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http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1151AP_Bush_Space.html

Not really surprising when phrased that way, but nevertheless I find the policy statements made a bit alarming for a couple of reasons:

(1) It sounds like it's setting the stage for a belligerent response the next time that someone messes with one of our satellites (which I believe that the PRC may do on a regular basis).

(2) We're essentially reserving the right to blow someone else's space capability out of the sky if we feel like it.

(3) This quote I find particularly concerning because of its phrasing: "The United States considers space capabilities -- including the ground and space segments and supporting links -- vital to its national interests," the policy said.

_That_ sounds like they're expecting an attack on our launching facilities (or some other ground-based space-related installation), and are, again, positioning themselves to have a pre-rolled excuse. (Possibly an October Surprise, if it's not too late for that.)

Or am I just being paranoid? (Bush certainly makes that stance an easy one to fall into...)

(no subject)

Date: 20 October 2006 05:19 (UTC)
From: [identity profile] zandperl.livejournal.com
Isn't the UN policy curently that space is considered international "waters," that is no one can own it, and everyone has the right to go into it for whatever purpose? (Though it's possible that warfare is specifically excluded.)

But yeah, it does sound pretty ominous. Not only for forbidding anyone else from using space, but for how we're just ASKING for UN sanctions if we ever follow though on this.

Go vote 17 days from now.

(no subject)

Date: 20 October 2006 05:35 (UTC)
From: [identity profile] jrtom.livejournal.com
As long as the US is a permanent member of the Security Council, I suspect that we're pretty much immune from UN sanctions. But yeah, I think you may be right.

Oh, believe me, _voting_ I shall do. The only real question is what _else_ I'm going to do about this election between now and then.

(no subject)

Date: 20 October 2006 11:43 (UTC)
From: [identity profile] zandperl.livejournal.com
I've been encouraging everyone I know to go vote. It's a start, and about all I have time for.

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