Pentagon misses goal for missile defense system

NNN0LHI

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Sat Jan-01-05 12:03 AM
Original message

Pentagon misses goal for missile defense system

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N30220713.htm

WASHINGTON, Dec 31 (Reuters) - The Pentagon failed to meet its goal of declaring a missile defense system operational in 2004 and critics said failures in testing the ambitious system show it simply does not work.

The latest test of the multibillion-dollar system ended in failure on Dec. 15 when one of the interceptors intended to destroy an incoming enemy ballistic missile failed to launch on cue from the Marshall Islands in the Pacific.

Four of the system's nine major tests have been failures, and the five successes have been achieved under tightly controlled conditions.

Meanwhile, key components are absent, including a high-resolution, high-power, sea-based radar and two big satellite constellations.

President George W. Bush said two years ago he wanted the system up and running by September 2004. The Pentagon's Missile Defense Agency later said the intention was to make it operational by the end of 2004. Now Missile Defense Agency spokesman Rick Lehner says there is no firm timetable for activating it.

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NYC

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Sat Jan-01-05 12:15 AM
Response to Original message

1. Maybe they'll ditch it.

Save us all some money.

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daleo

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Sat Jan-01-05 12:16 AM
Response to Original message

2. It is a faith based system

Edited on Sat Jan-01-05 12:17 AM by daleo

It has caused a lot of praying (for - to work, against - to have it be discontinued), so it has served its purpose. But, another trillion dollars will help test the faith of the people on both sides.

On edit - Holy profits will also be generated.

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tabasco

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Sat Jan-01-05 12:48 AM
Response to Original message

3. It does exactly what it is designed to do.

Line the pockets of the CEOs of military industries.

Perhaps the greatest scam of all time.

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cyberpj

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Sat Jan-01-05 12:54 AM
Response to Reply #3

4. But why can't a majority of people understand that and object?

Is it me?

Is the current level of government collusion disgraceful and shocking or has it always been thus and I just wasn't as involved?

PJ

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driver8

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Sat Jan-01-05 10:54 AM
Response to Reply #4

8. PJ -- it is not you...

I have been thinking the same thing. This administration does not even try to hide the fact that they are lining the pockets of their cronies.

My God, the whole country should have been up in arms over the Haliburton deal.

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Pithy Cherub

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Sat Jan-01-05 01:09 AM
Response to Original message

5. This is a failure I can accept.

And appreciate the embarrasment * has to endure the next time he tries to ask Canada for someplace to base a grandiose system that doesn't work.

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NNN0LHI

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Sat Jan-01-05 08:38 AM
Response to Reply #5

6. Can you just as easily accept your tax dollars being wasted on this?

Edited on Sat Jan-01-05 08:38 AM by NNN0LHI

We are talking trillions of dollars here. Not billions or a few million. Trillions for a system that doesn't work. Don't know about you, but I am pissed.

Don

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0007

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Sat Jan-01-05 08:44 AM
Response to Original message

7. Maybe we can sell it to Poland?

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Moderator

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Sat Jan-01-05 11:08 AM
Response to Original message

9. duplicate topic

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=1111982

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