General Hanky, has it right.

But, if you want to look seriously at the development of this starwars - umbrella - system. Then go to a barn. In each corner stand a friend with a slingshot, at the count of go each fire attempting to strike the others rock in mid-air. Now, consider that those rocks are needles and that the barn is 5 acres of land - and that you must hit the needle before it comes with in 50 yards of the surface.

Star Wars is a scam. Just as the Nike missles were in the 50's; they gave us the warm fuzzys that our government was protecting us from something they couldn't (except through diplomacy - something the present administration has no clue about how to conduct). As far as effectiveness? I have yet to talk to an engineer that believes with todays (or the 24th centurys) technology that an effective MSD can be perfected.

But, if it makes you feel good .... and makes some corporations richer - wtf.