August 17, 2004 :: Washington Post :: News
Days after John Kerry affirmed that he would substantially cut missile defense funding, President Bush spoke of the need for missile defense at a defense plant in Pennsylvania, by charging that opponents of missile defense are “living in the past.”
Bush described the initial limited system which will become operational this fall, as “the beginning of a missile defense system that was envisioned by Ronald Reagan—a system necessary to protect us against the threats of the 21st century.” In fact, however, it is much more modest, and would defend only against certain threats from rogue nations, and would not provide a defense against Russian or Chinese missiles, even accidental or unauthorized launches. Bush continued, saying that, “I think those who oppose this ballistic missile system really don’t understand the threats of the 21st century. They’re living in the past. We’re living in the future. We’re going to do what’s necessary to protect this country.”
The Kerry campaign responded with a statement, that that “despite this Administration’s near obsession with missile defense, the greatest threat facing our homeland comes from terrorists who would do us harm.”
Of course, terrorists too can acquire ballistic missiles, and the launch of a short range missile from a ship off an American coast requires not only the Alaskan system, but a much more robust and layered defense. The midcourse interceptors to be deployed in Alaska are but the first step. (Article)
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