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This was not a threat to our continent. The terrorists were already here.

Then it's a matter for law enforcement, not the military.

It is insane to shoot in the "general direction" of anything. In this case, they would have been shooting at a bona fide target that just happened to get too close to TWA 800. There is always the possibility for unintended consequences when you shoot at anything.

And even more of a possibility if you're stupid enough to be shooing into an area chock full of unintended consequences. The idea that any commander on the scene would shoot two missiles after a small plane in airspace full of larger planes is insane. How would he be sure he's shooting at the right target to begin with? And what the hell does he do with his second missile if the first impacts the target? It makes zero sense at all.

My military background is irrelevant to this discussion. But, if you must know, you can check my profile.

Well yes, background is important because it's an indication of how much you understand the subject you're talking about. For the record I was an active duty naval officer for almost nine years and did many more years in the reserves. My active duty time was spent on DDGs and FFGs assigned to the Atlantic Fleet. I participated in about a dozen missile shoots, involving my ship or others, both day and night so I think I can speak with some authority on the matter. And the scenario you describe is the absolute height of insanity. I don't know what exactly brought down TWA 800 but I can say that based on everything I've read about it I have absolutely no doubt at all that it was not an errant military missile.

Then it's a matter for law enforcement, not the military.

Not necessarily.

And the scenario you describe is the absolute height of insanity.

It's James Sanders' scenario, not mine. I'm still skeptical about a lot of it and your devil's advocate approach gave me a few things to ponder.

My active duty time was spent on DDGs and FFGs assigned to the Atlantic Fleet.

Hey, I'm just a dumb jarhead. I don't know what DDG or a FFG or a CVBT is and I don't really care. Sounds like your want to get into a pissing contest, but I am going off to enjoy the weekend. See you around.