comment: >
  
  I'd imagine the Chinese are prodding a bit and seeing what the US response to something like this is. 
  Nations spy on other nations and pull shit like this all the time. That's what half of training exercises and war games are for. Testing reactions of other countries while simultaneously remaining prepared and showing off certain capabilities. 
  If the military has decided not to shoot it down, they've probably got plenty of reasons not to. 
  I think it's a waste of taxpayer money to shoot a million dollar missile at something we can track and has been determined to be not much more than a minor annoyance.
context: "Did you say Abe Lincoln?"
  "No, I didn't say Abe Lincoln. I said Hey, Blinkin." >
  
  "Hold the reins man, damn." >
  
  It could collect signals intelligence that a sat can't. And it has great loiter time. >
  
  OK, but what's it going to do with the signals it collects?  Broadcast them to some satellite?  And nobody's reported it sending out any RF. >
  
  I suppose it could be collecting data to damage the US civilian infrastructure. Without our industry, our military is on a timer during a conflict. If it were me I'd be marking all the communication relays, major power distribution centers etc. A lot of people are pointing out it can't gather more than is already on display from most spy satellites. I'd imagine foreign governments know that the American leadership can't hardly function if it's citizens are in disarray cause they can't text or call Grammy, get hair cuts, and watch the Sunday night game. >
  
  Seriously,  how many reservists and national guard would show up for activation in the event they couldn't find nor contact their families and children. I'd be willing to bet they would take care of their own first.