Elements of the program are already being field tested and possibly even implemented in the form of Theater Defenses. Even if "NMD" is defeated by the doves in congress, parts of the program will continue but in a scaled back form. Unfortunately, that scenario would mean that American cities would be the last to be defended instead of the first.

Answer me this if your against NMD: If the United States Military Can't defend U.S. Cities against attack then why do we need a military?

Is it to project our power and influence on the rest of the world?

I believe that protecting our cities should be the number one priority. If your against NMD I think you need to ask yourself are you against defense in general.