Comments on: “Sam” Has My Attention http://www.themannings.org/soapbox/2004/03/26/sam-has-my-attention/ Pragmatic Libertarianism Thu, 04 Dec 2008 06:51:29 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.2.1 By: Sam http://www.themannings.org/soapbox/2004/03/26/sam-has-my-attention/#comment-548 Sam Mon, 29 Mar 2004 17:22:39 +0000 http://www.themannings.org/soapbox/2004/03/26/sam-has-my-attention/#comment-548 Well, Jeremy, I think you and I have reached the same place on this particular issue. I was wrong in implying that grunts on the ground don't need the support of technology-based weapons. I agree entirely with your assessment that what is needed is a more balanced approach to (expensive) weapons development and procurement. We need to provide our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines with the best weapons (and protection) available, and sometimes the best is not necessarily the most expensive. Here is a perfect example of a low-cost ($700), high-tech alternative to some (notice I said some, not all) requirements currently fulfilled by $500,000 to $1.5 million unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV): http://gtresearchnews.gatech.edu/reshor/rh-f03/recon.pdf Of course, since this guy's little start-up company will be competing with Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin, I don't imagine he will win many Pentagon contracts. It makes too much sense, and the beltway bandits are simply too influential and powerful right now. Finally, I too admit some misgivings regarding Kerry's ability to fight the war on terrorism (I still think that is separate from the war on Iraq). Right now I just have too many doubts about President Bush's veracity and integrity to even consider voting for him. Jeremy, I want you to know that from 1987 until 1990 I worked in Room 1C420 in the Pentagon. If you are familiar with the topology, that room was located very close to the impact point of Flight 77 (1st Floor, C Ring, off Hallway 4), just inside the helipad entrance. I believe that office was destroyed, if not severely damaged. Like you, 9/11 will always remain with me, vividly. With respect, Well, Jeremy, I think you and I have reached the same place on this particular issue. I was wrong in implying that grunts on the ground don’t need the support of technology-based weapons. I agree entirely with your assessment that what is needed is a more balanced approach to (expensive) weapons development and procurement. We need to provide our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines with the best weapons (and protection) available, and sometimes the best is not necessarily the most expensive.

Here is a perfect example of a low-cost ($700), high-tech alternative to some (notice I said some, not all) requirements currently fulfilled by $500,000 to $1.5 million unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV):

http://gtresearchnews.gatech.edu/reshor/rh-f03/recon.pdf

Of course, since this guy’s little start-up company will be competing with Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin, I don’t imagine he will win many Pentagon contracts. It makes too much sense, and the beltway bandits are simply too influential and powerful right now.

Finally, I too admit some misgivings regarding Kerry’s ability to fight the war on terrorism (I still think that is separate from the war on Iraq). Right now I just have too many doubts about President Bush’s veracity and integrity to even consider voting for him.

Jeremy, I want you to know that from 1987 until 1990 I worked in Room 1C420 in the Pentagon. If you are familiar with the topology, that room was located very close to the impact point of Flight 77 (1st Floor, C Ring, off Hallway 4), just inside the helipad entrance. I believe that office was destroyed, if not severely damaged. Like you, 9/11 will always remain with me, vividly.

With respect,

]]> By: Mum http://www.themannings.org/soapbox/2004/03/26/sam-has-my-attention/#comment-547 Mum Mon, 29 Mar 2004 13:20:21 +0000 http://www.themannings.org/soapbox/2004/03/26/sam-has-my-attention/#comment-547 It is a wise person who reads what 'Hack' has to say. He knows the game. It is a wise person who reads what ‘Hack’ has to say. He knows the game.

]]> By: Michael http://www.themannings.org/soapbox/2004/03/26/sam-has-my-attention/#comment-546 Michael Fri, 26 Mar 2004 12:37:44 +0000 http://www.themannings.org/soapbox/2004/03/26/sam-has-my-attention/#comment-546 I saw a news thingy on Donald H. Rumsfeld. It wasn't the most positive thing, but what can you expect from the media. They will taint any truth for a story. I like the guy although I would be a bit scared to work for him. He sounds tough, but it would be good to have him on my side. I feel no regrets about Iraq and all. All these babies can cry that we shouldn't have gone in but will most likely do nothing to better the future. Always complaining... my idea of true politicians. I saw a news thingy on Donald H. Rumsfeld. It wasn’t the most positive thing, but what can you expect from the media. They will taint any truth for a story.

I like the guy although I would be a bit scared to work for him. He sounds tough, but it would be good to have him on my side.

I feel no regrets about Iraq and all. All these babies can cry that we shouldn’t have gone in but will most likely do nothing to better the future. Always complaining… my idea of true politicians.

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