As a self-proclaimed geek when it comes to weapons of war, I was disappointed when the F-22 Raptor was canceled.  Mark Helprin explains in today's WSJ why the cancellation of the "most capable fighter plane ever produced is yet another act in the tragedy of a nation that, bankrupting itself, embracing moral decline, and apologizing to its enemies, is losing the will to prevail"  Pretty strong statements, but I think Helprin is right.  He goes on to describe how we got here including "amid such static one thing stands out. As we rapidly disarm, China is just as rapidly arming. Perhaps because Americans do not play much chess we seem not to understand that a nation can be defeated without war, that after failing in the art of balance and maneuver the king may still stand, but motionlessly in check, "soft power" notwithstanding. "Soft power" in the absence of hard power is like flesh without a skeleton"  Helprin's article is a call to arms for all of who believe the United States must always maintain a position of strength.  

Why is the F-22 so important?  "In the very long list of such things is the F-22. Its stealth, speed, agility, and advanced sensors are such that in a 2006 exercise against F-15s, F-16s, and F-18s, the F-22, its pilots scarcely accustomed to it, scored 241 kills to 2. Famously, before its opponents know it's there, their aircraft are exploding. Former USAF Lt.-Col. Joseph Sussingham, F-16 Experimental Command Pilot, put it best: "To face a flight of F-22s is to face a wall of death."

Helprin does a service to all of us with this enlightening article.  Let's hope it opens some eyes and the government rethinks this decision that we may deeply regret some day.