Speaking of old chestnuts...

Russia threatening military action if the US deploys missile defense equipment in former Warsaw Pact territories is just downright REFRESHING!

Ok, I'll take nothing away from the fact that it is posturing and grandstanding, pure and simple. Russia has far too much to lose in a European conflict, and for the first time since Chamberlain and "Peace in our time!" Europe stands a better than even chance of holding their own without immediate American intervention. (God, wonder if those Reforger sites are still there?) Putin's puppet rattling some sabres should get the French and German's attention.

What I don't get or understand is what Russia hopes to gain by this. Whatever strategic value inter-continental ballistic missiles had are nearly gone. The Russians can detect missile launches from North America in real time, but cannot detect B-2s weaving their way through radar sites on a border (Go ahead. Pick one.) before the mushroom clouds are dotting the horizon. If we had a mind to first strike cripple Russia, even with our stretched military at the moment it is doable.

What's more, the Czech Republic and Lithuania are doing their best Horshack imitations (PICK ME! OOH OOH! PICK ME!) to GET the equipment placed on their turf. Poland too, although Poland wants something more, like three divisions of armor and a couple squadrons of F-22s to camp out as well. (What can you say? 200+ years of occupation and intimidation by their neighbors, why not let the US Army set up shop? At least we're an ocean away.) These are the same neighbors Russia could be TRADING with, EU and all that, but no. Military threats. Good lord.