rickjump1

A soldier cannot choose which war he/she will fight. Of course a soldier can whine like a lieutenant colonel landing with his gear up. Do your part for global warming: ban beans and hold all popcorn farts.

Right..now can you tell me why 'I' a tourist, a law abiding non identity faking tourist needs to be finger printed. Dont go off topic, answer the question. Nobody knows if you are really 'I' a tourist, a law abiding non identity faking tourist. You might be a terrorist. Your government should reciprocate this procedure. It's only fair. Do your part for global warming: ban beans and hold all popcorn farts.

Sounds like some kind of political deal. While the Army can't afford to loose anymore CH 47's, the Air Force with unlimited funds can? This is only good for Boeing; not for the people flying and riding. Do your part for global warming: ban beans and hold all popcorn farts.

David Axe | November 14, 2006 military.com The Air Force's newest helicopter might be too big and vulnerable for its intended role, according to one critic. On November 9, the Air Force announced that it had awarded Boeing a $10 billion contract to build 141 operational HH-47 helicopters for search and rescue, a role now performed by around 100 much smaller, nimbler Sikorsky HH-60G Pavehawks. The first HH-47s will reach frontline squadrons in 2012.David Axe | November 14, 2006 The Air Force's newest helicopter might be too big and vulnerable for its intended role, according to one critic. On November 9, the Air Force announced that it had awarded Boeing a $10 billion contract to build 141 operational HH-47 helicopters for search and rescue, a role now performed by around 100 much smaller, nimbler Sikorsky HH-60G Pavehawks. The first HH-47s will reach frontline squadrons in 2012. Traditionally, search and rescue targeted fighter pilots shot down just behind enemy lines. In recent years, the mission has evolved to include reinforcement of embattled soldiers, disaster relief and the evacuation of civilians from war zones, such as was undertaken by U.S. military chopper pilots in the early days of the Israeli invasion of Lebanon. "We have identified a lack of speed, range and survivability against future threats [in the HH-60]," said Lieutenant Colonel David Morgan, an Air Force officer formerly associated with the replacement chopper program. "The aircraft is not large enough to be able to recover the number of survivors that we want." With that in mind, the Air Force picked the 25-ton (maximum weight) HH-47 over the 15-ton Lockheed Martin US-101 and the 14-ton Sikorsky S-92 to replace the 11-ton HH-60. But trading up to a bigger bird has drawbacks, says one member of the Air Force rescue community. Due to its size, the HH-47 is "a tailor-made [Rocket-Propelled Grenade] target," says the airman, who requested anonymity since he is not authorized to speak to the press. "It's big and can't maneuver quickly, making it easier to hit by the skilled RPG gunners we face in Afghanistan and Iraq. The smaller, more maneuverable aircraft ... are better able to defensively maneuver to complicate the targeting efforts of our enemies. If you scour the news reports of helicopter shoot-downs in Iraq and Afghanistan, you'll see that most were caused by small arms or RPGs or both -- and many of those were -47s, including the famous SEAL incident last summer. The -47 is also louder, which gives those gunners more warning that we're coming." Chinooks in Iraq usually operate only at night after one Chinook was shot down in broad daylight in 2003, killing 15 soldiers. Another 17 people were killed in the June 2005 downing of a Chinook in Afghanistan -- the "SEAL incident" the airman refers to. "Since it is so big, [the HH-47] can't fit into nearly as many [Landing Zones] as the -60, -92 or -101," the airman continues. "What this means is that the helo will have to hover and use the hoist or some other means to extract the isolated person. A helicopter in hover is the most vulnerable any aircraft can be, so it's no surprise that crews ... prefer to land, but the -47 will limit their options in this regard. Alternatively, the survivors would have to evade to a large LZ, placing them at greater risk of being captured or killed." Boeing, for its part, stresses the basic Chinook's extensive record in Iraq and Afghanistan as proof of its suitability. "The tandem rotor, heavy-lift, high-altitude HH-47 is based on the CH/MH-47 Chinook transport helicopter," a statement reads. "[It has] performance capabilities that have been widely demonstrated in the ongoing global war on terrorism and in numerous U.S. and international humanitarian relief operations." Boeing officials could not be reached for further comment before deadline. Traditionally, search and rescue targeted fighter pilots shot down just behind enemy lines. In recent years, the mission has evolved to include reinforcement of embattled soldiers, disaster relief and the evacuation of civilians from war zones, such as was undertaken by U.S. military chopper pilots in the early days of the Israeli invasion of Lebanon. "We have identified a lack of speed, range and survivability against future threats [in the HH-60]," said Lieutenant Colonel David Morgan, an Air Force officer formerly associated with the replacement chopper program. "The aircraft is not large enough to be able to recover the number of survivors that we want." With that in mind, the Air Force picked the 25-ton (maximum weight) HH-47 over the 15-ton Lockheed Martin US-101 and the 14-ton Sikorsky S-92 to replace the 11-ton HH-60. But trading up to a bigger bird has drawbacks, says one member of the Air Force rescue community. Due to its size, the HH-47 is "a tailor-made [Rocket-Propelled Grenade] target," says the airman, who requested anonymity since he is not authorized to speak to the press. "It's big and can't maneuver quickly, making it easier to hit by the skilled RPG gunners we face in Afghanistan and Iraq. The smaller, more maneuverable aircraft ... are better able to defensively maneuver to complicate the targeting efforts of our enemies. If you scour the news reports of helicopter shoot-downs in Iraq and Afghanistan, you'll see that most were caused by small arms or RPGs or both -- and many of those were -47s, including the famous SEAL incident last summer. The -47 is also louder, which gives those gunners more warning that we're coming." Chinooks in Iraq usually operate only at night after one Chinook was shot down in broad daylight in 2003, killing 15 soldiers. Another 17 people were killed in the June 2005 downing of a Chinook in Afghanistan -- the "SEAL incident" the airman refers to. "Since it is so big, [the HH-47] can't fit into nearly as many [Landing Zones] as the -60, -92 or -101," the airman continues. "What this means is that the helo will have to hover and use the hoist or some other means to extract the isolated person. A helicopter in hover is the most vulnerable any aircraft can be, so it's no surprise that crews ... prefer to land, but the -47 will limit their options in this regard. Alternatively, the survivors would have to evade to a large LZ, placing them at greater risk of being captured or killed." Boeing, for its part, stresses the basic Chinook's extensive record in Iraq and Afghanistan as proof of its suitability. "The tandem rotor, heavy-lift, high-altitude HH-47 is based on the CH/MH-47 Chinook transport helicopter," a statement reads. "[It has] performance capabilities that have been widely demonstrated in the ongoing global war on terrorism and in numerous U.S. and international humanitarian relief operations." Boeing officials could not be reached for further comment before deadline. Do your part for global warming: ban beans and hold all popcorn farts.

A platoon sergeant who stops a man from bleeding to death, stays an extra night in the field when he could have left on the last chopper, and gets killed early the next morning. He was and still is my hero. Do your part for global warming: ban beans and hold all popcorn farts.

That's not as bad as bulldozing down the whole airport. Maybe Mayor Daley((democrat) needed some land for growing Christmas trees so he sacrificed Meigs Field. Do your part for global warming: ban beans and hold all popcorn farts.

Uhhh, what? Was that the hand grenades or the gun? I don't know. Maybe WMD bad breath? Do your part for global warming: ban beans and hold all popcorn farts.

Maybe it happened only in the movies, but hangings of criminals in the Old West was a public spectacle, with sassafras and all. "Goood morning America, I'm Katie Cursed here to cover the necktie party for that bastard Sadam, and baby are we gonna party, but first lets get the latest weather from Omar in Baghdad." ...I really don't see that happening on tv here in the US, but in the Middle East sure. In Iraq they still have blood money and executions. Do your part for global warming: ban beans and hold all popcorn farts.

Ok, not on Christmas, but so many of his victims will not believe he is dead unless they see it themselves (not the Pope). This will bring closure to a lot of people. Do your part for global warming: ban beans and hold all popcorn farts.

Only if the Pope puts the noose around his neck. Do your part for global warming: ban beans and hold all popcorn farts.

well, not a very strong argument. The Romans said the same thing about someone else. But carpentry is the only positive thing (Habitat for Humanity) Jimmy has done so far. He sure hasn't changed the world like someone else. When I think of Jimmy Carter, I think of the word bamboozle. Do your part for global warming: ban beans and hold all popcorn farts.

Jimmy should stick to carpentry. Do your part for global warming: ban beans and hold all popcorn farts.

Sun tan lotion? Do your part for global warming: ban beans and hold all popcorn farts.

[url]By MIKE ROBINSON (AP) Shoppers walk into the CherryVale Mall Friday, Dec. 8, 2006 in Rockford, Ill. where federal... Full Image CHICAGO (AP) - A Muslim convert who talked about his desire to wage jihad against civilians was charged Friday in a plot to set off hand grenades at a shopping mall at the height of the Christmas rush, authorities said. Investigators said Derrick Shareef, 22, an American citizen from Rockford, was acting alone and never actually obtained any grenades. He was arrested Wednesday when he met with an undercover agent in a parking lot to trade a set of stereo speakers for four hand grenades and a gun, authorities said. "He fixed on a day of December 22nd on Friday ... because it was the Friday before Christmas and thought that would be the highest concentration of shoppers that he could kill and injure," said Robert Grant, the agent in charge of the Chicago FBI office. Authorities said Shareef had been under investigation since September, when he told an acquaintance that "he wanted to commit acts of violent jihad against targets in the United States as well as commit other crimes." The acquaintance immediately informed the FBI, officials said. Federal officials said Shareef planned to set off four hand grenades in garbage cans at the CherryVale shopping mall in Rockford, about 90 miles northwest of Chicago. Other potential targets that Shareef allegedly discussed included government facilities such as courthouses and city hall, authorities said. An affidavit quoted him as saying: "I just want to smoke a judge." Shareef was born in the United States and converted to Islam, officials said. They believe he might have learned about jihad through videos and Web sites. "While these are very serious charges, at no time was the public in any imminent peril," U.S. Attorney Patrick J. Fitzgerald said in a statement. A spiritual leader of Rockford-area Muslims commended authorities for intercepting the alleged plot and reiterated "the Muslim community's condemnation of terrorism in the name of Islam," said Shpendim Nadzaku, imam of the Muslim Association of Greater Rockford. Asked if he had ever met Shareef, Nadzaku said: "No one in the community has any clue as to who this person is - he's completely anonymous." Shareef appeared briefly before a judge Friday and was ordered held without bond. He was charged with one count of attempting to damage or destroy a building by fire or explosion and one count of attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction. Defense attorney Michael B. Mann declined to comment on the charges. Shareef and his acquaintance cased the mall on Nov. 30, discussing the layout and spots where they might set off several grenades simultaneously to create more pandemonium, according to an FBI affidavit. A spokeswoman for the mall said officials were cooperating with the investigation but referred all other questions to the U.S. attorney's office. ------------------------------------------------------------ He's been captured as a US citizen, on American soil, and he has been charged. Wonder if he will be considered an enemy combatant like Padilla, and turned over to the military. I hope so. Do your part for global warming: ban beans and hold all popcorn farts.

I agree it's not a Dem/Repub thing. But nobody sees a cultural factor that correlates with a geographical one? It's a culture thing that is hard to break: Poor people whose ancestors were freed from slavery only to become slaves themselves to the Mississippi Delta (lots of cotton). It took outside influence for them to even vote. Some do get out. Getting drafted into the military back in the 60's was a way out for some. Education is a way out now if you can convince them. Do your part for global warming: ban beans and hold all popcorn farts.

Somewhere north of Texas. Guns and Moose Drool dark ale. What a mix. Will keep the light on for you. Do your part for global warming: ban beans and hold all popcorn farts.

You can drink it, but you cannot buy it. It's a little hypercritical because one country club and one Veterans Club does serve alcohol. The third private liquor license was bought up by a Baptish University just to keep it out of the hands of the public. Yes, it's a small county. It's about 40 minutes to get booze for me. For years I overlooked this little imperfection just to live in a rural area and raise my kids. Now it's time to move on. Do your part for global warming: ban beans and hold all popcorn farts.

Let's face it, all senators and congressmen from our state are democrats and we are still in the bottom for healthcare. If you follow your finger going south to north along the Mississippi, it is mostly democratic and very poor until you get up north. I don't think this is a Republican/Democrat thing. It's about good capitalism and good leadership. Do your part for global warming: ban beans and hold all popcorn farts.

My wife made eggplant spaghetti tonight sauteing onions and garlic with olive oil. Good stuff. Do your part for global warming: ban beans and hold all popcorn farts.

Clark County, Arkansas Do your part for global warming: ban beans and hold all popcorn farts.

Usually it's both parents working (and voting). They get hunted down like dogs when they get behind their medical bills. Not so for others. Do your part for global warming: ban beans and hold all popcorn farts.

Things could be worse. I live in a county controlled by the religious beer taliban. They have successfully kept this county dry by lies, deceit, and tampering with the system. The county was voted dry after the brave men and women left to fight WWII. Been that way ever since. Am I gonna get mad and leave? Yes I am. Do your part for global warming: ban beans and hold all popcorn farts.

Hell I am thinking they have done litte to really stop that sort of thing.. perhaps so an attack CAN occur.. then they can declare MARTIAL LAW... like they have been planning to do for a while... ALL OVER THIS COUNTRY not just in the place where it will occur.... that gets rid of silly little details like the Bill of Rights that they have fought so hard against since January of 2000 When people rate Lincoln and Roosevelt as great presidents, civil liberties are not mentioned. Wilson, a champion of womens rights was probably worse in civil liberties. All three served in time of war. You only have to read history to compare how President Bush is doing compared to other presidents. I believe the majority of Americans think he is doing fine. A majority of Americans (87%) believe wishes come true. Fifty-five percent believe they will not come true if they tell someone about it. Your point? http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4188/is_20051016/ai_n15711160 Well, what's your point? I must admit I voted for Bush. Sometimes you get what you wish for and I'm telling. I don't like everything he has done, but when it comes to homeland security, I'm going along with what he's done so far. At least he hasn't brought back the Sedition Act of 1918. If so, Speaker's Corner would be long gone, and we would be getting a knock at the door. Under that act, you could not even critize the flag. The Sediton Act was in addition to the Espionage and Sabotage Act. My point is popularity is not a valid measure of what is right thing to do. When they burned the witches and hung the niggers, who do you think 'they' were? Evil, bad people? For the most part, no. They were people with limited insight and vision who get swept up in the emotions of the moment ...much like our prolific neo-con posters here. That's right! I'm saying the same people who are arguing for a suspension of major portions of the Bill of Rights are the same ones that would have been hanging the niggers and burning the witches. Every society has a good number of such people. It's up to those with a greater capacity for rational thought and ability to see further down the road to stop them before they destroy what you state you want to protect. I'm not into fortune telling. Saying what people might have done 200 years ago plus/minus is pure guesswork. I guess if you had an argument with your parents in Salem, Mass over homework, there is no way you would have called them witches as a spiteful teenager. Right? I urge you to look up the the family trees of the Lincolns, Roosevelts, Wilsons, and Bushes and tell us whose who in the lynching and witch business. Maybe it still runs in the family. Do your part for global warming: ban beans and hold all popcorn farts.

Hell I am thinking they have done litte to really stop that sort of thing.. perhaps so an attack CAN occur.. then they can declare MARTIAL LAW... like they have been planning to do for a while... ALL OVER THIS COUNTRY not just in the place where it will occur.... that gets rid of silly little details like the Bill of Rights that they have fought so hard against since January of 2000 When people rate Lincoln and Roosevelt as great presidents, civil liberties are not mentioned. Wilson, a champion of womens rights was probably worse in civil liberties. All three served in time of war. You only have to read history to compare how President Bush is doing compared to other presidents. I believe the majority of Americans think he is doing fine. A majority of Americans (87%) believe wishes come true. Fifty-five percent believe they will not come true if they tell someone about it. Your point? http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4188/is_20051016/ai_n15711160 Well, what's your point? I must admit I voted for Bush. Sometimes you get what you wish for and I'm telling. I don't like everything he has done, but when it comes to homeland security, I'm going along with what he's done so far. At least he hasn't brought back the Sedition Act of 1918. If so, Speaker's Corner would be long gone, and we would be getting a knock at the door. Under that act, you could not even critize the flag. The Sediton Act was in addition to the Espionage and Sabotage Act. Do your part for global warming: ban beans and hold all popcorn farts.

No, there hasn't. Hopefully that will change in January. That's what's so great about living in the United States. There will be change. Historically, both parties have provided watime national security. Unfortunately we can't afford to secure our nation, container inspections etc., because we've blown all of our resources in an unrelated nation building exercise. Yep. Containers by ship, train, truck, and 2 unprotected borders. Makes you feel a little vulnerable. Do your part for global warming: ban beans and hold all popcorn farts.