Tuesday, August 19, 2008

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Wait For The Mate!
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Russia-Georgia War Highlights Need For Directed-Energy Defences

By James Jay Carafano Ph.D
Heritage Foundation

For the second time in recent years, the United States has witnessed another wake-up call for the importance of fielding directed-energy weapons capable of shooting-down mortar and artillery fire, as well as intercepting short-range rockets and missiles.The Pentagon, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Congress need to place more emphasis on fielding working prototypes of these systems as quickly as possible.

People as Targets

Terrorism continues to be the scourge of the 21st century, but the age of conventional wars is far from over. In recent years we have had plenty examples where both means of warfare have employed conventional weapons to target civilians. Specifically, indirect fire weapons from mortars to short-range missiles have been directly targeted against innocents or employed against military targets in urban areas, putting civilian populations at risk. Terrorists in North Africa attempted to shoot down a commercial airliner with a short-range surface-to-air missile. In Iraq, insurgent groups used mortars to fire on administrative buildings, as well as military facilities in Baghdad and other urban areas.

Even more troubling, however, is the use of these conventional weapons in combat zones aimed at the heart of civilian populations. In the 2006 battles between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hezbollah's Katyusha rocket attacks killed and wounded dozens of Israelis, destroyed property, and sent thousands to bomb shelters. The rain of rockets threatened to spark a larger regional conflict.

Another Rage of Rockets

The Russian incursion into Georgia last week saw the use of rockets in urban areas by both sides. According to reports in The New York Times, Georgia fired BM-21 rockets, a system similar to the Katyusha, at separatist military headquarters. Although the rockets appear to have been aimed at legitimate targets, the risk of damage to the surrounding civilian community from these inaccurate weapons may have been high. According to other press and eyewitness reports, during the massive Russian military offensive, ground troops fired dozens of SS-21s, a short-range ballistic missile that can carry a high-explosive warhead. It is not clear whether these weapons were fired at legitimate military targets. In addition, the large SS 21 high-explosive warhead can carry either fragmentation bombs or mines making the risk of civilian causalities in urban areas very high.

The Promise of Directed Energy

Despite repeated warning signs that both unconventional and conventional combatants have no problem using the weapons of war to target both military and civilian populations, the United States has shown little sense of urgency in developing effective countermeasures for either equipping military forces or safeguarding civilian populations.

Directed energy weapons, such as the Tactical High-Energy Laser (THEL), demonstrate tremendous potential against all kinds of mortar, artillery, rocket, aircraft, and missile threats. Directed energy can be used against short-range threats like the Katyusha rockets being fired at Israel and against ballistic missiles like the SS-21s fired at Georgia. Such systems could also be used for homeland security, such as protecting critical infrastructure, national security events (such as the presidential nominating conventions) and commercial air traffic from terrorist attack.

Concluding that the THEL was not sufficiently mobile and robust for battlefield use, the U.S. Army decided to forgo its full development. Meanwhile, though the Department of Homeland Security has experimented with some systems to defend commercial flights against surface-to-air missiles, it too has not deployed any operational systems.

The Clock Is Ticking

Rather than deploy the THEL, the national security community has turned to a new generation of lasers for developing suitable directed-energy protective systems. These lasers employ a solid-state technology, incorporating multiple industrial thin disk lasers into a single high-powered energy devise. The military is currently developing prototypes for a mobile version of this system.

Congress should insist and the administration should press to field operational prototypes of these systems as quickly as possible for both defense and homeland security applications. Both land-based and air-based platforms (mounted on manned and unmanned aircraft) should be fielded as soon as possible. Putting a system in the field now would provide some limited operational capability and invaluable operational experience on how to use these systems.

Courtesy of Heritage Foundation, read more at www.heritage.org

Monday, August 18, 2008

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Paper: Obama Ready To Announce His VP
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The Bear's Bullish Behavior

An old aggressor has reverted back to its old ways. Russia, in its entry into Georgia, has not only raised questions about its motives, but its future plans. The cold war may have ended but with each new action taken by Russia it becomes harder to dismiss their actions as anything but an attempt to reassert control. The news cycle has focused on the conflict since it started and many eyes have turned to a relatively unknown territory who plays the role of David to Russia's Goliath. The story has developed to sides as observers note the military aspect of Russia entering its former satellite but also how the world community has responded to such actions.

The first part of the story is fairly simple to evaluate. You have a country with leaders that long for a previous time when its borders reached farther latitudes and longitudes and power was not challenged. This pre-fall of the wall mentality is what has become a critical issue in a world besieged by evil and evildoers people. The increased threat comes as dangerous people with competing agendas to the rest of the world link-up and work against the world's interest. The question comes to who controls Russia? President Medvedev is the designated leader but his Prime Minister is Vladimir Putin who recently held the job. Medvedev may seem to control things but one would wonder if he is used to directed as if manipulated by a puppeteer. One can not fully know what lies beneath in regards to Putin, the Communist Party member and KGB agent. Perhaps what is longed for is a renewed action by Russia to assert dominance of the region in a return to the time of the Czar.

Looking at this story there is also the issue of how the world has responded. The United States appears to have taken the lead to come to the defense of Georgia. A condemnation of the act committed by Russia was sadly lacking from much of the world. This movement to be tentative has real consequences. Russia historically has been slow to change its actions apart from a strong rebuff by the rest of the world. The world should know better then to appease for it can lead to a side strengthened with a new resolve to proceed further without fear of punishment. Perhaps an unintended consequence of Russia's invasion was to galvanize many of Georgia's neighbors and former Soviet states in rebuking Russia's actions.

It has not been a long time since that wall came down and with it a renewed warmth. What has taken place since could caution some that foresaw a new day for Russia. But it is the Cold war remnants of leadership with that mindset that appear to wish for old days and times. The result of which could be a potential for such disorder to harken to days of real and present fear for the world. These are the times when the world needs one voice to call out against aggressors and actions that threaten true stability. I fear this may not be possible from world organizations that are routinely found to be idle when their action is needed most. I do not believe we are of imminent threat to be caught in another Cold War but the atmosphere has cooled. Russia's present action in Georgia and its possible future actions should send a chill up all of our spines.

Monday, August 04, 2008

Robert Novak to Retire After Diagnosis

Longtime columnist Robert Novak has decided to retire after a long and distinguished career. Novak who was diagnosed with a brain tumor recently stated the diagnosis as "dire". I know I echo the sentiments of many who wish Mr. Novak and his family well during this tremendously difficult time.

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Edouard Heads For TX
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Saturday, July 26, 2008

Rove Protest in Iowa Leads to Arrests

Activists arrested in the land of corn aftering confronting Karl Rove as he came to Iowa Friday.
Read More

Saturday, May 31, 2008

Obama Making a Change

After twenty years in the pews of Trinity United Church of Christ, Barack Obama has decided to leave, resigning his membership in the controversial church. Obama and his church have come under scrutiny this campaign season. The scrutiny involves the controversial and inflammatory remarks of the former pastor Jeremiah Wright. The spotlight has focused on the church once again following the pulpit remarks of Father Pfleger, an Obama supporter whose remarks regarding Senator Hillary Clinton drew ire from many and resulted in a quick dismissal from Obama. Read more

Friday, May 30, 2008

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Party Weekend: Feel No Pain
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Real Clear Politics Election 2008

Find more at www.realclearpolitics.com

Democrat delegate count
Obama
Total: 1983
Super: 324
Pledged: 1659
Clinton
Total: 1782
Super: 283
Pledged: 1499
Margin: Obama +201
Obama Vs. McCain-Obama +1.8
Clinton Vs. McCain-Clinton +2.0
RCP Average

Thursday, May 29, 2008

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Ready to Lower the Boom
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080529/ap_on_el_pr/democrats
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Many Asking What Happened?

If there is one thing that Washington D.C. loves it is a good tell-all. The pundits and press were welcomed to just such a prize with Scott McClellan’s new memoir. McClellan was the White House press secretary from 2003-2006. It is not surprising for Mr. McClellan to write a book after leaving his previous post as many have to so before him. The shock comes with what he had to say in 341 pages. The book lays out very harsh criticisms of the Bush administration including maintaining a constant campaign mode, misleading the public about the war, and the handling of the Valerie Plame case

The attacks are unusual on many fronts. McClellan was seen as being a loyal Bush devotee, going back to his days in Texas. Secondly, in his capacity as press secretary it has been said that his issues or problems with policy were never made known. This has been echoed by former aides to the President including former press secretary Ari Fleischer and key assistant Dan Bartlett. Fleischer reported no misgivings by McClellan when McClellan was his deputy. Others have stated that McClellan was not even in most meetings when policy matters were being discussed or if he was he did not make a contribution.

The question is why? Why, if McClellan had such a strong opposition to what was going on in the White House did he stay for three years? Karl Rove and others have pointed out that the words do not sound like those of McClellan. Some have speculated a publisher’s hand to make the story juicier. Certainly one would expect someone with such strong feelings would either voice them or leave. McClellan is now being questioned on this point. It has to do with the voracity of his words and the timing of this tome. It appears too many to be perhaps a disgruntled employee going for a money grab. If that is the case then this man with the undistinguished White House career can look forward to lonely days ahead. Of course the left is willing to welcome him with open arms.

As much as gossip is loved it is second to none for liberals when it involves a Republican turning on his own. The parade will begin as McClellan starts his book promotion tour. Such notable stops include a stint of Keith Olbermann’s show, the man with a psychotic hatred of President Bush who plays a human being on television. And so it will go as liberals try to wring every last drop out of McClellan until they no longer want him and turn to the next shiny object to come into their view.

Hypocrisy is not new to Washington. It almost appears to be policy for politicians to say one thing and do another. Perhaps that is where McClellan picked up the skill which he has apparently mastered. This is a man who had such a visceral disagreement with what was going on in the White House but never said a word publicly or privately and instead went right along dealing out “propaganda” as he put. His memory for events might prove troublesome as he appears to have forgotten his own feelings about tell-alls. It was he who had trouble with Paul O’Neill and Richard Clarke’s books. He calls into question their use of opinion, personal views, and timing of the books, sound familiar Scott? (Read more at Hot Air)

It is hard to say if any fallout will happen as a result of this book. Congressman Robert Wexler, a democrat from Florida, has asked that McClellan come and testify before his committee to discuss the issues raised in his book. Give a democrat an inch and they will take a mile. In the end, the story will eventually leave our consciousness like so many before and we will forget about Scott McClellan, the forgettable man who occupied the space in front of a podium, microphone, and said nothing.

'Dead Air' America Co-Founder Nabbed

For a basically non-existant radio enterprise Air America has sure had its share of problems in recent days. Apart from not paying employee health insurance now comes word that a key financier of the liberal radio network was nabbed in Guam for money laundering. Evan Montvel-Cohen was picked up yesterday by officials in Guam.
Read more at New York Post

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

2008 Libertarian Ticket Barr/Root

If you did not have the opportunity or the patience to watch a full days worth of Libertarian party proceedings on C-Span here are the results. Former Georgia Congressman Bob Barr was elected as the Libertarian Party's Presidential nominee after six ballots. Barr will have Wayne Allyn Root, the noted odds-maker as his running mate.
Find out more at www.lp.org

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Scott the Snitch
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0508/10649.html
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Thursday, May 15, 2008

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California Court: Gay Marriage Legal
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=080516013347.668wf0ld&show_article=1
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No Bullets Over Bosnia

Like wife like husband. The former first lady came under fire, pun unintentional, as she tried to explain her recent remembering of her trip to Bosnia back in the 90’s. Hillary’s remembering, or misremembering, brought new criticism to this candidate for President. She and her surrogates tried to put out the fires and create an air of innocence about Senator Clinton’s remarks. The remarks were simply a bad choice of words; the problem is that she made similar remarks more than once. When considering her comments one must suspend belief, to borrow a phrase from Hillary, to think that she did not know what she was saying. The problem comes in deciphering whether she had simply come to believe the fantastical rendering of the story. After all we have a case history ripe with similar examples by Hillary’s husband, our former President. We can think of those words uttered by George Costanza, “It is not a lie if you believe it.” It is safe to assume that anything coming from a Clinton’s mouth is believed at least by them.

Fast forward a few weeks later and what has been the result? Hillary was able to win in Pennsylvania and more recently in Indiana and West Virginia. Obama has won the North Carolina primary. Both look to split the last remaining primaries which finish up on June 3rd. Hillary’s route to the nomination is realistically non-existent but she is unwilling to give up the fight. Tides have turned for the inevitable candidate who months ago looked like a sure bet. She has been bested by the young upstart who has survived missteps and guilt by associations. The latter involving Obama’s relationship with the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Barack’s pastor for over twenty years, and William Ayers, a radical Weather Underground member. Now Barack Obama enjoys 1st place in all statistical categories, popular vote, pledged and superdelegates.

The turn of events has been quite amazing to watch. As someone very interested in politics, I have found it fascinating to watch the Democrat’s race. You have on one hand a young, inexperienced legislator who has been on a quick ascension course to the point in which Barack Obama finds himself, a general election away from being President. This has come with his supplanting of Hillary Clinton, part of the dynamic political power couple that has dominated Democrat politics since the early 90’s. This comes after the realization that Hillary Clinton will not win her party’s nomination. No matter how much her and her supporters wish to make it not so, her chances appear as plausible as the camel finally making its way through the eye of the needle. I will say I side with those wishing for Senator Clinton to fight on and keep the contest going. My motives being ulterior, I hope to see the chaos that radio show host Rush Limbaugh has set in motion.

Part of these feelings comes from my high disregard for what Democrats have come to stand for. The other in the realization is that my Republican party is in real trouble this fall. We face a fracture of our own party as conservatives have not fully embraced John McCain. This support will be needed as the tides appear to be turning, one would only have to see the results of the recent special elections to reach that conclusion. Unity might come grudgingly or not at all as McCain and those around him seem to enjoy the occasional poke in the conservative eye. Some might come to the decision to stay home and avoid this election which will have huge ramifications. These center around a President Barack Obama with an increased majority and control of Congress.

Apart from the main narrative of this election, that being Barack Obama winning the nomination, I see another. We may finally have seen the last of the Clintons. I know that seems hard to believe as they are creatures drawn to Washington D.C. and power like moths to a flame unable to remove themselves from its shiny glow. I see it as unlikely that Obama would call on Senator Clinton to become his running mate. The reason being you get all the negatives for little in return. Clinton’s only hope is an Obama loss in November so she can regroup for 2012. But for now Hillary Clinton goes on to fight another day in a fruitless endeavor. Hillary may have many regrets after reflecting on this campaign. Beginning with Super Tuesday and her manipulation of the facts of her rendezvous in Bosnia, Hillary’s campaign has had trouble contending with their inevitable billing that preceded the campaign season. Comparing Bosnia with her campaign, Hillary encountered no bullets that day and she now finds herself with an empty chamber shooting blanks.

Saturday, April 19, 2008

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Dems Crank It Up
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=080419214454.3d67d9qf&show_article=1
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Coming Back

It has been a long time but I have not forgotten about you or this blog. I have taken a needed break from blogging as I focus on school. I do hope to get back into the swing of things and back to skewering liberals as soon as possible. I do hope you will continue to visit this site and help it grow.