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Missile Defense

Technology has always found its greatest consumer in a nation's war and defense efforts. Since the last attempts at a "Star Wars" defense system, has technology changed considerably enough to make the latest Missile Defense initiatives more successful? Can such an application of science be successful? Is a militarized space inevitable, necessary or impossible?

Read Debates, a new Web-only feature culled from Readers' Opinions, published every Thursday.

gisterme - 11:16pm Mar 8, 2003 EST (# 9686 of 9693)

almarst2003 - 08:32pm Mar 7, 2003 EST (# 9623 of ...) http://forums.nytimes.com/webin/WebX?8@28.xjvqa7bc5at.822594@.f28e622/11164

"...I am curious what whould you say in a 50th if Soviet Union would request a regime change in America..."

That's exactly what the Soviets were trying for; but they were smart enough not to go to the UN to try to get it done.

"...to establish the racial equality and protect blacks from being linched?..."

We took care of that problem ourselves. The last time a black was lynched in the US was over 40 years ago. That act resulted in the destruction of the last and most powerful remaint of the orgainized Ku Klux Klan in America.

The mother of the unfortunate young man wound up owning everything that KKK group had, including their land and buildings as the result of a civil suit. That was because the KKK group had encouraged it's members to commit violence against blacks.

On the criminal side, two men were found guilty. One of the perpatrators was executed and the other (who confessed and begged forgivness from the mother) is still in prison. Incidently, when the repentant killer asked for forgiveness from the mother in the courtroom, she replied in a low voice, "I've already forgiven you". That's both justice and a practical application of the Golden Rule.

"...Double standard again?"

Nope. Just Justice.

mazza9 - 11:31pm Mar 8, 2003 EST (# 9687 of 9693)
"Quae cum ita sunt" Caesar's Gallic Commentaries

Gisterme:

History is something that Almarst, robert and lchic cannot comprehend. The Cold War was driven by a large nation state, (Soviet Union) who could afford to meddle in world affairs. It couldn't produce the "Soviet Man" anymore than Hitler could produce and Aryan Race.

Now the world has come face to face with the US. we're right and they're all wrong. The UNis flawed and in need of some house cleaning. It can no longer abet and ignore the petty dictators of the world. True human rights, per the UN Charter, must be pursued. This means no more slavery in Africa, no more dictators ANYWHERE!

North Korea continues to spew bellicose threats. I say we give that dictator 10 days to get off planet or we're coming to get him next!

A dog limps into a bar. The bar tender asks, "What can I get you?" The dog says, "I'll have a scotch!" The bar tender returns with the drink and says, "Is there anything else?" The dog says, "Yeah, I'm looking for the man who shot my paw!"

gisterme - 11:42pm Mar 8, 2003 EST (# 9688 of 9693)

rshow55 - 05:01pm Mar 8, 2003 EST (# 9669 of ...) http://forums.nytimes.com/webin/WebX?8@28.xjvqa7bc5at.822594@.f28e622/11210

"...If some key leaders of Islamic nations started making some phone calls - and using some power they have - a lot of very dangerous messes could be defused."

Based on recent events WRT the capture of important terrorists, I think that may be exactly what's happening.

I can't help but admire the courage and leadership of President Musharraf. There's a man who's truly earning his grey hairs.

gisterme - 11:57pm Mar 8, 2003 EST (# 9689 of 9693)

I heard a commentator on TV today say that "Going to war without the support of France is like going bear-hunting in Main without a piano.".

Best laugh I've had in a while! :-)

gisterme - 12:24am Mar 9, 2003 EST (# 9690 of 9693)

mazza9 - 11:31pm Mar 8, 2003 EST (# 9687 of ...)

http://forums.nytimes.com/webin/WebX?224@28.xjvqa7bc5at.822594@f639b@.f28e622/11228

"...North Korea continues to spew bellicose threats. I say we give that dictator 10 days to get off planet or we're coming to get him next!..."

Woah there, ya' big galute! :-)

Let's worry about one thing at a time and not get the cart before the horse. If it turns out we must disarm Iraq by force, Kim Jong Il may have a change of heart after the fact. So far he's only waving his arms. It occurs to me that Kim Jong Il may only be trying to keep a secret promise of support to Saddam (speculation of course). That would explain the weird timing of his sudden interest in sign-language.

Saddam has had twelve years to quit threatening the world but hasn't. Instead, he has increased his threat. Kim Jong Il has only been about his arm-waving for four months. I'd say WRT NK, let's continue having some patience. The NK people are starving and abused, but NK hasn't invaded a neighbor in over 50 years.

Let's hope Kim Jong Il experiences an epiphany in the near future. He could still lead NK to a better future if he decides he wants to. He calls himself "great leader". If he decides he wants to, he could be one.

A good start for him would be to beat some weapons into plowshares.

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