Obama Plans to Scrap Missle Defense Shield?

How was it provocative? (After that clarification, I'll address your other claim.)

It's provocative because if it's not used for "defense", what is left? "Offense" obviously.

And if they feel their back is against the wall...
As both you and rdean state that this system is provocative because the system is not a defensive one, I suggest you reexamine your premise. This system is a defensive system and there is ample supporting evidence in both this thread and the other for that.

Thus, as your premise in in error, it follows that your conclusion that it is provocative is in error.
 
One test failure out of several tests, most of which succeeded, is just one datapoint in several. A bit of knowledge about scientific methods might be a good idea for you.

.... It doesn't matter how much evidence you give to a Republican. Once their little mind is made up, it's made up. Period!
Perhaps those 'anti-science' Republicans you mentioned realized that one test failure out of several does not equate to "it doesn't work". Your input is inane.

Actually, if one nuclear weapon get's through, then "yes" indeed, it didn't work.

Honestly, I don't understand why even the most simple things are such a challenge for Republicans?

Look, if the "target" has a "known" direction, velocity, location and is equipped with a homing device, AND IT IS STILL MISSED, then it is most definitely a failure. Can it be said in a more "simple" manner?
If a test fails one time (your link highlights one test failure, yet there are several tests) because of a failure in one area of the system, yet at least 10 other tests succeed, and that leads you to conclude that the entire system is a failure; it looks like we should all be thankful that Dems such as yourself have little to do with science.
 
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You don't see how it threatened the Russians? ....
Not at all. Please explain how it threatened the Russians.

Call it self evident or axiomatic, Emma; the neoconservative mind is willfully obtuse.
So, Wry Catcher, let us in on this secret and educate those less fortunate than you - how is the subject system provocative/threatening the Russians? Surely one of you are bright enough to articulate that in a clear and concise manner.
 
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Emma by what logic does the defensive missle system threaten russia?

I'm just curious as to your line of thought on this. Not trying to "attack" you :)
 
Emma by what logic does the defensive missle system threaten russia?

I'm just curious as to your line of thought on this. Not trying to "attack" you :)
:)

First of all, my primary agreement with this lies in what I stated above, that the administration is being flexible enough to address the issues as they exist.

I think placing these systems in former Soviet satellite states, on the Russian's back step so to speak, IS provocative from their perspective. They tend to be a distrustful lot, if not outright paranoid at times; I can understand their concern (what would be our reaction if the Russians were to place similar systems in, for example, Mexico or Cuba?) and, given what Sec. Gates has said, why antagonize the Russians with systems that are not necessary for their stated purpose?

Beyond that, what was described to be put in its place makes more sense as it would be mobile and more adept at handling the threat that does exist.
 
the russians split berlin, huh?
How do you think we ended up with West Berlin, East Berlin and the Berlin Wall? Do you think the Americans came up with that stupid shit? Was Reagan talking to the wrong boss when he told Gorbachev to tear down the wall?

What caused the Berlin Air Lift?

the United States, Great Britain and Soviet Russia decided to divide post-war germany, and berlin and vienna, btw. the french just hopped onto the bandwagon. let's see if you can process that information.

and check under your bed, there might me an evil russian hiding.
I'm convinced that Russia wanted the splitting of Berlin. The others went along, likely against their better judgment in order to give Russia their share of the spoils. It was Russia's doing.

There's not much need of trying to debate that further. The split would not have happened had Russia not wanted it. Therefore, the Russians split Berlin. You try to make it sound like a US idea.

I am not the least bit afraid of Russians.
 
Emma by what logic does the defensive missle system threaten russia?

I'm just curious as to your line of thought on this. Not trying to "attack" you :)
:)

First of all, my primary agreement with this lies in what I stated above, that the administration is being flexible enough to address the issues as they exist.

I think placing these systems in former Soviet satellite states, on the Russian's back step so to speak, IS provocative from their perspective. They tend to be a distrustful lot, if not outright paranoid at times; I can understand their concern (what would be our reaction if the Russians were to place similar systems in, for example, Mexico or Cuba?) and, given what Sec. Gates has said, why antagonize the Russians with systems that are not necessary for their stated purpose?

Beyond that, what was described to be put in its place makes more sense as it would be mobile and more adept at handling the threat that does exist.
The BHO policy is to capitulate to irrationale paranoia. That's not good policy, IMHO.
 
Emma by what logic does the defensive missle system threaten russia?

I'm just curious as to your line of thought on this. Not trying to "attack" you :)
:)

First of all, my primary agreement with this lies in what I stated above, that the administration is being flexible enough to address the issues as they exist.

I think placing these systems in former Soviet satellite states, on the Russian's back step so to speak, IS provocative from their perspective. They tend to be a distrustful lot, if not outright paranoid at times; I can understand their concern (what would be our reaction if the Russians were to place similar systems in, for example, Mexico or Cuba?) and, given what Sec. Gates has said, why antagonize the Russians with systems that are not necessary for their stated purpose?

Beyond that, what was described to be put in its place makes more sense as it would be mobile and more adept at handling the threat that does exist.
The BHO policy is to capitulate to irrationale paranoia. That's not good policy, IMHO.

How paranoid would WE be if the Russians did something similar?

And in any case, it's not capitulating to their paranoia. As Gates explained, it's dealing with the issue as it exists.
 
It's been fun chatting... I gotta get some sleep. Hope you have a wonderful day!
 
Right. We got nothing as concession. [sarcasm] That's some brilliant negotiating on our part. [/end sarcasm]

Actually, we got Russia to step up on pressuring the Iranians, further isolating them diplomatically. Also, notice that the shield wasn't scrapped. All he really did was move it further south.

Well I guess as usual the devil is in the details.

From the original article itself:
"Our new missile defense architecture in Europe will provide stronger, smarter and swifter defenses of American forces and America's allies," Obama said. "It is more comprehensive than the previous program.

"Because our approach will be phased and adaptive, we will retain the flexibility to adjust and enhance our defenses as the threat and technology continue to evolve," he added.

Gates said the new system will allow for a "distributed sensor network" as opposed to a "single fixed site."

Speaking from the Pentagon, he said the interceptors can be deployed in northern and southern Europe as well as on ships. He said a second phase to begin in 2015 could result in missiles being placed on land in Eastern Europe.

But critics blasted the administration for the move.

This is actually a smart progressive (in the modern technical term) approach to the evolving modern threats, as they are unfolding.
Though official unconfirmed it seems that modern Russia is actually already willing to adapt & positively respond to the decisions of the Obama administration.

On Friday, the Interfax news quoted an unnamed Russian military-diplomatic source as saying that such retaliatory measures would now be frozen and, possibly, fully canceled in response to Obama's decision to scrap the missile defense shield.

wwwDOTmsnbcDOTmsnDOTcom/id/32910142/ns/world_news-europe

The reality is that whether folks believe it or not the cold war is over.
The foolish illusion that an established Nation State is going to fling a nuke or two at our nation or allies & not expect a complete & swift annihilation of their entire nation is patently ludicrous.

No, it was a real world intelligent choice based in the current realities our ever smaller interconnected world is having to face. Not only that, it is is fiscally responsible choice.
 
Right. We got nothing as concession. [sarcasm] That's some brilliant negotiating on our part. [/end sarcasm]

Actually, we got Russia to step up on pressuring the Iranians, further isolating them diplomatically. Also, notice that the shield wasn't scrapped. All he really did was move it further south.

Well I guess as usual the devil is in the details.

From the original article itself:
"Our new missile defense architecture in Europe will provide stronger, smarter and swifter defenses of American forces and America's allies," Obama said. "It is more comprehensive than the previous program.

"Because our approach will be phased and adaptive, we will retain the flexibility to adjust and enhance our defenses as the threat and technology continue to evolve," he added.

Gates said the new system will allow for a "distributed sensor network" as opposed to a "single fixed site."

Speaking from the Pentagon, he said the interceptors can be deployed in northern and southern Europe as well as on ships. He said a second phase to begin in 2015 could result in missiles being placed on land in Eastern Europe.

But critics blasted the administration for the move.

This is actually a smart progressive (in the modern technical term) approach to the evolving modern threats, as they are unfolding.
Though official unconfirmed it seems that modern Russia is actually already willing to adapt & positively respond to the decisions of the Obama administration.

On Friday, the Interfax news quoted an unnamed Russian military-diplomatic source as saying that such retaliatory measures would now be frozen and, possibly, fully canceled in response to Obama's decision to scrap the missile defense shield.

wwwDOTmsnbcDOTmsnDOTcom/id/32910142/ns/world_news-europe

The reality is that whether folks believe it or not the cold war is over.
The foolish illusion that an established Nation State is going to fling a nuke or two at our nation or allies & not expect a complete & swift annihilation of their entire nation is patently ludicrous.

No, it was a real world intelligent choice based in the current realities our ever smaller interconnected world is having to face. Not only that, it is is fiscally responsible choice.
As this has little to do with the Cold War, except for Russia's continued paranoia, whether one believes the Cold War is over or not seems rather irrelevant a point.

There are other means to our end, of course, this is simply a major delay. As Iran is close to having enough HEU and their missile development continues, delaying it six more years to the same point where we currently are seems negligent. It is especially negligent considering the current unrest in Pakistan, IMO. From a basic negotiating view, we passed up an opportunity to get something in return. We pissed on Poland. These points also weigh into any thorough analysis.
 
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So we are talking THOUSANDS of missiles with say a DOZEN mirvs per missile. How can you POSSIBLY make a case for a missile defense shield that could defend against that many reentry vehicles?
russian mirvs are currently 3 warheads per missile treaty allows 8 though. we have means to defeat mirved warheads. why don't you read up on the ABM tech before spouting off that they are invulnerable. also in case you are wondering currently the russians are abiding by a treaty with the US that limits total warheads to under 3500 or thereabouts. and because they wish to retain second and even third strike capability they will not launch all missiles at once at any rate. and get this: Missile defense is not Meant to thwart a russian full strategic strike. with regards to Russia our only policy was to stop a rogue missile strike perhaps ten at most. however if you look up data on the KKV. it can handle mirved warheads and decoys easily. it has enough shots to kill everything that comes off a missile; warheads, decoys and all.





O.K. then I KNOW you will post of PROOF that we have SUCCESFULLY used interceptor missiles. And I DON'T mean pre planed events where they KNEW where it would be coming from. Missile defense systems have FAILED MISERABLY. Please tell me WHY a rogue nation would even use a missile delivery system.
 
So we are talking THOUSANDS of missiles with say a DOZEN mirvs per missile. How can you POSSIBLY make a case for a missile defense shield that could defend against that many reentry vehicles?
russian mirvs are currently 3 warheads per missile treaty allows 8 though. we have means to defeat mirved warheads. why don't you read up on the ABM tech before spouting off that they are invulnerable. also in case you are wondering currently the russians are abiding by a treaty with the US that limits total warheads to under 3500 or thereabouts. and because they wish to retain second and even third strike capability they will not launch all missiles at once at any rate. and get this: Missile defense is not Meant to thwart a russian full strategic strike. with regards to Russia our only policy was to stop a rogue missile strike perhaps ten at most. however if you look up data on the KKV. it can handle mirved warheads and decoys easily. it has enough shots to kill everything that comes off a missile; warheads, decoys and all.





O.K. then I KNOW you will post of PROOF that we have SUCCESFULLY used interceptor missiles. And I DON'T mean pre planed events where they KNEW where it would be coming from. Missile defense systems have FAILED MISERABLY. Please tell me WHY a rogue nation would even use a missile delivery system.
As few have fired ICBMs at us, you'll have to wait a while for "proof" that would be acceptable to you.
 
IF Iran were to launch a NUCLEAR ATTACK on ANYONE they would be wiped off the face of the EARTH and there would not be ONE country opposed to the US doing so so quit your BS claim that some ROGUE state will launch a missile when it would be SO MUCH easier to send one on a cargo ship and detonate off the coast.
 
No nation on earth other than the US has EVER used a nuclear weapon. No country that has the slightest desire to exsist into the next decade will NEVER use a nuke. If Iran got a nuke there hands would be TIED by that power. A nuclear weapon is more of a DEFENSIVE weapon because the THREAT of using it will keep your boarders secure.
 
So you see your missile defense shield doesn't work for TWO reasons. Reason ONE it will never function in a full scare nuclear war and TWO if it is designed to stop a single or two or three weapons then Iran would just SHIP them to a harbor and detonate there.
 
Why would Iran commit national suicide by launching a nuclear weapon at us in first place?
 

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