The Doomsday Clock - getting closer to midnight

[KafirChobee]

Actually, the clock was moved 2 minutes closer to midnight in January - is now 5 minutes to doom. Caused both by N. Korean's nuke test and global warming (that supposedly fictitious thing some still denie).

Here is the timeline issued by the scientific organization that created it in 1947:

http://www.thebulletin.org/minutes-t.../timeline.html

Was sorta surprised no mention of Oct. 1962 was made (Missles of October) - but decided it was probably because the crisis lasted less than 2 weeks and ended in a detente of sorts. [Had heard it was a minute to midnight, but have never really seen anything confirming it]

Regardless, with the situation in Pakistan where the possibility that the present regime (Malleki - ms) maybe supplanted with a Muslim Theocracy by the pending elections, or revolt. I wonder how much that and other situations in the world (the Wests crumbling diplomacy with Russia - the new coldwar, the new rise of alQuaeda and terrorism, as well as global warming) will affect the clock. Or, does the clock really matter?

Looking at the timeline since 1947, is rather interesting. If nothing more it certainly demonstrates that when diplomacy is supplanted with sabre-rattling the big hand moves forward. When the reverse is true it moves further away - unless affected by incalculable events (like say 9/11).

Question is, does the clock matter? If so, what do you surmise will be the next affecting factor. If not, what if anything would you use as a scale for measuring the threat of mutual destruction?

[Odin]

If so, what do you surmise will be the next affecting factor. If not, what if anything would you use as a scale for measuring the threat of mutual destruction?

I honestly believe that the theory of MAD will still suffice to keep the status quo with a few flare ups here and there. The whole North Korean thing is a good example, honestly there test was less then spectacular, Kim practically sprinted back to the table after that (im sure China would like nothing more then to keep the american consumer happy as well).

Iran might be an issue, but its far enough away that the neo cons in the white house now will be gone before its a real threat to the the US mainland.

I do believe that the earth will ensure our destruction mainly from the impact on the myth, that is global warming (yuk, yuk) for all the genius's who dont think its a factor, when we enter the 10th year of droughts, floods, storms and resources get affected thats when the real trouble starts.

Fearing a country that might develop nukes for defense isnt a big worry for me, its when someone kicks down my door because he wants my food and water and I have to shoot him.

Will that happen in my life time? Who knows, but the clocks ticking.