“Hundreds of U.S. Marines have been killed or injured by roadside bombs in Iraq because Marine Corps bureaucrats refused an urgent request in 2005 from battlefield commanders for blast-resistant vehicles,” an internal Marine Corps study found.
Lack of armor vehicles cost Marine lives.
While corporations, Bush Crime Family and others well invested in the MIC make billions. Which is worse – the invasion/massacre we did to get to this place or the theft and corruption after we are there?
Yet people in the military overwhelmingly voted for Bush, even after this was a known issue. John Grisham was on Moyers last week, and he said something that this reminds me of;
BILL MOYERS: What is your understanding of why these good Christian folks, these so many Baptists voted for the party that is in fact the party of money.
JOHN GRISHAM: They live poor and vote rich. They live poor and vote rich. I mean, it’s a– effort to– the brilliant things the Republicans did was get all these guys under one tent. From your traditional Republican base– wealthy republicans, your country club Republicans– your corporate Republicans, and bring in the NASCAR bubbas and all those folks. And then bring– and then get religious right. All these good Christian folks. Get them all under one tent. All voting– really for– one purpose, and that’s to protect, you know, the rich folks. That’s worked beautifully for the Republican party.
People in the military are no different, a vote for Bush was a vote against their own best interests.
I live in Utah which had the highest percentage of people voting for Bush than any other state in the country. Yet economically, Utah isn’t any different that anywhere else – mostly middle-class family people trying to get by. But they too vote against their own best interests. The things that sway them don’t touch them at all; abortion, gay marriage, and immigration. They vote for the tough guy, and then he proceeds to rip them off just as BushCo rips off all middle class Americans.
Pardon the blogwhoring, but this is a topic I have been screaming about for three years now, most recently a couple of months ago. And since I’ve gone there, I might as well go into full-on pimp mode – the post has a nifty graphic that gives a lot of equipment specs on MRAPs vs Humvees (which are, essentially, just small-j jeeps, or utility vehicles, built for use in the Cold War, and designed to scramble across terrain quickly. Armor them, and lose that capability. And I’ll stop now before I just regurgitate the entire post here in comments…
Thanks for the indulgence, and one more time, apologies for the blogwhoring.
How is it, America, that we can spend billions bailing out the market for bad behaviour when we cannot provide our defense the very things they need?
Comment by Xisithrus — February 15, 2008 @ 8:31 pm
Easy. You’re just illuminating one way that the rich take money from the rest of us. The sub-prime crisis? Who do you think is going to pay for it, and who do you think will wind up benefiting?
Do not tell me what I think, please. The rich know as well as I the dollar is worth nothing. Fools think they take what you dont have.
Huh? What are you talking about? First, I’m posing a rhetorical question – TO ALL HERE, not telling YOU how to think. Second, what do you mean by fools(who are these fools?) think they (who is this they?) take what you (again, who is you?) don’t have?
Sorry, I don’t understand what you’re getting at.
What I’m talking about is the fact the the government is going to bail out these lending institutions with our money. Lending institutions = rich. Me = not rich. Hence, who is going to benefit? Lending institutions. Who is going to pay? All of us.
That sure is “supporting our troops” you republican zombies!
How come Repubs never use their “What message does that send our troops?” line when this inconvenient truth rears its ugly head?
Rich people/corporations not paying in their fare share when they profit from the infrastructure that true citizens paid for sure seems like stealing to me.
Comment by Xisithrus — February 15, 2008 @ 8:52 pm
Dude, what ARE you talking about??? I’m talking about specific ways that money goes from all Americans to those who are rich. Can you try and be a bit more specific please?
Here, I’ll give you another one. Here in America, alarm companies are getting money from you and I. Do you have an alarm system? I don’t. 40, 000 calls are made to the police each year from alarm companies, 99% of which are false. Who pays for these calls? You do. I do. You tax dollars are paying for two police cars going to each of these calls.
My point in all of this is that middle class Americans, apparently a majority of them, continue to vote for people (Bush) who encourage these types of practices. He, and they, are part of the rich. Military families, you and I are not.
Here, I’ll give you another one. Here in America, alarm companies are getting money from you and I. Do you have an alarm system? I don’t. 40, 000 calls are made to the police each year from alarm companies, 99% of which are false.
Money is fiat. Based on nothing. What I am saying is it needs basis.
Well, personally, NAM, I dont view people as batteries to be used and tossed aside, its rather sociopathic, and here is what business, for the most part sees humanity as.
Old news for Military families as there will be more horrors to come. Yet you notice no Law Maker or the American public don’t show any interest in that information. Now if Britney gets out a car that’s news.
The Republicans have taken the Troops allotted money and spread it around to pay the propaganda that being told. Like Americans care that our troops have had not equipment for 7 years and thousands have died without being reported.
“Well, then, thank Nixon for closing the gold window matey.
Comment by Xisithrus — February 15, 2008 @ 9:21 pm”
Sorry, we went away from the gold standard because we don’t have enough gold to back all of the dollars. To say that our money is worthless is ridiculous. It is worth what people are willing to pay for it, gold or not.
The righty fascists talk a good talk. You know, they’re strong on war and “kick ass” stuff but really they just care about themselves. The troops to them are people who have chosen to do what they do so when troops get killed well, they signed up ya know. Fascist pricks like Bush, a draft dodger and a corporate pimp, want to sound like your grandfather and butcher you at the same time. The marines are dying because they chose their fate not the fact that they were given shit for equipment. Folks, you don’t go to a bogus war with the army you have, you don’t go to that war. Rumsfeld was just another fascist cutey who probably spent most of his time in office trying to figure out where to lunch and place his investments.
Yes, the armor vehicles might have caused more extra deaths in Iraq.
But what caused everyone’s death in Iraq is the decision to go to war itself to begin with.
Another tragic chapter to the Bush folly in Iraq.
How many ways can they dishonor the military and cause them unnecessary harm?
We shouldn’t be in Iraq in the first place, but having stated the obvious, the guys are there and Bush continues to shortchange them.
They send them in without proper equipment, they cut their pay, they cut their families’ assistance, they give them inadequate medical care, they send wounded back into battle, they reneg on promises made to recruits… and so on, yet astonishingly, the VFWs and other military organizations continue to stand behind Bush, his minions, and the 2008 candidates, cheering and applauding. Those retirees should know better than anyone how the military has been used and abused by Buch&Co.
It’s true that Bush is no friend to our military. If he was he would equip them with necessary items to keep them safe. In fact, if he cared about our military at all, he wouldn’t have his personal “hitmen” called Blackwater in there competing with them and paying them ten times what our patriotic soldiers are receiving. There’s still much, much more dirt to be unearthed concerning Bush’s personal army called Blackwater. We’ve just scratched the surface of this quagmire. We’re content to pay Blackwater mercenaries ten times what our military gets (fascism run amok?) and can’t even provide proper helmets for those risking our lives for this insane war.
It’s possible that Bush has Blackwater ready to go in the event that the people unite and try to overthrow this crooked Bush regime. Clearly, it’s his own personal army.
This is not a new story. This has been known for quite some time now. My question is, do they have the armored vehicles now? If not, then Bush should be charged with murder. Actually, he should be charged with murder anyway, but that’s another subject.
It is worth what people are willing to pay for it, gold or not.
Comment by Sabyen91 — February 15, 2008 @ 11:21 pm
The world community is willing to pay less and less for the US dollar, gold standard or not.
OT: Anything that could have been done to save lives should have been done. The military realized even if the beer and skittles crowd in the Bush administration didn’t, what kind of war they would be facing post Saddam. They dropped the ball in so many ways it makes me sick.
It is time for America to stop romanticizing the use of military forces and the sacrificial lambs that are placed upon the altar of greed.
America break your chains to militarism.
Comment by civil behavior
This is who the American people are. You just witnessed the spectacle of major sports figures who cheat to “win at any cost” The corporate credo is win at any cost. Kids have learned this from us…..
Americans want to kick some ass……..how do cure that?
This news is typical of a one-day item that will soon be forgotten and will never be added to the ledger of Bush administration disgraces. Rather, he will continue to be seen as a resolute leader of the war on terror. His lot, the vast majority of which have never served in the military, could not care less about volunteer grunts.
At every turn they cut the budget for the well-being of returning troops.
OT, but check this out… the headline caught my attention…
you don’t think… could they really… could it be just a show…???
Missile Defense Future May Turn on Success of Mission to Destroy Satellite
By THOM SHANKER
Published: February 16, 2008
WASHINGTON — The order by President Bush for the Navy to launch an antimissile interceptor to destroy a disabled satellite before it falls from orbit carries opportunity, but also potential embarrassment, for the administration and advocates of its missile defense program.
[...] http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/16/washington/16satellite.html?ref=us
huh… and i figured they would be using it as a distraction…
ok… both…
“huh… and i figured they would be using it as a distraction…
ok… both…”
Comment by katy
It shows that Bush has learned nothing in the time he’s been in office.
I guess they figure to overcome the pesky sensor problem, since the thing will be throwing off so much heat from re-entry that it’ll be an easy target.
By Marc Kaufman
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, February 16, 2008; Page A02
The State Department sent cables to all embassies yesterday instructing diplomats to explain to foreign governments how the upcoming attempt to shoot down an out-of-control spy satellite is different from China’s destruction of one of its orbiting satellites early last year.
[...] http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/15/AR2008021503249.html
…
and this:
Attempt to shoot down spy satellite to cost up to $60 million CNN
Comment by barfly — February 16, 2008 @ 11:34 am
Aw, man, are you saying there’s something wrong w/ Shock And Aweâ„¢?
I mean, it’s so cool, kinda like a cross between a video game and a pro wrestling, complete w/ screaming guitars and computer graphics.
And no yucky bodies anywhere!
What’s not to like? Winning a war from the safety of yer own Barcalounger, in time fer dinner at six!
Now, if someone would only rig up one of those remote-kill thingies (like the kind that are now illegal for hunting) so True Patriotsâ„¢ could fire off rockets and guns from their own living room at the Evil Doerâ„¢ of their choice…
“Americans want to kick some ass……..how do cure that?â€
Comment by Fred
By showing them the consequences – instead of the thrill – of violence.
Comment by barfly
I think they are just angry…..I think they are kept angry deliberatly. I don’t see a change coming that will “show them the consequenses”. I think that all the bad things coming our way because of our aggressiveness will be translated or projected if you will onto an enemy abroad.
He’s just trying to give the economy a boost, in his last months in office. If this is successful, SAIC, Northrup-Grumman, and all their suppliers will be taking foreign orders hand-over-fist, trade restrictions be damned. That would be a way to bolster his half-a-decade of sagging economic performance.
I’ve said for a long time that the only people who should fight in wars are the ones who actually want them… the “leaders” **cough**, the generals, and the big business types.
Aw, man, are you saying there’s something wrong w/ Shock And Awe™?
I mean, it’s so cool, kinda like a cross between a video game and a pro wrestling, complete w/ screaming guitars and computer graphics.
And no yucky bodies anywhere!
What’s not to like? Winning a war from the safety of yer own Barcalounger, in time fer dinner at six!
Now, if someone would only rig up one of those remote-kill thingies (like the kind that are now illegal for hunting) so True Patriots™ could fire off rockets and guns from their own living room at the Evil Doer™ of their choice…
Comment by The Republic of Stupidity
on a different thread troll exley was crowing about what a marvelous sucess the invasion of Iraq was….
he didn’t reply to the revelation that it’s pretty easy when you have 90% of the worlds military might and your taking on a country with .01% of the worlds military might……how does that make you feel like throwing your chest out and bragging?
To expand upon my previous comment, the current cultural volatility in America might be lessened by another large attack – and in this daily environment of carnage, it would be conceivable that some group of supremecists or religious whackos might stage a “false flag” attack, to fracture our sense of community, and to set the stage for mass deportations of foreigners.
“so, barfly – do you think the “satellite†is really damaged?
is this just a show? another ruse?
i’m beginning to think so…”
Comment by katy
Look at the facts. A downed satellite would mean a bonanza for contractors, and their suppliers – and it would burnish our image as technological masters, to the world. But a failure would be disastrous, and cause potentially more bad will than a successful mission would cause good.
In that context, no, I don’t think it’s a stunt to get more business.
While the Russians claim there is nuclear material aboard, the military is claiming it’s powered by hydrozine.
I’m curious if this is a publicity stunt, or if the Russians have satellite-based sensing equipment that can detect a release of radioactivity in near-space.
While the Russians claim there is nuclear material aboard, the military is claiming it’s powered by hydrozine.
Comment by barfly
The article doesn’t imply that the russians think the nuclear material is being used for power for the satellite.
MOSCOW, February 15 (RIA Novosti) – Russia’s Defense Ministry is closely monitoring a U.S. spy satellite that has gone out of control and may have nuclear material on board, a high-ranking defense source said on Friday
one last OT about this…check it out…
found at C&L blog roundup:
Experts Scoff at Sat Shoot-Down Rationale (Updated)
By Noah Shachtman February 15, 2008 | 4:34:00 PMCategories: Missiles, Space
The Pentagon says it has to shoot down a malfunctioning spy satellite because of the threat of a toxic gas cloud. Space security experts are calling the rationale highly unlikely. “Having the US government spend millions of dollars to destroy a billion-dollar failure to save zero lives is comedic gold,” one tells DANGER ROOM.
[...] http://blog.wired.com/defense/2008/02/fishy-rationale.html
that wired story is great… for some reason this story fascinates me…
“I am also certain that Russian and China would also see this as a slap in the face as they are trying to revive the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space treaty discussion and ban on space weapons. It would further negatively affect the relations between them and the US. Which could lead to increased tensions, arms buildup, etc etc etc. Nothing good for anyone outside of arms manufacturers and politicians that need a bogeyman to scare people into voting for them.“
I remember that one, Fred. I was there too, also trying to nail his Cheney on that one, but he wouldn’t reply. Prolly busy picking Cheetos crumbs outta his beard, kind of a hunter/gatherer thing goin’ on.
There has been some behind the scenes wrangling of MRAP contracts that have slowed things down. Force Protection Industries makes the Cougar and Buffalo MRAPs preferred by the Army and Marines. After literally thousands of IED hits, not one Marine has died in a Force Protection vehicle. Along comes Trent Lott, who is being lobbied by Navistar, from his home state, who wants a piece of the MRAP pie. Lott steers MRAP contracts to Navistar, and guess what, In the first month, a Navistar MAXXPro MRAP gets blown up in IRaq,, killing one and injuring four others. The Navistar vehicles are crap, bolted together instead of welded. The lobbyists get their checks, Trent Lott will go on to make millions as a lobbyist himself, Force Protection’s stock goes from $30.00 down to $4.00, and the troops are saying “WTF I just lost my legs!” General Butler was right when he said, “War is a racket”. The suits are behind the scenes fighting over the contracts and profits while the troops pay the real price. This has to stop.
Which is worse – the invasion/massacre we did to get to this place or the theft and corruption after we are there?
Comment by had enough — February 15, 2008 @ 8:13 pm
This is sort of like a “Which came first the chicken or the egg” sort of question.
In any case, isn’t “compassionate conservatism” just wonderful? (sarcasm off)
US spy satellite plan ‘a cover’
BBC News – 1 hour ago
Russia has accused the US of using a plan to shoot down a broken spy satellite as a cover for testing an anti-satellite weapon. The US said last week that it would use a missile to destroy the satellite, to stop it from crash landing. Watch the spy satellite get shot down Atlanta Journal Constitution Russia: US Satellite Shot a Weapons Test The Associated Press
Bush has gotten BILLIONS for this war…where in hell has that money been going to? Oh I forgot, the corporate financial black hole…
February 15th, 2008 at 7:54 pmLemmee guess…
Budgetary constraints due to necessary tax cuts for the uber-rich.
February 15th, 2008 at 7:56 pmI bet those same bureaucrats have yellow magnetic ribbons on their SUVs.
February 15th, 2008 at 7:59 pmAre those the same SUVs w/ the “W” stickers scraped off of them?
February 15th, 2008 at 8:08 pmLack of armor vehicles cost Marine lives.
February 15th, 2008 at 8:13 pmWhile corporations, Bush Crime Family and others well invested in the MIC make billions. Which is worse – the invasion/massacre we did to get to this place or the theft and corruption after we are there?
Yet people in the military overwhelmingly voted for Bush, even after this was a known issue. John Grisham was on Moyers last week, and he said something that this reminds me of;
BILL MOYERS: What is your understanding of why these good Christian folks, these so many Baptists voted for the party that is in fact the party of money.
JOHN GRISHAM: They live poor and vote rich. They live poor and vote rich. I mean, it’s a– effort to– the brilliant things the Republicans did was get all these guys under one tent. From your traditional Republican base– wealthy republicans, your country club Republicans– your corporate Republicans, and bring in the NASCAR bubbas and all those folks. And then bring– and then get religious right. All these good Christian folks. Get them all under one tent. All voting– really for– one purpose, and that’s to protect, you know, the rich folks. That’s worked beautifully for the Republican party.
People in the military are no different, a vote for Bush was a vote against their own best interests.
I live in Utah which had the highest percentage of people voting for Bush than any other state in the country. Yet economically, Utah isn’t any different that anywhere else – mostly middle-class family people trying to get by. But they too vote against their own best interests. The things that sway them don’t touch them at all; abortion, gay marriage, and immigration. They vote for the tough guy, and then he proceeds to rip them off just as BushCo rips off all middle class Americans.
February 15th, 2008 at 8:27 pmWhich is worse – the invasion/massacre we did to get to this place or the theft and corruption after we are there?
Comment by had enough — February 15, 2008 @ 8:13 pm
Both…
February 15th, 2008 at 8:28 pmSounds like “Battered Republican Syndrome”, Namtillaku…
February 15th, 2008 at 8:28 pmPardon the blogwhoring, but this is a topic I have been screaming about for three years now, most recently a couple of months ago. And since I’ve gone there, I might as well go into full-on pimp mode – the post has a nifty graphic that gives a lot of equipment specs on MRAPs vs Humvees (which are, essentially, just small-j jeeps, or utility vehicles, built for use in the Cold War, and designed to scramble across terrain quickly. Armor them, and lose that capability. And I’ll stop now before I just regurgitate the entire post here in comments…
Thanks for the indulgence, and one more time, apologies for the blogwhoring.
February 15th, 2008 at 8:30 pmHow is it, America, that we can spend billions bailing out the market for bad behaviour when we cannot provide our defense the very things they need?
February 15th, 2008 at 8:31 pmHow is it that we declare our love of life and make war against our Noahist world?
February 15th, 2008 at 8:32 pmHow is it that mankind has made war against mankind?
February 15th, 2008 at 8:33 pmHow is it, America, that we can spend billions bailing out the market for bad behaviour when we cannot provide our defense the very things they need?
Comment by Xisithrus — February 15, 2008 @ 8:31 pm
Easy. You’re just illuminating one way that the rich take money from the rest of us. The sub-prime crisis? Who do you think is going to pay for it, and who do you think will wind up benefiting?
February 15th, 2008 at 8:34 pm.
Lack of armor vehicles cost Marine lives.
… DUH!!!
.
February 15th, 2008 at 8:38 pmEasy. You’re just illuminating one way that the rich take money from the rest of us. -Nam
Do not tell me what I think, please. The rich know as well as I the dollar is worth nothing. Fools think they take what you dont have.
February 15th, 2008 at 8:39 pmDo not tell me what I think, please. The rich know as well as I the dollar is worth nothing. Fools think they take what you dont have.
Huh? What are you talking about? First, I’m posing a rhetorical question – TO ALL HERE, not telling YOU how to think. Second, what do you mean by fools(who are these fools?) think they (who is this they?) take what you (again, who is you?) don’t have?
Sorry, I don’t understand what you’re getting at.
What I’m talking about is the fact the the government is going to bail out these lending institutions with our money. Lending institutions = rich. Me = not rich. Hence, who is going to benefit? Lending institutions. Who is going to pay? All of us.
February 15th, 2008 at 8:44 pmThe rich do not take money from you Nam
February 15th, 2008 at 8:48 pmThe rich do not take money from you Nam
Comment by Xisithrus — February 15, 2008 @ 8:48 pm
Seriously? You believe this?
February 15th, 2008 at 8:49 pmThat sure is “supporting our troops” you republican zombies!
February 15th, 2008 at 8:49 pmHow come Repubs never use their “What message does that send our troops?” line when this inconvenient truth rears its ugly head?
Seriously? You believe this?
Comment by Namtillak
Yes. Can you put a dollar sign on energy?
February 15th, 2008 at 8:52 pmwhat is energy worth Nam?
February 15th, 2008 at 8:54 pmWhy do you reverse the equation? energy is free.
February 15th, 2008 at 8:54 pmRich people/corporations not paying in their fare share when they profit from the infrastructure that true citizens paid for sure seems like stealing to me.
February 15th, 2008 at 8:55 pmBecause your fooled into believing so?
February 15th, 2008 at 8:56 pmSo your energy is stolen?
February 15th, 2008 at 8:57 pm“energy is free.”
Non sequitor.
February 15th, 2008 at 8:58 pmYes. Can you put a dollar sign on energy?
Comment by Xisithrus — February 15, 2008 @ 8:52 pm
Dude, what ARE you talking about??? I’m talking about specific ways that money goes from all Americans to those who are rich. Can you try and be a bit more specific please?
Here, I’ll give you another one. Here in America, alarm companies are getting money from you and I. Do you have an alarm system? I don’t. 40, 000 calls are made to the police each year from alarm companies, 99% of which are false. Who pays for these calls? You do. I do. You tax dollars are paying for two police cars going to each of these calls.
My point in all of this is that middle class Americans, apparently a majority of them, continue to vote for people (Bush) who encourage these types of practices. He, and they, are part of the rich. Military families, you and I are not.
February 15th, 2008 at 9:00 pmNam, business is run, today, on ROI. What are you capable of producing?
February 15th, 2008 at 9:03 pmNam, business is run, today, on ROI. What are you capable of producing?
Comment by Xisithrus — February 15, 2008 @ 9:03 pm
Something you aren’t; logic.
February 15th, 2008 at 9:04 pmHere, I’ll give you another one. Here in America, alarm companies are getting money from you and I. Do you have an alarm system? I don’t. 40, 000 calls are made to the police each year from alarm companies, 99% of which are false.
Money is fiat. Based on nothing. What I am saying is it needs basis.
February 15th, 2008 at 9:05 pmSomething you aren’t; logic.
Comment by Namtillak
Once again you project. You are a battery.
February 15th, 2008 at 9:06 pm“Nam, business is run, today, on ROI. What are you capable of producing?”
Comment by Xisithrus
It’s also run on massive government bailouts…
February 15th, 2008 at 9:07 pmWell, personally, NAM, I dont view people as batteries to be used and tossed aside, its rather sociopathic, and here is what business, for the most part sees humanity as.
heh.
February 15th, 2008 at 9:09 pmIt’s also run on massive government bailouts…
Comment by barfly
And who are the batteries that fund the bailouts?
February 15th, 2008 at 9:10 pm“Nam, business is run, today, on ROI. What are you capable of producing?â€
Comment by Xisithrus
It’s also run on gaming the system with lobbyists, who produce nothing tangible, other that favorable legislation for their clients…
February 15th, 2008 at 9:10 pmAnd who are the batteries that fund the bailouts?
Comment by Xisithrus
Social Security funds- and the chinese.
February 15th, 2008 at 9:11 pmI agree barfly
February 15th, 2008 at 9:11 pmI am Human, and I refuse to be considered a battery!!!
February 15th, 2008 at 9:14 pmI am Human, and I refuse to be a pawn!!!
I am Human and I refuse to be used!!
I was not created to be exploited! I was created to live!!
February 15th, 2008 at 9:16 pm“Money is fiat. Based on nothing. What I am saying is it needs basis.”
Comment by Xisithrus
You sound suspiciously like a certain bisexual pirate named Hagbard…
February 15th, 2008 at 9:16 pmYou sound suspiciously like a certain bisexual pirate named Hagbard…Comment by barfly
Sorry to deny you.
February 15th, 2008 at 9:17 pmCmon Barfly, think.
February 15th, 2008 at 9:19 pmNo problem.
The pirate I referenced is a fictional character named Hagbard Celine. He also believes that money is essentially worthless.
February 15th, 2008 at 9:20 pmHe also believes that money is essentially worthless.
Comment by barfly
Well, then, thank Nixon for closing the gold window matey.
February 15th, 2008 at 9:21 pm“Cmon Barfly, think.”
A contradition in terms.
Change the “t” to a “d,” and I’m with ‘ya, bud…
February 15th, 2008 at 9:21 pmAye, we drink!
February 15th, 2008 at 9:22 pmI’m heading home, Z-man.
I’ll be mixing up a special potable, in your honor….
Talk to you later.
February 15th, 2008 at 9:24 pmI said “Z-man,” ’cause I thought “X-man” would be too tacky.
Later.
February 15th, 2008 at 9:25 pmX z as you wish…barfly, matters none to me
February 15th, 2008 at 9:27 pmOld news for Military families as there will be more horrors to come. Yet you notice no Law Maker or the American public don’t show any interest in that information. Now if Britney gets out a car that’s news.
February 15th, 2008 at 9:28 pmThe Republicans have taken the Troops allotted money and spread it around to pay the propaganda that being told. Like Americans care that our troops have had not equipment for 7 years and thousands have died without being reported.
someone’s been drinkin without me……..
February 15th, 2008 at 10:21 pmsomeone’s been drinkin without me……..
Comment by Fred
You have some catch up to do.
February 15th, 2008 at 10:27 pmSupport the Troops®
February 15th, 2008 at 11:10 pm“Well, then, thank Nixon for closing the gold window matey.
Comment by Xisithrus — February 15, 2008 @ 9:21 pm”
Sorry, we went away from the gold standard because we don’t have enough gold to back all of the dollars. To say that our money is worthless is ridiculous. It is worth what people are willing to pay for it, gold or not.
February 15th, 2008 at 11:21 pmRon Paul is a moron who knows nothing about the economy. He just likes his little “Libertarian” bubble. He has nothing to offer.
February 15th, 2008 at 11:22 pmThe righty fascists talk a good talk. You know, they’re strong on war and “kick ass” stuff but really they just care about themselves. The troops to them are people who have chosen to do what they do so when troops get killed well, they signed up ya know. Fascist pricks like Bush, a draft dodger and a corporate pimp, want to sound like your grandfather and butcher you at the same time. The marines are dying because they chose their fate not the fact that they were given shit for equipment. Folks, you don’t go to a bogus war with the army you have, you don’t go to that war. Rumsfeld was just another fascist cutey who probably spent most of his time in office trying to figure out where to lunch and place his investments.
February 16th, 2008 at 2:08 amLack of armor vehicles cost Marine lives.
I think the more obvious statement is that BEING in Iraq has cost Marine lives…
February 16th, 2008 at 8:15 amRepublicans out of our country NOW.
February 16th, 2008 at 8:23 amYes, the armor vehicles might have caused more extra deaths in Iraq.
February 16th, 2008 at 8:44 amBut what caused everyone’s death in Iraq is the decision to go to war itself to begin with.
Another tragic chapter to the Bush folly in Iraq.
February 16th, 2008 at 9:48 amHow many ways can they dishonor the military and cause them unnecessary harm?
We shouldn’t be in Iraq in the first place, but having stated the obvious, the guys are there and Bush continues to shortchange them.
They send them in without proper equipment, they cut their pay, they cut their families’ assistance, they give them inadequate medical care, they send wounded back into battle, they reneg on promises made to recruits… and so on, yet astonishingly, the VFWs and other military organizations continue to stand behind Bush, his minions, and the 2008 candidates, cheering and applauding. Those retirees should know better than anyone how the military has been used and abused by Buch&Co.
It’s true that Bush is no friend to our military. If he was he would equip them with necessary items to keep them safe. In fact, if he cared about our military at all, he wouldn’t have his personal “hitmen” called Blackwater in there competing with them and paying them ten times what our patriotic soldiers are receiving. There’s still much, much more dirt to be unearthed concerning Bush’s personal army called Blackwater. We’ve just scratched the surface of this quagmire. We’re content to pay Blackwater mercenaries ten times what our military gets (fascism run amok?) and can’t even provide proper helmets for those risking our lives for this insane war.
February 16th, 2008 at 10:02 amIt’s possible that Bush has Blackwater ready to go in the event that the people unite and try to overthrow this crooked Bush regime. Clearly, it’s his own personal army.
February 16th, 2008 at 10:03 amBush’s personal militia for his junta on democracy: Blackwater
February 16th, 2008 at 10:04 amThis is not a new story. This has been known for quite some time now. My question is, do they have the armored vehicles now? If not, then Bush should be charged with murder. Actually, he should be charged with murder anyway, but that’s another subject.
February 16th, 2008 at 10:15 amDo not support warriors or their wars.
It is time for America to stop romanticizing the use of military forces and the sacrificial lambs that are placed upon the altar of greed.
America break your chains to militarism.
February 16th, 2008 at 11:00 amIt is worth what people are willing to pay for it, gold or not.
Comment by Sabyen91 — February 15, 2008 @ 11:21 pm
The world community is willing to pay less and less for the US dollar, gold standard or not.
OT: Anything that could have been done to save lives should have been done. The military realized even if the beer and skittles crowd in the Bush administration didn’t, what kind of war they would be facing post Saddam. They dropped the ball in so many ways it makes me sick.
February 16th, 2008 at 11:17 amDo not support warriors or their wars.
It is time for America to stop romanticizing the use of military forces and the sacrificial lambs that are placed upon the altar of greed.
America break your chains to militarism.
Comment by civil behavior
This is who the American people are. You just witnessed the spectacle of major sports figures who cheat to “win at any cost” The corporate credo is win at any cost. Kids have learned this from us…..
Americans want to kick some ass……..how do cure that?
February 16th, 2008 at 11:23 amThis news is typical of a one-day item that will soon be forgotten and will never be added to the ledger of Bush administration disgraces. Rather, he will continue to be seen as a resolute leader of the war on terror. His lot, the vast majority of which have never served in the military, could not care less about volunteer grunts.
February 16th, 2008 at 11:33 amAt every turn they cut the budget for the well-being of returning troops.
“Americans want to kick some ass……..how do cure that?”
Comment by Fred
By showing them the consequences – instead of the thrill – of violence.
That’s why I liked Homicide: Life on the Street, because they rarely showed the criminally brutal act taking place, just the deceased victim.
February 16th, 2008 at 11:34 amOT, but check this out… the headline caught my attention…
you don’t think… could they really… could it be just a show…???
Missile Defense Future May Turn on Success of Mission to Destroy Satellite
By THOM SHANKER
Published: February 16, 2008
WASHINGTON — The order by President Bush for the Navy to launch an antimissile interceptor to destroy a disabled satellite before it falls from orbit carries opportunity, but also potential embarrassment, for the administration and advocates of its missile defense program.
[...]
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/16/washington/16satellite.html?ref=us
huh… and i figured they would be using it as a distraction…
February 16th, 2008 at 11:35 amok… both…
“huh… and i figured they would be using it as a distraction…
ok… both…”
Comment by katy
It shows that Bush has learned nothing in the time he’s been in office.
I guess they figure to overcome the pesky sensor problem, since the thing will be throwing off so much heat from re-entry that it’ll be an easy target.
But what if we miss?
February 16th, 2008 at 11:39 amand then there’s this little worry:
U.S. Makes Case About Satellite To Foreign Envoys
By Marc Kaufman
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, February 16, 2008; Page A02
The State Department sent cables to all embassies yesterday instructing diplomats to explain to foreign governments how the upcoming attempt to shoot down an out-of-control spy satellite is different from China’s destruction of one of its orbiting satellites early last year.
[...]
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/15/AR2008021503249.html
…
and this:
Attempt to shoot down spy satellite to cost up to $60 million CNN
chump change, right?
February 16th, 2008 at 11:41 amComment by barfly — February 16, 2008 @ 11:34 am
Aw, man, are you saying there’s something wrong w/ Shock And Aweâ„¢?
I mean, it’s so cool, kinda like a cross between a video game and a pro wrestling, complete w/ screaming guitars and computer graphics.
And no yucky bodies anywhere!
What’s not to like? Winning a war from the safety of yer own Barcalounger, in time fer dinner at six!
Now, if someone would only rig up one of those remote-kill thingies (like the kind that are now illegal for hunting) so True Patriotsâ„¢ could fire off rockets and guns from their own living room at the Evil Doerâ„¢ of their choice…
February 16th, 2008 at 11:42 am“Americans want to kick some ass……..how do cure that?â€
Comment by Fred
By showing them the consequences – instead of the thrill – of violence.
Comment by barfly
I think they are just angry…..I think they are kept angry deliberatly. I don’t see a change coming that will “show them the consequenses”. I think that all the bad things coming our way because of our aggressiveness will be translated or projected if you will onto an enemy abroad.
February 16th, 2008 at 11:43 am“chump change, right?”
Comment by katy
He’s just trying to give the economy a boost, in his last months in office. If this is successful, SAIC, Northrup-Grumman, and all their suppliers will be taking foreign orders hand-over-fist, trade restrictions be damned. That would be a way to bolster his half-a-decade of sagging economic performance.
February 16th, 2008 at 11:46 amI’ve said for a long time that the only people who should fight in wars are the ones who actually want them… the “leaders” **cough**, the generals, and the big business types.
They should be forced to fight hand-to-hand..
… and then make ‘em eat what they kill.
And THAT would stop wars pretty durn quickly.
February 16th, 2008 at 11:47 amAw, man, are you saying there’s something wrong w/ Shock And Awe™?
I mean, it’s so cool, kinda like a cross between a video game and a pro wrestling, complete w/ screaming guitars and computer graphics.
And no yucky bodies anywhere!
What’s not to like? Winning a war from the safety of yer own Barcalounger, in time fer dinner at six!
Now, if someone would only rig up one of those remote-kill thingies (like the kind that are now illegal for hunting) so True Patriots™ could fire off rockets and guns from their own living room at the Evil Doer™ of their choice…
Comment by The Republic of Stupidity
on a different thread troll exley was crowing about what a marvelous sucess the invasion of Iraq was….
he didn’t reply to the revelation that it’s pretty easy when you have 90% of the worlds military might and your taking on a country with .01% of the worlds military might……how does that make you feel like throwing your chest out and bragging?
February 16th, 2008 at 11:47 amI don’t see a change coming that will “show them the consequensesâ€.
How about another homegrown attack, like Okla. City, only on a 9/11 scale?
That might do it.
February 16th, 2008 at 11:48 amso, barfly – do you think the “satellite” is really damaged?
is this just a show? another ruse?
i’m beginning to think so…
February 16th, 2008 at 11:49 amAnd THAT would stop wars pretty durn quickly.
Comment by The Republic of Stupidity
I always advocated everyone smoking weed and going nekid
February 16th, 2008 at 11:50 amTo expand upon my previous comment, the current cultural volatility in America might be lessened by another large attack – and in this daily environment of carnage, it would be conceivable that some group of supremecists or religious whackos might stage a “false flag” attack, to fracture our sense of community, and to set the stage for mass deportations of foreigners.
February 16th, 2008 at 11:53 am“so, barfly – do you think the “satellite†is really damaged?
is this just a show? another ruse?
i’m beginning to think so…”
Comment by katy
Look at the facts. A downed satellite would mean a bonanza for contractors, and their suppliers – and it would burnish our image as technological masters, to the world. But a failure would be disastrous, and cause potentially more bad will than a successful mission would cause good.
In that context, no, I don’t think it’s a stunt to get more business.
February 16th, 2008 at 11:59 am“so, barfly – do you think the “satellite†is really damaged?
is this just a show? another ruse?
i’m beginning to think so…â€
Comment by katy
The russians think it has nuclear material aboard..
http://en.rian.ru/russia/20080215/99347040.html
February 16th, 2008 at 12:14 pmno wonder they didn’t want the news of that satellite to get out…
but they’ll be sure to toot their horns if the plan succeeds…
it would be kinda cool if everything was on the up and up –
February 16th, 2008 at 12:17 pmand the “Mission to Destroy Satellite” were a success… as THAT.
…
nuclear… well, that IS worse than “dangerous” material…
i never know what to think these days…
February 16th, 2008 at 12:21 pmexcept to rely on the notion to assume the opposite of anything they say…
While the Russians claim there is nuclear material aboard, the military is claiming it’s powered by hydrozine.
I’m curious if this is a publicity stunt, or if the Russians have satellite-based sensing equipment that can detect a release of radioactivity in near-space.
February 16th, 2008 at 12:29 pmWhile the Russians claim there is nuclear material aboard, the military is claiming it’s powered by hydrozine.
Comment by barfly
The article doesn’t imply that the russians think the nuclear material is being used for power for the satellite.
MOSCOW, February 15 (RIA Novosti) – Russia’s Defense Ministry is closely monitoring a U.S. spy satellite that has gone out of control and may have nuclear material on board, a high-ranking defense source said on Friday
February 16th, 2008 at 12:42 pmSeven Long Years of incompetence atop incompetence is driving me crazy. This Bush/Cheney administration has not accomplished anything worthwhile.
November 4 can’t come soon enough for me.
February 16th, 2008 at 12:44 pmone last OT about this…check it out…
found at C&L blog roundup:
Experts Scoff at Sat Shoot-Down Rationale (Updated)
February 16th, 2008 at 12:48 pmBy Noah Shachtman February 15, 2008 | 4:34:00 PMCategories: Missiles, Space
The Pentagon says it has to shoot down a malfunctioning spy satellite because of the threat of a toxic gas cloud. Space security experts are calling the rationale highly unlikely. “Having the US government spend millions of dollars to destroy a billion-dollar failure to save zero lives is comedic gold,” one tells DANGER ROOM.
[...]
http://blog.wired.com/defense/2008/02/fishy-rationale.html
sorry – i’m breaking my promise…
“…Having the US government spend millions of dollars to destroy a billion-dollar failure to save zero lives is comedic gold.”
well, i don’t know how FUNNY it is,
February 16th, 2008 at 1:02 pmbut, in BUSHCO BIZARRO WORLD it make perfect sense…
that wired story is great… for some reason this story fascinates me…
“I am also certain that Russian and China would also see this as a slap in the face as they are trying to revive the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space treaty discussion and ban on space weapons. It would further negatively affect the relations between them and the US. Which could lead to increased tensions, arms buildup, etc etc etc. Nothing good for anyone outside of arms manufacturers and politicians that need a bogeyman to scare people into voting for them.“
like i said…
February 16th, 2008 at 1:09 pmComment by Fred — February 16, 2008 @ 11:47 am
I remember that one, Fred. I was there too, also trying to nail his Cheney on that one, but he wouldn’t reply. Prolly busy picking Cheetos crumbs outta his beard, kind of a hunter/gatherer thing goin’ on.
February 16th, 2008 at 2:03 pmBarfly, #68
February 16th, 2008 at 7:40 pmHomicide, Life on the Street was one of the best detective dramas ever. Acting and scripts were excellent.
There has been some behind the scenes wrangling of MRAP contracts that have slowed things down. Force Protection Industries makes the Cougar and Buffalo MRAPs preferred by the Army and Marines. After literally thousands of IED hits, not one Marine has died in a Force Protection vehicle. Along comes Trent Lott, who is being lobbied by Navistar, from his home state, who wants a piece of the MRAP pie. Lott steers MRAP contracts to Navistar, and guess what, In the first month, a Navistar MAXXPro MRAP gets blown up in IRaq,, killing one and injuring four others. The Navistar vehicles are crap, bolted together instead of welded. The lobbyists get their checks, Trent Lott will go on to make millions as a lobbyist himself, Force Protection’s stock goes from $30.00 down to $4.00, and the troops are saying “WTF I just lost my legs!” General Butler was right when he said, “War is a racket”. The suits are behind the scenes fighting over the contracts and profits while the troops pay the real price. This has to stop.
February 16th, 2008 at 8:03 pmWhich is worse – the invasion/massacre we did to get to this place or the theft and corruption after we are there?
Comment by had enough — February 15, 2008 @ 8:13 pm
This is sort of like a “Which came first the chicken or the egg” sort of question.
February 16th, 2008 at 8:49 pmIn any case, isn’t “compassionate conservatism” just wonderful? (sarcasm off)
the latest:
US spy satellite plan ‘a cover’
February 16th, 2008 at 9:47 pmBBC News – 1 hour ago
Russia has accused the US of using a plan to shoot down a broken spy satellite as a cover for testing an anti-satellite weapon. The US said last week that it would use a missile to destroy the satellite, to stop it from crash landing.
Watch the spy satellite get shot down Atlanta Journal Constitution
Russia: US Satellite Shot a Weapons Test The Associated Press