OPINION:
Bill Gertz is correct that as a nation we fall well short of defenses needed to counter China’s rapid deployment of space arms (“Space Force arsenal falls dangerously short to defend U.S. against China, Russia,” page 1, July 3).
This headline is misleading because the discrepancy was well known before Space Force was inaugurated, and it is also unfair to blame the military for shunning the idea of space weapons.
For the past 50 years, America has become ever more dependent on space-based assets for all aspects of life, and after President Ronald Reagan introduced the Strategic Defense Initiative, the reliance on satellites for early warnings and tracking of missiles became critical.
It was senators — not the military — who repeatedly refused to support any program for space-based assets that could protect our satellites and intercept offensive missiles during the critical launch and ascent phases.
Yes, we are well behind our potential enemies in these critical areas. Even more alarming, previous administrations and the present one appear to be oblivious to the risk.
STANLEY ORMAN
Rockville, Maryland
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