What was the "cop" doing going near a "gang banger" sovereign territory in the first place? That example of analogy don't make sense. You're automatically assume the (P-8) is the "cop" therefore holds the moral ground, meanwhile the "gangbanger" is China flanker. When in reality the flanker was there to protect his homeland from possible threats. Yes he might tag a little harder and differently, but endangering the perpetrator, not at all. The only one complaining because a lost of face are the (P-8) crew.
No professional airman makes that type of intercept, the goofy Russians, sure, flying your rudder through the P-3 is great fun for the numb nog, and yes they are "out there" at airshows as well.... The P-8 belongs to the most Disciplined Naval Force on the Planet, steady course, steady cruising altitude, in international airspace. They are decidedly NOT a danger to anyone, they are gathering intelligence, they are not a danger to Hainan island, they are NOT a danger to any Chinese, Russian, Australian, France, or UK submarine, they are NOT harassing the little Flanker driver. So yes they are Law Enforcement. They are checking things out, and rattling the chains at 135 miles, not 20 feet, maybe you ought to get your yardstick out and do some measuring..... The US has the most disciplined military in the world, an F-18 pilot who placed a Chinese aircrew in danger, on purpose, would be grounded, would loose his commission, would likely be in the brig, would be a dishonorably discharged, ex Naval Aviator. The fact that the Chinese Govt has issued a denial of the action, tell us they know how off base it was, but that does not change the facts.
I would admit that the BHO administrations ham handed handling of security, for instance at Benghazi, has emboldened those who may not care for the oversight of their activities, but I would discourage anyone from assuming this is emblematic of any weakness or lack of resolve in the US military...... oh and the P-8 crew hasn't lost face, they continued their mission, but are complaining about the undisciplined, unprofessional airmanship, that placed their personnel and aircraft in jeopardy. that is all
and let me make clear, I am talking about this particular intercept on that particular day, and similar incidents by other "hot dogs" or govts being provocative and encouraging stupidity. I am not condemning the intercepts in general, nor the Chinese Govt in particular, they spy on us too????? So What????? we got nothin to hide????? what we are doing is legal and smart, no excuses, NO APOLOGIES!
