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US Military Plans Space Combat
MacDork writes "Wired news is reporting that the US Air Force has documented its plans to shoot down "commercial spacecraft, neutral countries' launching pads -- even weather satellites" should the need arise. From potential Chinese militarization of space to commercial spy satellites their reasoning seems obvious, but there are just as obvious consequences of such actions. Just glancing at the PDF, I don't see any plans for the aftermath..."
I know it's silly to expect reply from AC, but which enemies are you referring to? Sept 11 terrorists? Bin Laden? Saddam Hussein? Palenstenian suicide bombers? Do you think any of those have achived better life for their people rather than complete lack of sympathy from the world for their cause. If Palestinians had a leader like Martin Luther King, now I would be symphasise with them and perhaps donate money to support their rights. As it is, I completely understand why Israel would want to build fences for this kind of people.
these weapons being deployed at least once by generals eager to flex their muscles
Soldiers are to war as firemen are to fires. Both exist to deal with situations that other people have caused. "Every soldier worth his salt is anti-war" said General Schwarzkopf. General Powell is the "dove" in Bush's inner circle. Maybe there are exceptions, generals are human too, but they're few and far between in Western armies. Gung-ho politicians are eager to throw soldiers into battle. Generals know that war is the last resort, but when it comes you better be DAMN SURE that you can handle it.
Anyone with military training will tell you that, trust me.
The second factor is that the design and / or construction of these weapons is inherantly a threat to everyone else who will then respond.
A treaty that cannot be broken cannot be enforced. If another nation deploys space weapons in violation of the UN treaty, no amount of diplomatic chin-wagging will actually make a difference. Only those with the capability - even if reluctantly - to respond have a voice in the real world.