President Joe Biden briefed the nation on Feb. 16 regarding the three unidentified flying objects that were recently hovering in US and Canada airspace. The commander-in-chief let it be known that he ordered the objects shot down on the recommendation of North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), and that he will continue to defend the country from any other threats.
Biden Admits He Doesn’t Know What the Objects Were
Although Biden gave the order to take down the objects flying above Canada, Alaska, and Lake Huron, he said he did so “due to hazards to civilian commercial aircraft and because we could not rule out the surveillance risk of sensitive facilities.” But then the president seemed to contradict that assumption by emphasizing:
“We don’t yet know exactly what these three objects were. But nothing, nothing right now suggests they’re related to China’s spy balloon program or that they were surveillance vehicles from any other country. The intelligence committee’s current assessment is that these three objects were most likely tied to private companies, recreation, or research institutions studying weather or conducting other scientific research.”
These unidentified aerial devices have not suddenly appeared during the current administration, it’s just that we are better able to detect them now, according to Biden. “I want to be clear,” he stated. “We don’t have any evidence that there has been a sudden increase in number [sic] of objects in the sky. We’re now just seeing more, partially because the steps we’ve taken to increase our radars – to narrow our radars.” But still, this raises serious questions about the security of our nation. As Liberty Nation National Security Correspondent Dave Patterson wrote:
“The plethora of unknown airborne objects cruising in the sovereign airspace of the United States and Canada is a significant security breach. That problem is compounded by the fact that there are significant questions about how capable the United States is of detecting such craft, which might be able to deliver payloads. Of the four objects that have penetrated US airspace, at least one was a conventional balloon with the volume of three school buses, spotted first in Montana.”
The White House has made significant efforts to tell the American public what the objects are not, rather than what they are. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said on Monday, “I just wanted to make sure we address this from the White House. I know there have been questions and concerns about this, but there is no indication of aliens or extraterrestrial activity with these recent takedowns… It was important for us to say that from here, because we’ve been hearing a lot about it.”
Defensive Games
During the briefing, Biden mentioned a four-pronged plan that he promises will offer better protection in our skies:
- Establish a better inventory of unmanned airborne objects in space above US airspace, and make sure it’s accessible and up to date.
- Implement further measures to improve our capacity to detect unmanned objects.
- Update rules and regulations for launching and maintaining unmanned objects.
- The secretary of state will lead an effort to help establish common global norms in this largely unregulated space.
“But make no mistake,” Biden announced. “If any object presents a threat to the safety and security of the American people, I will take it down.” There are those on both sides of the aisle who argue the president took too long to take care of the Chinese spy balloon or inform the American people of the details. “I think the public needs and deserves to know more,” Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) said. “I’ve urged repeatedly that on this topic and others, the administration could be more forthcoming.”
Joe Biden Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) said, “My phone is ringing off the wall and we got a president of the United States who is not saying anything. Get out there and tell the people we’re in good shape, we know what’s going on, and let’s go on with our lives. But for some reason, we have no leadership right now.”
Biden explained that the delay in downing the Chinese spy balloon was motivated by the desire to ensure citizens would not be affected by falling debris. “And then we shot it down, sending a clear message,” he said. “The violation of our sovereignty is unacceptable. We’ll act to protect our country, and we did.”
The president also announced that, on February 10, restrictions were placed on six firms that directly support the People’s Liberation Army Aerospace program “that includes airships and balloons – denying them access to US technology.” While standing firm and congratulating his decision to shoot down the spy balloon, Biden switched to a more conciliary tone. “We seek competition, not conflict, with China. We’re not looking for a new Cold War.”
In the end, Biden simply turned his back and walked away. Apparently, he didn’t have his pre-approved list of reporters ready, this time. Still, that didn’t stop journalists in the audience from shouting questions, mostly about his son, Hunter Biden. One reporter was heard asking the commander-in-chief if he’s been compromised because of his family’s business, to which the president replied, “Give me a break, man. You can come to my office and ask the question. We have more polite people.”
