Well past time to set the record straight on the Carter presidency

[paleotn]

13. Soft of defense? He ordered production of the LGM-118 or MX missile....

A more expensive, but advanced replacement for aging Minuteman and Titan II ICBMs. Congress balked however and Reagan got the credit. Carter canceled the B-1, but why not? Other than a tactical role, the eventual B-1 Lancer was of little strategic value during the Cold War. It's still a "nice to have" but unnecessary even in a tactical role. The bomber leg of the nuclear triad has been obsolete since the late 60's and Carter rightly recognized there was no need to waste money there.

He completed the SALT II treaty, but kept the Trident and cruise missile (the nascent Tomahawk) programs. Now 2 linchpins of American nuclear defense. True to his "squid" roots, he hung on to the Trident missile, now the bedrock of America's nuclear deterrent. Adversaries know where our bomber bases are, they know where our land based ICBMs are housed, but have no idea where our boomers are lurking. In short, seriously work towards peace and disarmament, but still keep your powder dry just in case.