Why Is Missile Defense Controversial?

Why Is Missile Defense Controversial?

Missile defense - as the term might suggest - is defensive, not offensive. Brilliant American scientists have developed sophisticated technologies to prevent missiles - including those armed with nuclear warheads - from reaching their intended victims. If we are willing to share this capability to protect people around the world, Sen. Jim DeMint asked, "What is controversial about that?"

I'd like to take a stab at answering the Senator's question (raised at a Heritage Foundation forum in which I was privileged to participate this week) but first, a little context...