I'm no apologist or pushover for bad actors anywhere, including those in Russia, but one needs to recognize talent and hard work, whether its here or abroad, and to respect it. That’s to say, lack of understanding by the media and some politicians of Russia’s competence and nuclear capability — together with ignorant comments — just gives Russia more incentive to further align with China and make additional flyovers. Showing respect is not shrinking from a challenge, when the lives of others are involved. It is being smart and not adding risk that could escalate into a “strategic issue,” which is what our commander there said the other day (Stars and Stripes, July 21). Many in the media (DCNY especially) have little experience studying the physical-world, either in a book or in hardware, but have only the “talent” of wagging their tongues.