There is NO substitute for a REALISTIC test of the system. This means the full expected number of missiles that it is intended to stop, fired simultaneously, from various places around the globe. This means no spoon-feeding of the missile defense system by telling it the expected targets in advance. This means making the test as realistic as humanly possible. Only after several such tests will there be any hope of a working system.

You argue that such a test would deplete our missiles leaving us open. Phooey. Have enough spares to reload instantly. The missiles are not nearly as expensive as the tracking and launch sites.

You argue that it would cost too much. Phooey. What is the point of spending money on a non-working system? Add enough money to the budget for a full-scale testing program.

I am NOT opposed to missile defense. I am FOR it. I just want it to work the FIRST time. The only way that this will happen is if it is tested, tested, tested, tested, ... until it works properly.