[dcwusmc]

To shoot down an aircraft NOT engaged in a hostile act IS AN ACT OF WAR. Period, end of discussion. Under the Rules of Engagement our Navy must follow in peace time (and all other times when NOT in an active combat zone), SHIP'S CAPTAINS (OR BATTLE GROUP COMMANDERS) ARE NOT ALLOWED TO START WARS. Sorry to be the one to break that news to you, you being another Vietnam Vet and all. But you do need to study the rules of war before you make statements like that.

[onedoug]

Period, end of discussion.

Yet, you go on....