Centerblue.org

The US military shot down a test ballistic missile over the Pacific Ocean today as part of its emerging anti-missile shield program. The missile was fired from Alaska and the interceptor came from California.

Kudos to the military for this feat, which depended on the ever-accelerating rate of computer technology. In an age where countries like North Korea are developing nuclear missiles that will eventually be capable of reaching US cities, we have no choice but to adapt. Many countries and civilizations have fallen because of the technological superiority of their foes. Hide could not turn bronze spears, bronze shields could not withstand iron swords, European castles crumbled before the cannon, and so on. The game is no different today, except it is much deadlier. We’re still grappling with how to deal with the unseen foe that terrorism represents, but an ability to neutralize threats like North Korea is a solid step forward in maintaining our national security.