Hanson Reviews "300"

How interesting that the past often mimics modern times, he concludes:

Luck. A movie comes out with a stereotypical view of the Persians as aggressive, imperious, arrogant, and autocratic; it is criticized for such simplicity; but then an aggressive, imperious, arrogant, and autocratic Iranian ruling caste 2500 years later at almost the moment of its release continues to defy the world over nukes and is reduced to sordid piracy and hostage-taking.

And the Left calls it racism to stereotype, but I say actions speak volumes.

Plus, Austin Bay discusses Iran's Keystone Kop moment.

Also, Fred Thompson laments Britain mothballing its fleet.

After Action Report from Iraq

Defense Tech breaks down the Good and the Bad of this analysis by former Army general and SouthCom commander Barry McCaffrey. The MSM of course, is focusing mainly the bad news, so here's the good:

Since the arrival of General David Petraeus in command of Multi-National Force Iraq--- the situation on the ground has clearly and measurably improved.
There is a real and growing ground swell of Sunni tribal opposition to the Al Qaeda-in-Iraq terror formations. (90% Iraqi.) This counter-Al Qaeda movement in Anbar Province was fostered by brilliant US Marine leadership. There is now unmistakable evidence that the western Sunni tribes are increasingly convinced that they blundered badly by sitting out the political process...The command and control technology, training, contractor support, and flexibility of Marine and Army combat formations are magnificent.
The US Tier One special operations capability is simply magic.

And finally:

In my judgment, we can still achieve our objective of: a stable Iraq, at peace with its neighbors, not producing weapons of mass destruction, and fully committed to a law-based government.

I agree. I still believe its possible for America to do anything she sets her mind to, out of all the nations on Earth. Sadly, we are living in a very pessimistic society which prefers to hope for the worse.

Here's the whole report in PDF if you're interested.

Also read Things are looking up by Joe Lieberman.

Honest News

Good News from the War on Terror, with even the MSM taking notice:

Iraq Rebuilding Successes Don't Get Enough Ink, U.S. General Says

Stryker Battalion Enters Fight in Baqubah

Iraqi Police train in law, human rights

Al Qaeda vs Sunni

Insurgents report a split with Al Qaeda in Iraq

US captures car-bombing ring in Iraq

Surge = Training Op for Iraqis

Scouts seize terrorists and weapons cache

Baghdad High Value Targets Nabbed

Troops salute fallen leader

Classic war story of '300' resonates with Marines

Americans Flood Troops with Support

Iran Parties Like its 1979

Victor Davis Hanson has deja' vu:

Jimmy Carter established the Western precedent, amplified by Ronald Reagan in the arms-for-hostages deals, that there is almost nothing a Western government won’t do to retrieve its kidnapped citizens. Now we see his ripples, as Iran promises to release the female soldier. If there are any minorities among the 15, expect them to follow as in 1979.

I hate to admit it, but he's right about Reagan. But in his defense, Ronnie did see the need to eliminate the more pressing threat, which then was Soviet expansionism. Sadly, Carter was hard-pressed to combat even that enemy. And Reagan did leave us a precedent, in his economic war against the communists, that may be bearing fruit with Iran as well.

MC Rove!!!!!!!!!!!!

Omigosh. And David Gregory got groove?

Bush the Standup

This is a scream! After he leaves the White House, I smell a second career.

Stop the War!

With Congress apparently in the War ending, as opposed to War-winning business, Mark Jones offers deadlines for other long-lasting US wars, including:

THE WAR ON POVERTY: In his first State of the Union speech, President Lyndon B. Johnson declared a "War On Poverty." Making poverty a national concern set in motion a series of bills and acts, creating programs such as Head Start, food stamps, work study, Medicare and Medicaid, which still exist today. The programs initiated under Johnson brought about results, reducing rates of poverty and improved living standards for America's poor; however, the programs have outlived their usefulness and too many people are actively fighting to keep them in place even though most of the programs that are outdated and make as much sense as Rosie O'Donnell in a Playboy centerfold.

Ouch! Thats a scary thought. I would also end the War on the Homeless, which seems to be increasing rather than reducing people on the street.

Being Naughty on a Plane

The Flying Imams' loss in court is a defeat for Terrorist Hijackers everywhere.

British Sailors Were in Iraq Waters

And the Iranians themselves offer proof. Story from Yahoo/AP:

Britain said it was freezing talks on all other issues with Iran until it freed 15 Royal Navy crew members seized last week, and the British military released what it said was proof its boats were within Iraqi territorial waters when they were seized...

Britain's military said its vessels were 1.7 nautical miles inside Iraqi waters when Iran seized the sailors and marines on Friday.
Vice Adm. Charles Style told reporters that the Iranians had provided a position on Sunday — a location that he said was in Iraqi waters. By Tuesday, Iranian officials had given a revised position 2 miles east, placing the British inside Iranian waters — a claim he said was not verified by global positioning system coordinates.

"It is hard to understand a legitimate reason for this change of coordinates," Style said.

Not hard for me to grasp, because the change in coordinates suited the mullahs' rhetoric.

MiLinks

Blackwater's Grizzly APC. Not to be confused with the other Grizzlies.

Chavis Turret a Lifesaver. Yankee ingenuity alive and well in Iraq.

Successful Test of Arrow Missile. A joint US/Israeli production.

Taiwan Unveils Homemade Fighter. The IDF II!

U.S. counters chopper attacks. Terrorists foiled in a repeat of the Soviet Afghan War.

Land Phalanx in Action. A naval weapon evolves!

Force Protection in the News. The Charleston, SC based maker of mine resistent vehicles.

Boeing-Missile Defense Works Better Than Expected.

Report: Chinese Building Nuclear Powered Carrier. I'll believe it when I see it.

Russian Su-33 Fighter for PLAN's Russian Aircraft Carrier? Could be!

Navy Flexes Its Muscles In Persian Gulf. The Big Stick in action!

Carrier Charles de Gaulle in Gulf. The Frogs won't be left out!

Construction begins on the first Ford-class aircraft carrier.

Destroyer Named for Iraq Hero. And a Medal of Honor winner!

John F. Kennedy (CV-67) Decommissioned March 23, 2007. So long, Big John!

Navy pushes back timetable for LCS. An essential but troubled program.

Two Sailors Killed In Accident Aboard Royal Navy Submarine. More trouble for Brit sailors.

Charleston Turkey Buzzards?

Here's an curious tale from early Charleston history by Ray Cox:

In the 1700-1800’s there were food markets and a slaughter house in these buildings. Sanitation became a real concern. The mayor at the time decided that importing a bunch of Turkey Buzzards to eat the entrails and meat scraps would solve the sanitation problem---so that is exactly what Charleston did. They brought a large flock of Turkey Buzzards from Ohio and released them in the city. As planned, the birds went right to work gobbling up the meat scraps. But, without any natural enemies the birds multiplied and ate so much they became fat and couldn’t really even fly any longer. People would kick the buzzards or even kill them to get them off their property and out of the way. Wanting to keep up with their sanitation plan, Charleston passed a law protecting the buzzards----but people tended to ignore the law. So, the mayor changed the name of the bird to the 'Charleston Majestic Eagle'---and people left the birds with the majestic name alone! The bird’s demise came during the hurricane of 1911 when the whole flock was blown far out to sea and never returned. Quite a story.

Interesting. Ray also has lots of pix of his recent tour of the Holy City, worth checking out!

Financial “shock and awe” against Iran

The Moderate Voice is reports that Iran is heading for financial collapse:

An article (”Iran Feels Pinch As Major Banks Curtail Business“) in today’s Washington Post indicates that Iran is experiencing a credit collapse as more than 40 major international banks and financial institutions have either cut off or cut back business with the Iranian government or private sector as a result of a quiet campaign launched last September by the U.S.Treasury and State departments...

Financial “shock and awe” seems to be working a lot better than did the military version. The Bush Administration may be remembered for having peacefully prevented Iran from joining the nuclear weapons club.

This is why, as I stated yesterday, if Blair can calm his country long enough over the hostage crisis, these non-military solutions might bear fruit. It worked for Reagan.

The Surge Gains Support

Among Iraqs many tribal parties, according to Omar Fadhil via Pajamas Media:

Overall, the security operation continues to gain more support among the political parties, including some that were skeptical in the beginning out of fear the operation would not be impartial. Today a spokesman of the Accord Front, to which VP Hashimi and deputy PM Zobaie belong, affirmed the AF’s support for the ongoing operation saying, “Our bloc, seeing the security forces covering Baghdad’s districts and operating without discrimination, is now convinced that the operation is unbiased.”

Plus a familiar quote:

On the other hand extremist parties of both sects continue their criticism of the operation, in stupid and somewhat amusing ways.

The same could be said for extremists in Congress!

Also in America, Frank Warner reports on a slight "surge" in support.

Hostage Crisis Revisited

Iran, up to its old tricks. Here's a news roundup:

British soldiers will not be swapped.

EMPIRE OF THE MULLAHS: Iran’s imperial project in the Shatt al-Arab.

US Holds 300 Prisoners Linked to Iran.

Blair: Iran must free naval prisoners in days.

My own thought is that Iran wants the West to bomb them. Then they gain sympathy from the world-wide liberal Press, since they would appear as victims. A few carefully placed children's toys in a bombed building and the UN would be all over Britain and the US, and whoever joined them in the attack. Why else would this happen just when the UN sponsored sanctions are voted on? Gives me the idea that sanctions, which I'm normally against, might actually be working. However un-Thatcher like waiting for diplomacy to work may be for Blair, its probably the right course in this case.

RetroClip: A 9/11 Tribute

Made by Krystal. I think about this all the time.

Force Protection on Discovery Channel

From their company email:

Force Protection Industries, Inc.'s armored vehicles will be featured tonight during Discovery Channel's Future Weapons program. The segment, entitled "Immediate Action," will premier at 9 PM E/P. To watch a preview, please click on the headline below.

I love Future Weapons which also runs on the Military Channel.

The NY Times Comes Clean

Another "fake but accurate" news report from the Gray Lady:

Amorita Randall, a former naval construction worker, told The Times that she was in combat in Iraq in 2004 and that in one incident an explosive device blew up a Humvee she was riding in, killing the driver and leaving her with a brain injury. She also said she was raped twice while she was in the Navy.
On March 6, three days before the article went to press, a Times researcher contacted the Navy to confirm Ms. Randall’s account...

the spokesman said there was no report of the Humvee incident or a record of Ms. Randall’s having suffered an injury in Iraq. The spokesman also said that Ms. Randall’s commander, who served in Iraq, remembered her but said that her unit was never involved in combat while it was in Iraq. Both of these statements from the Navy were included in the article. The article also reported that the Navy had no record of a sexual-assault report involving Ms. Randall.

So, this seems to be the policy of the Times: if it makes Bush and the military look bad, go for it! And later we'll apologize after we've started a riot or two.

Washington Post Slams Democrats

This is an amazing and scathing editorial from the liberal leaning newspaper:

Altogether the House Democratic leadership has come up with more than $20 billion in new spending, much of it wasteful subsidies to agriculture or pork barrel projects aimed at individual members of Congress. At the tail of all of this logrolling and political bribery lies this stinger: Representatives who support the bill -- for whatever reason -- will be voting to require that all U.S. combat troops leave Iraq by August 2008, regardless of what happens during the next 17 months or whether U.S. commanders believe a pullout at that moment protects or endangers U.S. national security, not to mention the thousands of American trainers and Special Forces troops who would remain behind.

Here is a jaw-dropping statement:

The legislation pays more heed to a handful of peanut farmers than to the 24 million Iraqis who are living through a maelstrom initiated by the United States, the outcome of which could shape the future of the Middle East for decades.

And finally this damning comment:

House Democrats are pressing a bill that has the endorsement of MoveOn.org but excludes the judgment of the U.S. commanders who would have to execute the retreat the bill mandates.

Here are my own thoughts. In their zeal to appear like their anti-war Vietnam forebears, Democrats are ignoring all common sense, and their duty to protect this nation. Still, I think it will do them little good against our resolute president as the Surge continues to gain ground.

Aircraft Carrier Vs. Cruise Missile 15

A disturbing report from Bloomberg:

Navy Lacks Plan to Defend Against `Carrier-Destroying' Missile

The U.S. Navy, after nearly six years of warnings from Pentagon testers, still lacks a plan for defending aircraft carriers against a supersonic Russian-built missile, according to current and former officials and Defense Department documents.
The missile, known in the West as the ``Sizzler,'' has been deployed by China and may be purchased by Iran. Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England has given the Navy until April 29 to explain how it will counter the missile, according to a Pentagon budget document.
The Defense Department's weapons-testing office judges the threat so serious that its director, Charles McQueary, warned the Pentagon's chief weapons-buyer in a memo that he would move to stall production of multibillion-dollar ship and missile programs until the issue was addressed.
``This is a carrier-destroying weapon,'' said Orville Hanson, who evaluated weapons systems for 38 years with the Navy. ``That's its purpose.''
``Take out the carriers'' and China ``can walk into Taiwan,'' he said. China bought the missiles in 2002 along with eight diesel submarines designed to fire it, according to Office of Naval Intelligence spokesman Robert Althage.
A Pentagon official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Russia also offered the missile to Iran, although there's no evidence a sale has gone through. In Iranian hands, the Sizzler could challenge the ability of the U.S. Navy to keep open the Strait of Hormuz, through which an estimated 25 percent of the world's oil traffic flows.

Americans Still Support the Troops

And they're proving it through the US Mail, according to NewsMax:

Four years into America's war in Iraq, public approval of the effort has fallen sharply, but private support for the troops looks as strong as ever. Since no official statistics exist, the evidence is necessarily anecdotal. Soldiers in war zones receive a steady influx of care packages and letters. Domestically, organizations that offer aid to soldiers and their families have enjoyed consistent support, and some have even grown.

After only three months in Iraq, Lieutenant Edwards has received over 200 care packages addressed to him. They came from friends, family, and complete strangers, he said in a phone interview, adding that he distributes most of them throughout the regiment.
"We definitely receive more now than in previous deployments. America's support for her troops has not waned," he says.

Other troops report similar experiences. "I have received so much stuff, I would be hard-pressed to say 'thanks' enough," writes Commander Paul Eich, a naval aviator working as an intelligence officer in Baghdad, in an e-mail. Commander Eich, speaking as a citizen, not a representative of the US military or government, says he once received two boxes with enough hand sanitizer to last him over six months.

Check the links to your right to see how you can support the troops!

On the right path in Afghanistan

This from Retired Army Gen. Barry R. McCaffrey, via the Washington Times:

"The Afghan economy is booming at 12 percent growth rate a year. Fourteen billion [dollars] has been spent on aid since 2001. Six TV channels and a hundred free, uncensored publications are available to the people. Literacy is increasing rapidly. The ring road is now two-thirds complete. The 40,000 soldiers of the [Afghan National Army] are growing rapidly in numbers and capability. There are 45,000 NATO and U.S. troops in country. There is a functioning democracy with an elected Parliament, and a serious, dedicated Afghan president in office. Afghanistan can be a strategic victory in the struggle against terrorism. We are now on the right path."

McCaffrey is also a professor at West Point.

Honest News

True stories from the War on Terror:

Baghdad Order of Battle

39 Terrorists Killed by Iraq Tribes

Can Petraeus Turn War in Iraq Around?

Gen. Abizaid's Long View

U.S. Ready for Decades of Defense

Iran in Retreat

U.S. Military Program Targets Terrorism in North Africa

Mom Asks Americans to ‘Have a Heart’

Teachers' institute opens in Rasheed

Security, reconstruction efforts improve in Iraq

Iraqi soldiers keeps Iraqis trucking

Bush Approval Rating Higher Than Congress

With Bush's rating at 33 %. This from Gallup:

According to Gallup's monthly update on job approval of Congress -- in a March 11-14, 2007, national poll -- 28% of Americans approve of the job being done by Congress and 64% disapprove. This marks a substantial change from January and February, with approval down nine points and disapproval up nine points.

Hypocrisy on Global Warming

"Do as I say, not as I do" seems to be the attitude of the rich and famous on Global Warming. From the Tennessean Blog:

U.S. Sen. James Inhofe of Oklahoma asked Gore to pledge to reduce his personal home energy to the national average within a year.
That was in reaction to reports of Gore’s large utility bill at his Nashville home.
Gore responded that he lives a “carbon neutral life” by buying carbon offsets to compensate for his energy use.
Inhoffe called the offsets “gimmicks” used by the wealthy.

How many of you can afford such carbon offsets to live a luxurious Hollywood lifestyle? There goes the American Dream. Here's Christ on hypocrites:

All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.
For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
But all their works they do for to be seen of men.

Also read Limousine Liberal Hypocrisy.

Czech President: Global Warming a Religion

Something I reported on as well. Story by NewsMax:

Czech President Vaclav Klaus said on Wednesday that fighting global warming has turned into a a 'religion' that replaced the ideology of communism and threatens to clip basic freedoms...'Communism has been replaced by the threat of an ambitious environmentalism,' Klaus wrote in response to questions from the U.S. House of Representatives' Committee on Energy and Commerce...

Klaus said poor nations would also be hurt by efforts to impose limits and standards on emissions of gases believed to cause global warming.
'They will not be able to absorb new technological standards required by the anti-greenhouse religion, their products will have difficulty accessing the developed markets, and as a result the gap between them and the developed world will widen,' he wrote.

I reported on the religious comparison in an earlier Oped title "Superstition Rises".

Bring Back the Arsenal Ship

Those who criticize our much-smaller Post Cold War Navy, often overlook the fact that our fleet regularly deploys 10,000 missile launchers to sea, not to mention the new precision weapons carried by carrier aircraft. Back during the 1990’s, plans were to increase this unprecedented firepower by building new Arsenal Ships. These were lo-tech “missile barges” with the capacity to load up to 1000 missile weapons, plus a crew of about 50, at about the cost of an Arleigh Burke destroyer. Due to small budgets during the Clinton Era, this brilliant idea was shelved, though the idea recurs from time to time, including during the 2000 Election by then candidate George Bush.

Building new Arsenal Ships would currently save much money, especially when compared to the $3 billion price tag of the new Zumwalt DDX destroyers, of which only 2 has been funded so far. Ten Arsenal Ships would give us the equivalent firepower of our entire cruise missile firing surface and submarine fleet, at tremendous savings in crew complements and ship maintenance. Even with their entire missile complement of 1000, these 21st Century battleships would cost less than a new supercarrier and her air wing. Though the Big Navy advocates might howl over another reduction in hi-tech warships, the savings could go for large numbers of cheap patrol ships able to chase Al Qaeda pirates and drug smugglers into their shallow water haunts.

Branchville Fire-Update

From the T and D Online:

The fire that broke out in Branchville Monday around 6:30 p.m. destroyed one of the original Branch Junction buildings used in the annual Raylrode Daze Festivul. Branch Junction is a replica of a western town, where many of the activities of Raylrode Daze are held.The Red Dog Saloon sustained an estimated $25,000 in damages. The fire also damaged a couple of wagons and train cars of the festival's popular Cal Smoak Special which were in storage. Fortunately, the Cal Smoak Special train engine was not involved in the blaze."By the time I arrived, the Saloon was totally engulfed in flames," Branchville Mayor Tim Cooner. A secondary fire in the old freight depot was likely set off by sparks from the initial fire, Cooner said...According to the mayor, seven fire trucks from the Branchville, Canaan, Cattle Creek and Rowesville fire departments responded to the blaze...

Joe Walters of 140 Edwards Street, which is located just behind the Raylrode Daze Festivul's Branch Junction, said he had just sat down to watch the evening news on TV when someone knocked on his door."Two frightened little boys were pounding on my door telling me to call 911. They said that there was a fire. It was around 6:32 p.m.," said Walters, one of the original gunfighters who helped build Old Town.

I think this was posted before the culprits were caught which I mentioned yesterday. Was it the 2 boys who alerted Walters?

French Army at its Best

At least they tried!

MiLinks

Britain Bans ‘Dumb’ Cluster Bombs. The West continues to weaken their defenses against the rising East.

Japan Considers Buying Typhoon Fighter Jet. Raptor advocates better get busy!

Major Defects Found in F-22 Raptor. Over 800!

Airborne Laser Tested In-Flight. Just the tracking system.

India, Russia Talk Next-Generation Fighter. India heading for superpower status!

Military Videos on YouTube. Straight from the frontlines!

Mid-Range Munition Projectile Scores Direct Hit. Boosting the tank's teeth!

Rocket ushers new era for combat tactics. Thanks to precision!

Personal Defense Weapon for soldiers. Return of the "poor bloody infantry"!

USS Reagan Trains with Japanese Ships. US naval dominance, with a little help from friends!

Iraqi Navy on Way to Independence. With 21 new warships!

Indian Aircraft Carrier to Soldier On. INS Viraat, formerly HMS Hermes.

Engineers Observe VSTOL on USS Nassau. In preparation for the JSF F-35B.

South Korea's Grandiose Naval Plans. For 6 new Aegis destroyers.

Freedom Class Ships Liberated. The LCS gets a second chance.

Branchville Old Town Partially Burned

The Old Town in Branchville SC was partially burned in the late evening on Monday. The recreation of a wild west town has been part of the Branchville Rayrode Daze Festival since its inception in the late 1960's. Former town chief of police Boone Walters stated they are uncertain how the fire was started but arson has not been ruled out. Some kids were seen playing with fireworks nearby the town but this hasn't been confirmed, stated Walters.

A saloon, blacksmith shop, and corral, plus a wagon were lost in the fire. In 1995, another Branchville landmark was lost in a fire, the Railroad Depot. and Museum, which has since been restored. In 2004, the old Branchville High School was totally demolished in clear case of arson, which the young perpetrators soon released.

Update. I'm currently listening to some grade school kids get a tongue lashing from the Branchville Police Force. A couple of kids with firecrackers apparently are the culprits.

What's It Like In Baghdad?

Ask someone who lives there, Mohammad Fadhil:

You look around in Baghdad now and see hundreds of men working in the streets to pick up garbage; to plant flowers and paint the blast walls in joyful colors. Many of Baghdad’s squares are becoming green and clean. The picture isn’t perfect, but it’s a clear attempt to beat violence and ease pain through giving the spring a chance to shine.
Nights in Baghdad now are far from quiet, but the sounds cause less anxiety for me than they did before. I recognize the rumble of armor and thump of guns and they assure me that the gangs and militias do not dominate the night as they once did.

And on the recent Iraqi poll mentioned here:

If it surprised some of them that a poll found Iraqis optimistic, then I’m surprised that someone finally bothered to ask Iraqis how they feel.

Who cares about the environment?

It ain't the Left, if last weekend's AntiWar March in Washington is any indication, according to Blackfive:

The hippie, anti-war, love-mother-earth, peta, answer, code pinkos group left litter and trash everywhere. When they left, their AO was TRASHED!! On the other hand, the GoE people conducted a police-call and left their area clean. How ironic is that?

This is more of that "do as I say, not as I do" mentality that affects Al Gore, Ted Kennedy, and many others on the Left.

Good News From Basra

As translated by the Mudville Gazette:

Nearly 40% of Families who left Basra have returned to their homes in Basra
President of the Sunni Accord southern Chapter Abdul Kariem Alkhzerji said to the Basra office of Al-Wataniah Al-Iraqiah, ‘Close to 40% of forcibly displaced families from Basra have returned to their homes in Basra province.
Alkhzerji told Al-Wataniah Al-Iraqiah, ‘there are a number of reasons behind the return of the displaced families in Basra. Chief of them is the relative calm and security, which is prevalent in the province. Second are the long lasting and historic relationships, which bond Sunni & Shiite Muslims to each other.

Michelle Malkin at the Gathering of Eagles

As Promised.

Gathering of Eagles-30,000 Strong!

Here's an awesome video from the event supporting the Troops. More here.

Michelle Malkin has even more.

Here's the Hot Air Video. I'll post it tommorrow.

Iran Versus "300"

Here's Fred Thompson:

...the Iranians have filed a flurry of complaints with the United Nations, claiming “300” is “cultural and psychological warfare.”
Who are these guys who are getting all flushed over our cultural insensitivity?
People who want to blow Jews off the face of the earth. The regime that stormed our embassy in 1979 and kept Americans captive for 444 days. Iran’s Hezbollah puppets have killed more Americans, than any other terrorist group except Al Qaeda. Explosive devices from Iran are being used right now against our soldiers in Iraq.

Now, if only more Hollywood films would raise the ire of the Axis of Evil, besides all the usual sex stuff.

Force Protection Boosts Sales

This is the Charleston (Ladson) based maker of IED resistent vehicles for our brave and brilliant troops:

Force Protection, Inc., the leading protective vehicle manufacturer, today announced results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2006. For the year ended December 31, 2006, the Company's net sales totaled $196.0 million. Net income was $18.2 million or $0.39 per diluted share. In the fourth quarter of 2006, the Company's net sales totaled $62.9 million. Net income was $17.0 million or $0.32 per diluted share during the fourth quarter of 2006.

As long as you continue to help the war effort, I hope y'all break the bank!

Iraqi's More Hopeful About the Surge

A new British conducted poll gives the details, according to the Australian:

The poll, the biggest since coalition troops invaded Iraq on March 20, 2003, indicates that by a majority of two to one, Iraqis prefer the current leadership to Saddam Hussein's regime despite the collapse of security and lack of public services.
The survey, published yesterday, found that contrary to the views of many Western analysts, most Iraqis do not believe they are in a civil war.
Officials in Washington and London are likely to be buoyed by the poll, conducted by the Opinion Research Business, a British market research company that funded its own survey of 5019 Iraqis over 18.

This is more remarkable considering all the death and mayhem these people have endured. Meanwhile, many Americans who are still at the mall are ready to throw in the towel.

Don Surber thinks "Iraqis are all watching Fox".

TigerHawk writes about The paradox of Iraqi optimism.

Election 2008: Apology Watch #4

McCain Regrets Use of Term 'Tar Baby'.Via NewsMax:

Republican presidential contender John McCain on Friday
used the term "tar baby," considered by some a racial epithet, and later said he
regretted it.
Answering questions at a town hall meeting, the Arizona
senator was discussing federal involvement in custody cases when he said, "For
me to stand here and ... say I'm going to declare divorces invalid because of
someone who feels they weren't treated fairly in court, we are getting into a tar baby of enormous proportions and I don't know how
you get out of that."

After the event, McCain told reporters: "I don't think I should have used that word and I was wrong to do so."

NY Times: War Causes Death

The Grey Lady's "Duh" moment:

The heightened American street presence may already have contributed to an increase in the percentage of American deaths that occur in Baghdad.

I suppose there would be less casualties if the troops stayed safely in the Green Zone, like many reporters. But then they couldn't finish the mission and come home, as so many Americans want.

Thankfully, the increased street presence has led to a decline in civilian casualties.

The Nuclear Cruiser Debate

A new proposal to make the Navy less dependent on fossil fuels. From the Daily Press:

Northrop Grumman Newport News, a longtime builder of aircraft carriers and submarines, may have a chance in coming years to expand its business to include surface combatants.The Navy has begun studying the idea of designing the next generation of cruisers as nuclear-powered ships, with a preliminary recommendation expected by year's end.Any decision to go nuclear on cruisers could open up a new line of work for Newport News, one of only two nuclear-capable shipyards in the country...
The design and construction for the future cruiser - a multi-mission warship that fires Tomahawk cruise missiles - remain years away. The first new cruiser is not scheduled to get under construction until 2011.But Congress has expressed growing interest in making the ship nuclear, as lawmakers try to make the military less dependent on oil in an age of terrorism.

But can we afford it? Not likely:

Building a cruiser with a nuclear power plant could add $600 million to $800 million to the price of the ship, Navy officials testified.

Our last nuclear cruisers were the Virginia and California classes. The first, above, is the USS Long Beach. In the 1970's the Congress ordered all future carrier escorts to be nuclear powered, obviously to little good.

Iraq's astonishing achievement

According to Austin Bay:

In January 2003, I argued that toppling Saddam's tyranny in Iraq would do two things: begin the process of fostering political choice (democracy) in the Middle East and bring al-Qaida onto a battlefield not of its choosing. Moreover, that battlefield would be largely manned by Muslim allies, exposing the great fractures within Islam and the Middle East that al-Qaida's strategists tried to mask by portraying America as "the enemy."
Credit the Iraqi people with taking the opportunity by conducting three honest, open, democratic elections...That's an astonishing achievement.

Al-Qaida's now-deceased emir in Iraq, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, understood the stakes. In a message to al-Qaida (intercepted by the Coalition in February 2004), Zarqawi wrote that after Iraqis run their own government, U.S. troops will remain, "but the sons of this land will be the authority. ... This is the democracy. We will have no pretexts." Iraq's new army and police will link with the people "by lineage, blood and appearance."
The terrorists and tyrants understand. It's a shame America's chatterers don't.

The chatterers, who see America as the problem, attempt to hinder democratization by repeating the Radical Muslims talking points that they are the victims. When a person looks for a handout instead of a hand up, he continues in his self-imposed squalor.

Al Qaeda losing the "Hearts and Minds"

This is reported by Bill Roggio, concerning the Battle of Diyala:

The up tick in violence in Diyala is also reflected by al Qaeda in Iraq's attempt to establish its rump Islamic State of Iraq, and the resistance from some local Sunni and Shia tribes. Recently, al Qaeda in Iraq torched the homes of Sunni and Shia tribesmen in Muqdadiya who oppose them. Al Qaeda also kidnapped and subsequently murdered 14 Iraqi police who were traveling on leave from Baquba. The murders were videotaped. "Their throats had been cut and their hands were bound," said the mayor of the nearby town of Khalis.

Al Qaeda's activities in Diyala are causing the local tribes to organize resistance against the terrorists. Last week, Al Sabaah reported the local sheikhs in Diyala are organizing against al-Qaeda and its Islamic State in Iraq, "which [is] spreading corruption in the province districts." Tribal leaders in Diyala are beginning to form up along the lines of the Anbar Salvation Council in Anbar province.

But I thought the US "occupiers" were fueling the insurgency? If this report is true, we must now doubt everything the MSM has told us concerning the war, that the West is fighting a losing battle.

Honest News

True stories which didn't make it to the NY Times Frontpage:

US in Disarmament Discussions with Mahdi Army

Gates: Baghdad Security Plan Encouraging So Far

700 more soldiers arrive in Diyala

Marines rescue Iraqi family from accident

Iraqi Police, Army protect pilgrims

Patrol leads to discovery of weapons caches

Missing Iranian Minister Cooperates with West

Seven terrorists killed during raid

Iraqi Police Draw Big Numbers

Operation Achilles Update

Obama Thinks John Edwards is 'Kind of Cute'

Was Obama inspired by this clip?

Crossposted at Clip Commando.

Mass Amnesia Over Clinton Firings

This is reported by Media Reality Check:

Attorney General Alberto Gonzales appeared on five broadcast and cable network TV morning shows to comment on the sudden media-manufactured “crisis” that the Justice Department fired eight U.S. Attorneys, political appointees of the President. None of the Gonzales interviewers – at ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, and FNC – ever mentioned that the Clinton administration fired all 93 U.S. Attorneys in 1993. How can firing eight be a “crisis” and firing 93 be not worth a solitary mention?

How soon they forget, especially when a Republican is in office. Hypocrisy!

Zell Miller on Abortion

The straight talking Democrat still tells it like it is, with no spin! From the Atlanta Journal:

“How could this great land of plenty produce too few people in the last 30 years? Here is the brutal truth that no one dares to mention: We’re too few because too many of our babies have been killed,” Miller said.
“Over 45 million since Roe v. Wade in 1973. If those 45 million children had lived, today they would be defending our country, they would be filling our jobs, they would be paying into Social Security,” the former Georgia governor said. “Still, we watch as 3,700 babies are killed every single day in America. It is unbelievable that a nation under God would allow this.”

We haven't progressed very far when killing our future becomes a right.

The 'Surge' Is Succeeding

This according to Robert Kagan, writing in the Washington Post:

Some observers are reporting the shift. Iraqi bloggers Mohammed and Omar Fadhil, widely respected for their straight talk, say that "early signs are encouraging." The first impact of the "surge," they write, was psychological. Both friends and foes in Iraq had been convinced, in no small part by the American media, that the United States was preparing to pull out. When the opposite occurred, this alone shifted the dynamic.

As the Fadhils report, "Commanders and lieutenants of various militant groups abandoned their positions in Baghdad and in some cases fled the country." The most prominent leader to go into hiding has been Moqtada al-Sadr. His Mahdi Army has been instructed to avoid clashes with American and Iraqi forces, even as coalition forces begin to establish themselves in the once off-limits Sadr City.

I also believe the strategy of 'clear and hold', of US troops sticking around even after the enemy leaves, is the main cause of the turn around.

Where the Navy Screws Up

Almost from the beginning they assure that costs will escalate out of control. Read this proposal for a new sub, from Defense Industry Daily:

The Navy and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) plan to pour $97 million between 2004-2009 into a new joint project known as Tango Bravo, intended to lead to the design of a new attack submarine that would have all the capabilities of the current Virginia Class boats, but at half the size and half the build cost.

These unrealistic specifications are already at the top of the list on many new naval projects, including the DDX destroyers, new supercarriers, as well as the Virginia class attack submarines, all of which were supposed to be cheaper but are far more costly than their predecessors.. Why not build warships that can do one mission very well, instead of a jack of all trades. The ability to sink an enemy ship would be a start.

Apparently Strategypage agrees with me saying-" The new, smaller sub would probably not be much cheaper."

Force Protection on ABC

The Ladson, SC based maker of protected vehicles:

Force Protection Industries, Inc. and its armored vehicles will be featured this evening in a Special Report by Bob Woodruff during ABC's World News Tonight program. World News Tonight is broadcast from 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM, Eastern Daylight Time.

Joint Security Stations Stabilizing Baghdad

As reported by Bill Roggio:

There are now 23 Joint Security Stations (JSS) established throughout the city. The JSS are the patrol bases where U.S. soldiers, Iraqi police and Army units operate from within the neighborhoods in Baghdad. While about 35 to 40 JSS were planned for Baghdad initially, the concept has yielded positive results and more stations will be opened. The Iraqi government and Coalition are now planning on opening over 70 Joint Security Stations throughout Baghdad. The Sadr City JSS will be operational shortly. A joint U.S. and Iraqi force of 1,150 soldiers and police established 23 checkpoints in Sadr City last week and conducted clearing operations inside Muqtada al Sadr's stronghold.

This is encouraging and hope we can continue the good work our troops are doing for the Iraqis.

For more on the Surge, here's Defense Sec. Gates' view.

MiLinks

Post Cold War Defense Spending. It ain't what it used to be!

Iraqis Working to Build Capable Air Force. Right now, its the ground war that matters!

New Anti-Artillery Gun System. Plus anti-RPG amd mortar rounds!

Cold War Weapons, Arriving Now. Better lat than never, unless warfare has moved on.

Brits Field MASTIFF Armor in Iraq. Their version of the Cougar.

On China's "super-fighter". Debunking the debunkers of the J-10.

VIPeR – Small, Portable Reconnaissance Robot. Iraq as the first Robot War!

Lockheed Unveils New Precision Strike Missile. In a private venture.

Lockheed Martin Unveils New Hellfire-Compatible Guided Rocket. For Urban combat!

World Tank Market at $31 Bil. Getting more out of less.

F-35B Liftoff. The Vertol version!

Chinese SSBN Goes To Sea. But does it work?

Navy Says Farewell to Last Sea King. After 37 years!

Congress to Double Sub Production. But at what cost?

Navy to Commission USS New Orleans. An amphibious transport dock.

New Power System for Future Warships. Not as good as it could have been.

Navy’s First Riverine Squadron Deploys. With the Marines in Iraq.

Not a Scientist, but plays one on TV

In the NY Times, credible scientists rebuke Al Gore's global warming alarmist theories:

In talks, articles and blog entries that have appeared since his film and accompanying book came out last year, these scientists argue that some of Mr. Gore’s central points are exaggerated and erroneous. They are alarmed, some say, at what they call his alarmism...

Although Mr. Gore is not a scientist, he does rely heavily on the authority of science in “An Inconvenient Truth,” which is why scientists are sensitive to its details and claims.
Criticisms of Mr. Gore have come not only from conservative groups and prominent skeptics of catastrophic warming, but also from rank-and-file scientists...

Read on for more.

The Great Global Warming Swindle

Here's the whole controversial program, cross-posted at Clip Commando.

UPI reporter breaks down over Iraq

This is heart wrenching. Cross posted at Clip Commando

American Indians to Hunt Bin Laden

What a cool story, from The Australian News:

The unit, the Shadow Wolves, was recruited from several tribes, including the Navajo, Sioux, Lakota and Apache. It is being sent to Tajikistan and Uzbekistan to pass on ancestral sign-reading skills to local border units.
In recent years, members of the Shadow Wolves have mainly tracked smugglers along the US border with Mexico...

The unit has earned international respect for its tracking skills in the Arizona desert. It was founded in the early 1970s to curb the flow of marijuana into the US from Mexico and has since tracked people-smugglers across hundreds of square kilometres of the Tohono O'odham tribal reservation, southwest of Tucson.

I agree with SecDef Bob Gates Quote-"If I were Osama bin Laden, I'd keep looking over my shoulder."

Fallout from Spain's Cut-n-Run

As the terrorists from the Madrid bombing go to trial. Story from the LA Times

The government had hoped the trial of 29 people accused in continental Europe's deadliest terrorist attack would console Spaniards by showing them that the culprits had been brought to justice. Instead, it has served as a reminder of how great the risks remain for a country that is still healing. Three years after bombs ripped through four Madrid trains, killing 191 people and injuring nearly 2,000, Spanish officials and experts say the country is potentially in more danger now than ever before as extremist groups reorganize just beyond Spain's southern coast...

We are seeing the Al Qaeda-ization of the Maghreb militants, and that is the evolution that most worries us," a senior counter-terrorism official in the Spanish Interior Ministry said in an interview.

The pre-Election Madrid bombings which hustled in a new Socialist Government, and Spain's withdrawing from the Iraq Coalition, is a clear case of appeasement in the face of terror. Its proof positive why we can't cave in to Al Qaeda in Iraq.

Democrat Berates Anti-War Left

Too bad he took it out on this Marine Mom.

Teachers on Strike in Iran

As reported by Spirit of Man:

Tensions mounting in Iran and regime is getting way more nervous as teachers continue their protests across the nation. Regime has increased the suppression of its own people in the past few days and I am hearing from my friends in Tehran that Basij militants have set up check-points across the city of Tehran and detain suspicious young people. I also heard from an eye-witness that Basij forces check people's cell-phones on spot and if they find any thing un-Islamic, then phones would be confiscated.

Check the site for links to many photos of protesters.

France's New President?

One would hope so, after reading Nidra Poller on Nicolas Sarkozy:

Sarkozy is the closest to a neoconservative, free market libertarian, pro-American, pro-Zionist, unapologetic nationalist, pro-globalization candidate who could make it onto the ballot in France...Only this summer he defended Israel’s right to vigorous self-defense against Hizbullah, and criticized the arrogance of France’s UN campaign against the American initiative in Iraq in 2003.

And on the Domestic Front:

Sarkozy has made his domestic policy perfectly clear: firm action against offenders, generous encouragement for the willing and able. He wants to liberate the economy from decades of government meddling, encourage competition, reward merit and effort, make streets and schools safe, raise the shades and let the sun shine in, open the windows and give France a breath of fresh air.
This, I think, is the key to his popularity.

Also Neo-Neocon asks were Sarkozy and Giuliani: separated at birth?

What was said on the Road into Iraq

Thank God for leaders like these, steadfast and true! And John Kerry too (see below).

Kerry Endorses Bush Preemption Strategy?

I'm not kidding. This is from Free Republic:

WASHINGTON - Senate Democrats are threatening to withhold delivery of jet fighter planes to Pakistan if it does not intensify its campaign against terrorists.
Snip.
"We must never forget the importance of going after the terrorists before they strike," Kerry said
Snip
Three Democratic senators — John Kerry of Massachusetts, Christopher Dodd of Connecticut and Joe Biden of Delaware — put the threat in the form of a nonbinding resolution.

But of course, he meant its OK for other nations ot preempt terrorists, but not the US.

Finally, Good News reported from Iraq

Noticed I said "reported". From NBCs Brian Willams and NewsBusters:

"Six [US troops killed] in Salahuddin province and three in Diyala province. But note what we're not reporting this morning. We are not reporting another car bomb or suicide bomber, IED has gone off in central Baghdad or in Sadr City, the usual locations where the sad drumbeat of news on morning's like this one normally comes from. This conflict is changing . . .

This is shocking! Hope he doesn't get linched by MoveOn.org! Seriously, this is good news and hope we get more such fair reporting from the frontlines.

Honest News

News from the frontlines, which the MSM conveniently ignores:

Iraqi Police Draw Big Numbers

Seven terrorists killed during raid

Operation Achilles Update

Even Al Jazeera Sees Improvement in Baghdad Situation

For Cambodia, read Iraq

Bush lauds 'surge' results

Coalition, Iraqi Troops Start Clearing Sadr City

Brits launch Operation Phoenix

Air strike destroys IED Factory

Terrorist leader of Islamic State of Iraq, captured

The Baghdad Order of Battle: March 5, 2007

Operation Achilles: NATO's offensive in Helmand province

Jules Crittenden has much more Good News and Bad News.

Captain America is Dead

Killed by Left-wingers. From Riehl World View:

Marvel says the comic story line was intentionally written as an allegory to current real-life issues like the Patriot Act, the War on Terror and the September 11 attacks.
Captain America first appeared in 1941, just as the United States entered World War II. He was a symbol of American strength and resolve in fighting the Axis powers, and later Communism.

Once Cap fought against America's enemies. Now in the minds of the Leftist dominated comics industry, America is the enemy. This was a mercy killing. Thank God for Back Issues!

Media Aiding Moral Decline

Change the Media in order to save America. Story from the Washington Times:

Most Americans think culture is becoming more immoral, and they view the media -- both entertainment and news -- as prime culprits, according to a new survey. If the media continue to "singularly promote" secular values while undermining orthodox faith and values, it will be very difficult to reverse America's moral decline, said the National Cultural Values Survey, released yesterday by the Culture and Media Institute (CMI) of the Media Research Center. "Americans who care about the nation's moral condition should insist that the media strive to more fairly represent all views, including those of the orthodox," the report stated.

And someone else agrees:

...author and Hoover Institution fellow Dinesh D'Souza argues in his new book, "The Enemy at Home: The Cultural Left and Its Responsibility for 9/11," that the "cultural left" in America is the primary cause of Islamic anger toward America..."What angers religious Muslims is not the American Constitution but the scandalous sexual mores they see on American movies and television," he writes. "What disgusts them are not free elections but the sights of hundreds of homosexuals kissing each other and taking marriage vows. The person that horrifies them the most is not [free market philosopher] John Locke but Hillary Clinton."

It all ties in. All countries in history who abandoned God are now history.

Paper Spreads Libel, Refuses Retraction

More Israel bashing as detailed by Honest-Reporting:

In October 2006, notoriously anti-Israel journalist Robert Fisk was given the front page of the UK's Independent to spread the libel that Israel had used uranium-based weapons in southern Lebanon during last summer's war.
This was challenged at the time by HonestReporting UK, following a UN investigation clearing Israel of the allegations only a short time later. HR UK castigated the Independent for its shoddy journalism and its failure to issue a retraction. (Read the full communique here.)
Still, Independent readers are under the false impression that Israel employed "secret uranium bombs". This, despite a second acquittal by the Lebanese themselves in the past fortnight...

You can read the rest here (website was down, keep trying).

Buffalos Soldier on in Iraq

This new home-built vehicle is saving lives in Iraq. From Defense Industry Daily:

On Nov 9/06, DefenseLINK announced that Force Protection Industries, Inc. in Ladson, SC had received a $125 million letter contract for 100 Joint EOD Rapid Response Vehicles (mine-resistant Cougar JERRVs - see DID FOCUS Article) and 44 Buffalo combat engineering & EOD disposal vehicles (aka. "The Claw") with associated manuals, deployment kits, field representative support and training. Vehicles will be deployed to and supported in Iraq.

This contract contained options which would bring the totals to 200 JERRV vehicles and 82 Buffalo vehicles, and the estimated contract value to $200 million.

F-14 Tomcat: Woosh!!!

Nuff said!

USS Kennedy in Sunset

The bottom photo is called a “Live Fire Test and Evaluation”, which evaluates how the ship's instruments would react to a major explosion. Thanks to Instapinch.

MiLinks

Russia Updates Bomber Fleet. Cold War redux!

Korea, U.S. to Jointly Develop Guided Rockets. With a little help from friends!

Aussies confirm Super Hornet Buy. Having lots of experience with Hornets!

The Deadly Vision of Armored Knights. In the tradition of the Stryker.

China boosts defense fund as talks end. Aimed at who?

Reliable Replacement Warhead for Nukes. America catches up with the rest of the world!

Return of the Navy Blimps? I'll believe it when I see it!

South Korea Unveils Amphibious Tank. Going it alone on armor.

Hunter-Viper Strike Team Completes Successful Tests.

Russia Prepares for War . See first link.

Navy Would Bear Brunt of Iran Conflict.

No Hawaii Based Flattop. But maybe in Guam?

Going Down With the Ships. What Navy Reserve?

Kitty Hawk to Retire in 2008. Our last oil-fired carrier.

How Not to Talk Southern

This is killing me! Is she making fun?

Iranian General Defects to West?

From ABCNews Blotter:

The mysterious disappearance of an Iranian general in Turkey in early February has led to speculation he either was kidnapped or defected.
Iran has reportedly asked Interpol to investigate the general's disappearance...
One respected analyst with sources in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard says Gen. Ali Reza Asgari has defected and is now in a European country with his entire family, where he is cooperating with the U.S.

If Iran is asking Interpol for help, it may be a cover for the generals death by his own government. Or, this may be further evidence of the oppressive regime's unraveling.

"The Great Global Warming Scandal"

Coming to a TV station near you (in Britain). Story via the Washington Times:

The program titled "The Great Global Warming Scandal" and set for screening by TV Channel 4 on Thursday dismisses claims that high levels of greenhouse gases generated by human activity causes climate change. Instead, the program suggests that the sun itself is the real culprit. The documentary, directed by filmmaker Martin Durkin, is at odds with scientific opinion as outlined in a United Nations report in February, which blames mankind for global warming. In his program, Mr. Durkin rejects the concept of man-made climate change, calling it "a lie ... the biggest scam of modern times." The truth, he says, is that global warming "is a multibillion-dollar worldwide industry, created by fanatically anti-industrial environmentalists, supported by scientists peddling scare stories to chase funding, and propped up by compliant politicians and the media."

Couldn't agree more, and with this comment:

At the moment, there is almost a McCarthyism movement in science where the greenhouse effect is like a puritanical religion, and this is dangerous..."

I mentioned that here.

Hospital Struck by Tornado-Update

Here are a few photos on the Georgia hospital damaged by last weeks storm. Check out many more here at AmericusRadio.com.

Let UFOs Fight Global Warming

Thats Canadian liberal Paul Hellyer's solution:

A former Canadian defense minister is demanding governments worldwide disclose and use secret alien technologies obtained in alleged UFO crashes to stem climate change, a local paper said on Wednesday.
"I would like to see what (alien) technology there might be that could eliminate the burning of fossil fuels within a generation ... that could be a way to save our planet," Paul Hellyer, 83, told the Ottawa Citizen...

Such alien technologies could offer humanity alternatives to fossil fuels, he said, pointing to the enigmatic 1947 incident in Roswell, New Mexico - which has become a shrine for UFO believers - as an example of alien contact.
"We need to persuade governments to come clean on what they know. Some of us suspect they know quite a lot, and it might be enough to save our planet if applied quickly enough," he said.

This actually makes sense to me: An imaginary solution to a fictional problem.

Close the Border Now!

Thats the advice Victor Davis Hanson gives. Here's why:

There have been a series of reports about Cudahy City a few miles from downtown Los Angeles, and how the rise of gangs, the culture of corrupt politics, violence and intimidation, and tribal factionalism resemble a Mexican border town.
But why wouldn’t islets of Mexico sprout up, when the country has lost confidence in assimilation, requires nothing of the immigrant, doesn’t believe the English language should be our national cultural currency—and has allowed somewhere between 11-16 million illegal aliens living in apartheid communities?...
The antidote? Close the borders now (through a multifaceted plan of verifiable IDs, employer sanctions, fortification, increased security, and scrapping of bilingual government services). And then once done, fight the next decade over guest workers, amnesty, immigration numbers, etc. But if one were to close the borders now, the other problems will lessen by the time we get to them.

Shut it down, stem the tide before these people get tired of being second class citizens and sovle the problem themselves, at the exepnse of legal residents.

Americus, Ga. Hospital Struck by Tornado

Sumter Regional Hospital is where I was born 41 years ago. Story from CNN:

When nurse Dana Rylander arrived for work at Sumter Regional Hospital on Friday, she was stunned.
She had no idea that a tornado had ripped through Americus, Georgia, the night before -- killing two people, shredding parts of the hospital, tossing cars on top of each other and severely damaging more than 200 homes in this town of 17,000.
"It's gone. It's just gone," she said, looking up at the hospital where dozens of windows were blown out, part of its façade sheared off and glass scattered everywhere.
At the hospital's entrance, a 2-by-4 was implanted in a cinder block wall. Large rocks that had been used to help drainage on the roof were hurled like baseballs, smashing through cars in the parking lot.

My brother, who still lives in Americus woke me up at 5:30 AM. He said he was working while this was going on and knew nothing until it was over. He left work at 2:00 AM and dodged limbs and at least one tree in the road. His family was safe, but said they hid in the closet until the tornado had passed. His wife described the whole house shaking and the family cats beat them to the closet.

Honest News

True stories from the frontlines, too often ignored by the MSM:

U.S. Sanctions With Teeth

General Petraeus' Message to the Troops

Suspected al Qaeda Leader, 15 Others Captured

Gunmen can’t stop medical operation

Pilot Receives Medal of Honor for Heroism in Vietnam

The Real News Behind "The Surge"

Forces Kill, Capture Terrorists During Operations in Iraq

UK sergeant still smiling on 3rd tour

Rambo in Afghanistan

Much more Good News from Jules Crittenden.

Election Apology Watch #3

The apology's are coming along strong, this one from Senator John McCain, via AP and Opinion Journal:

John McCain said a stupid and offensive thing about Iraq the other night, as the Associated Press reports:

On Wednesday night, McCain said on CBS' "Late Show With David
Letterman": "Americans are very frustrated, and they have every right to be.
We've wasted a lot of our most precious treasure, which is American
lives."

McCain quickly apologized:

"I should have used the word, sacrificed, as I have in the past,"
the Arizona senator said after Democrats demanded he apologize as Sen. Barack
Obama did when the White House hopeful recently made the same observation.
"No one appreciates and honors more than I do the selfless patriotism of
American servicemen and women in the Iraq War," McCain, a former Vietnam
prisoner of war, said in a statement.

Makes you wonder if McCain is on the Democrat or Republican ticket. But at least his views were toward a very receptive audience on David Letterman, which I haven't watched in years.

Old Ships versus New

I love this story about practicality from Strategypage:

With the new LCS class of ships delayed by cost overruns and program management problems, the U.S. Navy is hustling to refurbish its existing Avenger class minesweepers. The Avengers are getting new engines, new sonars, improved hydralics and new mine destruction systems. The 3,000 ton LCS ships are designed for minesweeping (and a lot of other jobs), but the 1,400 ton Avengers specialize in minesweeping. Built mostly of wood, and very little iron, the fourteen Avengers entered the fleet between 1987 and 1994. Twelve are still in service, and the upgrades will be completed by next year, and will enable Avengers to remain in service at least until 2016.

We don't need a technological breakthrough to defend America, the main problem with new weapons like the LCS and F-22 Fighter. Just something that works and carry carry the new precision weapons and UAVs

Rudy on YouTube!

The Presidential candidate has entered the video age. Check out his new broadcasts on YouTube. I'll also be posting the site in the Links section to your right, for future reference.