U.S. Spy Satellite Shoot-Down - Star Wars Revisited

The recent shoot-down of a defunct U.S. spy satellite had many reverberations amongst the international community, especially from Russia and China.  Personally, I think U.S. missile strike was an excellent idea for a few reasons.  First, and most importantly, the missile strike prevented the possibility of injury or death to many people if the satellite was left unchecked.  Second, it was a proper response to Russia's recent saber-rattling towards the U.S. and Ukraine.  Third, the missile strike was also a proper response to China's secret missile shoot-down over a year ago.  Obviously, there is no arguing the first reason; preventing the possibility of harm to humans was important no matter how remote.  I cannot imagine the outrage if satellite debris injured people, property, or even the environment.  Thus, the shoot-down was well-worth the $30 to $50 million cost.  Another reason the shoot-down is important is to answer Russia's recent actions and remarks towards smaller Eastern European nations.  Ever since President Vladimir Putin won the Russian presidency in 2000, he managed to position Russia back into a military power and a thorn in Europe's side.  The recent threats towards Ukraine will probably become muted as a result of the satellite shoot-down.  This spectacular display of firepower will keep the Russians from even thinking about firing missiles into Eastern Europe, knowing that their missiles could be shot down in outer space.  Now that a modified missile can take out an object in outer space, it should rein in Russia's vitriolic tongue and keep Eastern Europe at ease.  Furthermore, if the U.S. goes ahead to plan missile interceptors in Ukraine, Poland, and/or other Eastern European nations, then these countries can rest at ease knowing the U.S. missile shield can deter Russia (or maybe Iran) from launching a missile attack.  I would not be surprised if Russia conducts a outer space missile test of their own to keep up with China and the U.S.  As far as China is concerned, the satellite shoot-down was the proper answer to the PRC's test a year earlier.  Immediately following the successful missile strike, China voiced concerns over the shoot-down.  However, a year ago, China needed to explain herself over a secret shoot-down of their own weather satellite; albeit, after the U.S. and the international community condemned her actions.  I personally do not understand why the U.S. should have to explain reasons for shooting down a defunct, but potentially dangerous, satellite when it gave notice to the international community before taking the appropriate action.  It seems that China likes to "shoot first and answer questions later."  It pleases me to see the U.S. will share information about the shoot-down maybe with the hope that China will do the same next time.  But I highly doubt it.  "Governments change... the lies stay the same" (James Bond in Goldeneye, 1995).  Getting any information from China, regarding military actions, is as difficult as getting Russia to stop holding Europe over a barrel of natural gas.  In any case, time to strum John Williams' famous Star Wars composition, especially the one from The Empire Strikes Back.  Anyone for some "The Imperial March" action?