ErectionDenier2024 t1_j8yr7sn wrote on February 17, 2023 at 10:27 PM

Reply to comment by blind_bambi in Object downed by US missile may have been amateur hobbyists’ $12 balloon by Uncle_Leo93

What a well thought out, nuanced response. /s

blind_bambi t1_j8ytxjz wrote on February 17, 2023 at 10:46 PM

They didn't actually give a reason for saying it needed to be shot down. Justifying it by saying the practice is good is kind of bs that deserves nothing more than a whatever dude lol

BuffaloInCahoots t1_j8yyhlw wrote on February 17, 2023 at 11:20 PM

The high alert was the main reason. The training and wasteful money was to counter the cost of shooting it down. I don’t know how much is grandstanding by gov officials but until recently they all seemed pretty concerned about it. Also the balloon was at an altitude that could interfere with planes, so we shot it down. Didn’t really cost us anything and gave some pilot a little training. The only thing that concerns me is now the whole world knows our capabilities. We can accurately track and shoot down a balloon sized object, with a almost no existent radar signature. I’m undecided if that’s a bad thing or a good thing for everyone to know.

One_Hand_Smith t1_j900qfy wrote on February 18, 2023 at 4:36 AM

Let's be honest it wasn't because of planes, if it was you don't wait until it crosses the entire continental usa to down it lol.

I think it was just pr personally, lil bit of political capital can go a long way if used correctly, and if there is one thing america wants on china, is political power.

BuffaloInCahoots t1_j900ywf wrote on February 18, 2023 at 4:38 AM

I should have been specific the danger to planes was the one in Alaska. If I remember right it was at 20k which is in flight range. The one that crossed the states was at 60-70k and would only have been a danger once we shot it down.

One_Hand_Smith t1_j9027l6 wrote on February 18, 2023 at 4:50 AM

Okay, that one I get behind atleast since it was just entering American air space.