Bush angling for uncontested dominance of space

[jrtom]

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...)

Comments

[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.

[zandperl.livejournal.com]

I've been encouraging everyone I know to go vote. It's a start, and about all I have time for.