>

Well… they get to see how long it took us to notice  them. Also, just because we aren’t sure what this thing can do doesn’t mean we take their word for it that it’s nothing. Their batshit response doesn’t suggest it’s nothing. I hope we recover useful bits from the downed balloon.
Edit: I am not making conclusions about how long or not long it took us to notice. Only saying that might be a motivation for this weird Chinese balloon shenanigans.
For the second time in my life, the USA has been mesmerized by a news story about a balloon. >

Which isn't a lot but it's weird that it's happened twice, right? >

To be fair, the balloon boy one was weirder. A “spy balloon” feels a little more appropriate to be concerned about. But it’s 2023, who uses a balloon? >

That's the part that doesn't add up about all this. The Chinese have satellites. This stupid balloon couldn't have been accomplishing much, so what even was the point? ICBM sites aren't really secret.
People will bring up "testing our defenses" or some shit, but for what? If they'd thought it was a real threat, it would've been shot down before it ever left Alaska. None of it makes any sense.