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Missile Defense

Russian military leaders have expressed concern about US plans for a national missile defense system. Will defense technology be limited by possibilities for a strategic imbalance? Is this just SDI all over again?

rshowalter - 11:35am Apr 11, 2001 EST (#2159 of 2164)
Robert Showalter showalte@macc.wisc.edu

I've been honored to spend time with you, and hope to spend more.

I'm having the pleasure of using my hands a little - these days ---- I'm making another experimental box -- a duplicate of my main experiment --- so that I can give that box to other people, who need time to get adjusted to a result they find surprising, and even wrenching, so that they can become accustomed to a new idea that is even pleasant, once they become accustomed to it -- but fear provoking when new.

People accustomed to thinking of electrical conduction at velocities near light speed don't believe that neural case -- where conduction velocities are many, many millions of times slower, because the values of parameters are so different, and because crosseffects, now not understood, actually matter. Even after seeing the result with their own eyes, they may at first disbelieve it -- want to forget it -- not really accept it. I want these people to be able to take the experiment itself into their own labs, and test it themselves, at their pace --asking the questions that seem right to them -- and become familiar with a truth that takes a while for them to fit into their consciousness. So I'm glad to build additional test rigs -- to "give away" for at time, so people can see for themselves, and get a confidence level that takes some living and some time.

almarst-2001 I value your insights and very different point of view, and hope we can keep talking -- so that we can become familiar with, comfortable with, a basically pleasant idea that, in the beginning, provokes fear --- that the US, and Russia, can live in peace. That the US and Russia can remain very different -- and even in some ways opposites -- and yet cooperate productively and graciously.

rshowalter - 11:40am Apr 11, 2001 EST (#2160 of 2164)
Robert Showalter showalte@macc.wisc.edu

lunarchick 4/11/01 8:41am

CIA marriages are hard on all concerned -- and set up for infidelity, in every sense of that word.

Sending in clear, whenever it is possible, is a lot more comfortable, a lot safer, and basically more productive.

rshowalter - 12:27pm Apr 11, 2001 EST (#2161 of 2164)
Robert Showalter showalte@macc.wisc.edu

Guardian Talk ---Is China's handling of the spy row right?

#396 http://talk.guardian.co.uk/WebX?14@@.ee81038/400

#404 http://talk.guardian.co.uk/WebX?14@@.ee81038/408

#406 http://talk.guardian.co.uk/WebX?14@@.ee81038/411

almarst-2001 - 12:42pm Apr 11, 2001 EST (#2162 of 2164)

I think it would be great if people would apply the best feelings and behavior they find in interaction with other people, toward other nations. After all, the nation is a collection of individuals, most of whom are good natured and human. Most of whom deserve the respect and patience in understanding. So, what the one nation does to another must be filled even with more good will then what is expected on the interaction of individuals.

After all, we all share the same ever shrinking Planet.

almarst-2001 - 04:47pm Apr 11, 2001 EST (#2163 of 2164)

Russian Urges Space Arms Ban Talks - http://www.newsday.com/ap/text/international/ap509.htm

"...The conference, with participants from 104 countries, appears to be a major attempt by Russia to take the lead on space and security issues even as its space program scrambles for money and the United States appears increasingly eager to build its missile defense.

But how much the conference can accomplish is unclear. The conference will not end with binding statements, and the United States has shown little inclination to give in to international pressure.

The United States was one of three countries that abstained from a United Nations resolution on preventing an arms race in space, which was approved by 160 other countries."

Some things are harder understand then others...

lunarchick - 06:04pm Apr 11, 2001 EST (#2164 of 2164)
lunarchick@www.com

On Spies' Wives, Barbara Bush and Mrs Putin would have commonality .... shh! Of course they wouldn't be able 'to talk' about it!

There's a write-up of the Russian-German Summit in my morning paper.

Putin wanted a low-cost European anti-missile shield.
The $19billion debt discussion was shelved.
The debt acrued in 'transferable roubles' which no longer exist.
KALINIGRAD .. wedged between Poland & Luthuiania may be the jump-off point for Russia to start the process of entery to the EC.
Signed accord re space exploration.
Much of the action was 'symbolic' ... perhaps Showalter would refer to it as high level status exchange ?
Putin wanted Schroder to pay attention to Putin's outline-plan for a 'limited anti-missile shield' ... Schroder didn't want to have to choose between NATO(usa) and Russia.
NTV took up time at the conference .. Russia complained of foreign meddling, Putin previously said he didn't want to get involved(NTV) -- too far down the chain for his attention.

Putin would have awareness that Gorby was overtaken by events re the ending of the USSR where he was seen to behind rather than a leader ahead of his public. Now that Russians have enjoyed NTV, had free - newscasts, and moved into the information world, then, Putin wouldn't be stupid enough to try to turn that wheel backwards - would he? A good leader would work with the media, harness it, use the close contacts to the public offered and set out to work with it and them to forge a 'better tomorrow'.

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