[ClearCase_guy]

Our boomers parked few miles out in the ocean would could make quick work of their "industrial base."

They sure could.

But they wouldn't. We don't allow ourselves to fight wars in ways in which civilian casualties might be a possibility.

[Williams]

Reality is a bit more complicated. If you remain superior you prevent the instability we are discussing here. Unfortuately we may be too stupid in the long run to maintain superiority.

If you believe the war will remain conventional, it seems to me one US advantage is allies with decent armies and navies in a supporting role. Taiwan, S Korea, Japan, India, even Vietnam. Possibly England and European powers, as well.

If the war is nuclear or escalates there, all bets are off. Don’t forget the Chinese can inflict horrendous damage here. We can return the favor but the Chinese are counting on us not wanting the USA as a smouldering radioactive wreck and millions of casualties.

All this is why we should remain strong in the first place.

[randomhero97]

Any area that produces military assets is a legal, legitimate target.

Now, if you are saying the politicians that run this hypothetical war wouldn't authorize this I would agree. However, if the news showed one of our carriers sunk the American people would be calling for blood. Well, a high percentage of them anyway.

[American Constitutionalist]

" But they wouldn't. We don't allow ourselves to fight wars in ways in which civilian casualties might be a possibility."

It depends what kind of war your talking about.... a politically correct war, then, yes, your right, but in a all out full fledged war where your fighting to survive ? all is fair in love and war... wonder if our generals will say " the heck with this political correct crap, deploy the nukes " .... it will come down to Obama ( Capt. Philip Francis Queeg ) against our generals...