michael wme
The Germans didn’t believe in the nuke, or the ‘Jew Bomb’ as they referred to it. Had America never been attacked it is highly probably that another country would have developed the nuke before we did.
I realize you can’t read current events but Iran has put out news reports they have found uranium (another lie, they are probably buying it from someone equally stupid like North Korea, who is probably getting it from China).
Huin D. Ekmi said, 4 months ago
I popped over to Kallaugher’s cartoons to see if there was a new Pett in there. No such luck.
Nos Nevets said, 4 months ago
meanwhile, back at the uranium ranch . . .
Stipple said, 4 months ago
People still die when the masks are on, even if those playing think it is only a game.
d_legendary1 said, 4 months ago
Pett’s cartoon can be found here and it’s a zinger!
masterskrain said, 4 months ago
@d_legendary1
OUCH!!
And Pett NAILS Turtle-Boy’s and Rove’s tactics PERFECTLY!
Tigger
said, 4 months ago
News Flash! Iran already has at least one Nuclear Bomb, they’re better at keeping it secret.