This week, we asked readers their thoughts on the Chinese spy balloon and the 3 additional “unidentified flying objects” shot down in recent weeks over North American airspace by the U.S. military.

 

“As an American, I am very concerned about the security of our nation that has decreased over the years. I think the government is not as vigilant with security. I do believe that it was a spy balloon from China that was collecting data, and the other three balloons were also spy balloons. The U.S. government needs to do better in this area. We don’t need to go to war.”

Maria Williams,

Wakefield

“It was a distraction. My military experience and simple common sense regarding strategy…it may very well be in collusion with the U.S., but definitely a distraction…trying to move the conversation away from the war in Ukraine, and to shift the focus on something else, the old magic trick. The other objects are the same, a distraction, perhaps in collusion with other countries as well.”

John Perez, U.S. Army (Ret.)

Van Nest

“Honestly, I think they are all spy balloons, but the U.S. government likely allowed them to stay in the air so long to gain additional intelligence. In addition, there’s been multiple balloons they have shot down months before these news stories broke. I’m very concerned our safety as U.S. citizens has been compromised. Solutions would include getting more people interested in the armed forces and making sure you vote in the next election.”

Michael Delgado,

White Plains resident and Kingsbridge native

“It took them way too long to shoot the first one down. I am very concerned, but this is a government issue and at this point, whatever happens will be our fault for leaving the doors unlocked with the lights on, just like 9/11. I think the other objects were also some sort of spy equipment. If this were biological warfare, I think we would be experiencing it already. But I put nothing past the Chinese government.”

Stephanie Raptis,

Pelham Gardens

“With the understanding that I have a military background, there is no excuse why a foreign object should enter our airspace without our knowledge. It should have been shot down from the start. This would never have been allowed in any other foreign country. Also, we should know what type of objects these are. Our lack of knowledge in this area is disturbing.”

Al Pizarro, U.S. Army (Ret.)

Morrisania