Space: A New American Policy

The picture on the left is the front page of one of Britain's leading newspapers. The main story, as you can see, is all about the new policy, signed by Mr. Bush recently, in which America asserts its' rights to dominate space.

The article goes on to say:

"The Bush administration has staked an aggressive new claim to dominate space - rejecting any new treaties that seek to limit the United States' extraterrestrial activities and warning that it will oppose any nations that try to get in its way."

"A new policy recently signed by President George Bush, asserts that his country has the right to conduct whatever research, development and "other activities" in space that it deems necessary for its own national interests."

"The new policy further warns that the US will take those actions necessary to protect its space capabilities "and deny, if necessary, adversaries the use of space capabilities hostile" to those interests. The document adds: "Space activities have improved life in the United States and around the world, enhancing security, protecting lives and the environment, speeding information flow serving as an engine for economic growth and revolutionising the way people view their world and the cosmos."

"Freedom of action in space is as important to the United States as air power and sea power."

There is quite a bit more to the article and I would recommend reading it. The new policy is, in effect, a Monroe Doctrine for the space age. The policy would allow the USA to sabotage or destroy satellites that belong to other nations and which may prove to be military assets. It would also deny access to space to any nation that may be hostile to the political or economic interests of the USA. It would also allow the USA to develop weapons or counter-weapons and to deploy them in space to insure American military supremacy. The policy insures Americas "Superpower" status both on and off the planet.

With modern weaponry and communications being heavily dependent upon satellite technology, the ability of the USA to destroy the technology that other nations have placed in space is essential to American dominance. Also, with at least 40 nations on the planet capable of developing nuclear weapons and missile technology, the USA, in accordance with it's preemptive approach to military action, will view space as a military asset...and one which it has no intention of sharing.

I can only say this: Help us Obi-Wan!!!