Space. Made in the USA

As reported by the Register, the U.S. has passed a new law, signed last night by Pres. Bush, that basically claims their right to use space for whatever means they see fit. Pretty scary considering the kinds of weapons the U.S. wants to put in the sky. Here's a summary from the article:

"Everyone has to use space peacefully, except us. We can do what we like, cos we were here first. And anyway, if you try to stop us, it won't stay peaceful for long, which would spoil the first part of our principle."

The States have long insisted on space-based weapons, but the fall of the USSR made them question the value of such weapons. New technology, and I'm guessing the success of GoogleEarth has meant that they're in a new race to dominate as soon as possible.