Lawmakers scrutinize missile shield

[groovedaddy]

WASHINGTON - Congressional Democrats are taking a closer look at the U.S. missile defense program, partly in an effort to pare down its high price tag.

The Democrats are raising questions about the effectiveness of the anti-missile program and investigating whether its testing regimen is realistic enough to demonstrate its capabilities against real attacks. Critics have long contended that the program's tests are too predictable.

The scrutiny comes as the United States is at a sensitive moment in negotiations with Poland and the Czech Republic to build part of its shield on their territory. Lawmakers are questioning the security value of those plans against stark opposition from Russia.

Rep. John Tierney said he intends, during hearings beginning Wednesday, to raise the question of whether Congress should continue present funding levels for what congressional auditors call the most expensive U.S. defense program.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080304/ap_on_go_co/missile_defense

[Deny and Shred]

1. It's about time. The shield doesn't work, and it's highly provacative

Bush unilaterally pulled out of the ABM treaty, which should have required Congressional approval, making that move potentially unconstitutional. Add it to the list.
This has led to the beginning of a new arms race. Lots of missile and bomb testing in the past 6 years. It has also raised the ire of Russia. Given the fact that Russia's basically been on the sidelines of the War on Terra, this is a stupid move.
BushCo's obstinate position against diplomacy combined with the ideological push for massive spending on a missile shield that won't work may be the ultimate failure of his tenure because many other nations feel compelled to militarize. American ability to outpace others in military spending may not last that much longer.

This article explains some of the history of the project
http://www.ciponline.org/dfd/shield.htm

This contains updated info including Eastern European installations. Also has many links concerning other aspects
http://www.basicint.org/update/MDU070529.htm

[groovedaddy]

2. "may be the ultimate failure of his tenure" You must have forgotten

how history will remember him...deep history, not recent history, which indicates that he is, in fact, the worst asshole of a president we've ever had!

[Deny and Shred]

3. Oh, I didn't forget. I meant the architect of global conflict

that repositioned the US from the champion of diplomacy to subversive aggressor in two presidential terms. The guy responsible for whatever may be wrought by the brewing conflicts and growing militarism around the globe.