We learned in the twentieth century that simply guarding America s safety and national interests quietly, judiciously, yet very firmly is the best way to deal with the Russians and Chinese. We need to remember that now. Another favorite argument against missile defense is that it ll cost too much. Often linked to the cost complaint is the claim that it ll never work. Of course those same two arguments have been lobbed against every new weapon ever invented, from submarines to airplanes to laser-guided bombs.
Truth is, missile defense research is currently roaring along very fruitfully.
In 2000 a breakthrough laser weapon shot down a Russian-built missile over the White Sands test facility. Even Bill Clinton, no friend of these programs, admitted in 1999 that defending against ballistic missiles appears to be far more promising than many had thought including me a few years ago. Many of these existing and prototype defenses can be upgraded quickly, with wider-reaching and more futuristic elements gradually added over time. And the great progress already made has been accomplished for a relative pittance. That s less than 4 percent of what we Americans spend each year buying chocolate.