COMMENTARY: In recent weeks, media outlets have been buzzing about Iran's nuclear program and the potential for them to build a nuclear weapon. Some reports suggest this could happen in a matter of weeks. However, much of the public perception is clouded by misunderstandings, often fueled by dramatizations in movies and media.
Contrary to popular belief, the U.S. president does not possess "launch codes" in the way many assume. Instead, a strict protocol verifies the president's identity before any nuclear strike can be ordered. Once verified, land-based missiles can be launched in about two minutes, while submarine-based missiles take approximately 15 minutes. Once launched, these missiles cannot be recalled. With today’s media commentary, here is MTSU Professor Larry Burriss… Hear more commentaries by Dr. Burriss HERE.
About Dr. Burriss - Larry Burriss, professor of journalism, teaches introductory and media law courses. At the graduate level he teaches quantitative research methods and media law. He holds degrees from The Ohio State University (B.A. in broadcast journalism, M.A. in journalism), the University of Oklahoma (M.A. in human relations), Ohio University (Ph.D. in journalism) and Concord Law School (J.D.). He has worked in print and broadcast news and public relations, and has published extensively in both academic and popular publications. He has won first place in the Tennessee Associated Press Radio Contest nine times. Dr. Burriss' publications and presentations include studies of presidential press conferences, NASA photography, radio news, legal issues related to adolescent use of social networking sites, legal research, and Middle Earth.
Dr. Burriss has served as director of the School of Journalism, dean of the College of Mass Communication and president of the MTSU Faculty Senate. He was appointed by Gov. Phil Bredesen to serve on the Tennessee Board of Regents. He was a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force and served on active duty in Mali, Somalia, Bosnia, Central America, Europe and the Pentagon.
