Fisking the Media's and Obama's Spin (But I Repeat Myself) on the F-22
— Ace

An informed reader sends me his thoughts on the F-22 cancellation. I'm reprinting his email unattributed, but he is, in fact, "informed."

I have taken the liberty of rewriting a lot of it, especially idiosyncratically-phrased passages so that no amount of textual analysis can identify him as the writer. These changes only concern style, not substance. I haven't intensified his language or anything.

Here's Politico, Court Stenographer for the Obama Regency.

In case you don't know, "air superiority aircraft" are top-of-the-line fighters primarily tasked with achieving, well, air superiority. Killing all enemy fighters and also being sneaky enough and precise enough to take out enemy radar installations and anti-aircraft missile batteries. So that other aircraft, not the dedicated dogfighters, but the ground-pounders, can then work their deadly magic on enemy ground forces without being shot to hell every ten minutes.

Compared to other aircraft, air superiority fighters are the fastest, most agile, and most technologically advanced. They're also relatively fragile compared to bigger aircraft, but survive fights due to the fact that they're very hard to hit in the first place, and also because they're armed with threat-defeating missiles that kill threats before they have time to attack at all.

Any air superiority aircraft can also be tasked to take out ground targets, too, though they're not optitmized for that (for one thing, they tend to be lighter aircraft with smaller payloads, so they don't fly with a belly full of big bombs).

But those bigger, slower, more durable ground-pounders can't enter hostile airspace until air superiority fighters turn it into friendly airspace.

Here are the real facts:
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Posted by: Ace at 10:23 AM | Add Comment
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Russia-US Arms Control Agreements Frameworks And Obama-Medvedev Press Conference
— DrewM

Press conference is going on now in Moscow.

Obama's opening statement...he and Medvedev agreed that the US-Russia relationship suffered from 'drift' and it needed to be 'reset'. Fucker can not go 10 minutes with taking a swipe at Bush, can he?

Of course what Obama's calls 'drift' others might call, distance from a thugocracy. Once again, Obama shows he's quite comfortable with authoritarian regimes.

Obama: "I trust President Medvedev". He didn't say he looked into his eyes or anything but it's still kind of sweet.

On Medvedev/Putin dynamic...Russia divides power like America does. Um, no. Just no. But then again, America isn't special or anything in his eyes. The brilliance of America's checks and balances is the same to him as Putin using Medvedev as his beard. Unbelievable All to believable.

The preliminary outline of the nuclear weapons agreement.

President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev struck a preliminary deal Monday to reduce their stockpiles of nuclear warheads to as few as 1,500 each, pointing the two countries' arsenals toward lower levels than in any previous arms control agreement.

The document signed by the two leaders at a Moscow summit, Obama's first in Russia, is meant as a guide for negotiators as the nations work toward a replacement pact for the START arms control agreement that expires in December. Each country now has about 2,000 warheads.

It is more of an agreement on goals rather than a treaty binding the parties that lays out a mechanism to actually make something happen. Kind of 'let's do something so we can get a photo op and cool headlines' thing.

Posted by: DrewM at 06:27 AM | Comments (3)
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The “Happy Planet Index” (genghis)
— Open Blog

This article spent about thirty minutes on the front page at CNN.com overnight before it was whisked away to their “World” section. (You’ll see why soon enough.) It wouldn’t be a surprise at all to see it get buried deeper and deeper there as the day goes on and the ridicule grows about how something like this was allowed on the lead page of a supposedly serious news organization, particularly when there are so many other angles of the Michael Jackson story to cover and just a limited amount of space. I mean, has anyone even written a piece yet about how very small, overly pampered dogs owned by late-middle-aged women are reacting to his death? Or strippers. I mean, some of them probably have MJ music in their routines/lap dances. When will their voices be heard?

Back to the Happy Planet though. It starts out innocently enough, with the title “Costa Rica Tops List of Happiest Nations.” Probably because of the nice weather and sandy beaches, right?

” (CNN) -- Forget Disneyland! Costa Rica is the happiest place in the world, according to an independent research group in Britain with the goal of building a new economy, "centered on people and the environment." In a report released Saturday, the group ranks nations using the "Happy Planet Index," which seeks countries with the most content people. In addition to happiness, the index by the New Economics Foundation considers the ecological footprint and life expectancy of countries.”

There’s a little nagging voice in the back of my head that keeps saying “we all laughed at the Center for Science in the Public Interest when they first started getting publicity. Remember? Mocked as the “Food Police?” Now they show up regularly on the nightly network news broadcasts, touted as experts. Pale, skinny and sickly-looking experts, but there nonetheless.” I told the little voice to go screw itself…I want to know more. I also scheduled some tests to determine whether or not I’m schizophrenic.

“This year's survey, which looked at 143 countries, featured Latin American nations in nine of the Top 10 spots. The runner-up was the Dominican Republic, followed by Jamaica, Guatemala and Vietnam. Most developed nations lagged in the study. While Britain ranked 74th, the United States snagged the 114th spot, because of its hefty consumption and massive ecological footprint. The United States was greener and happier 20 years ago than it is today, the report said.”

WeÂ’re number 114! WeÂ’re number 114! But why is this? I mean, I can understand being beat out by Jamaica mon, but Vietnam? (ItÂ’s the ganja factor)

Other populous nations, such as China and India, had a lower index brought on by their vigorous pursuit of growth-based models, the survey suggested. "As the world faces the triple crunch of deep financial crisis, accelerating climate change and the looming peak in oil production, we desperately need a new compass to guide us," said Nic Marks, founder of the foundation's center for well-being.”

The foundationÂ’s Center for Holistic Inner Beauty and Center for Transcending Spritual Planes also contributed to the study. Or so says the little voice, which I tried to silence with an icepick to my eardrum. Now I have to go to the emergency room as well.

For more information and lots of, umÂ…words and stuff about the study you can visit the website of The New Economics Foundation. As soon as their home page loaded an aura appeared around my monitor. Could just be the loss of blood from my ear thoughÂ…YMMV.

Posted by: Open Blog at 02:12 AM | Comments (10)
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Overnight Open Thread – Immerse Yourself in a World of Bacon (genghis)
— Open Blog

Note: Typically, the ONT is exactly what is says above, an “open” thread. Tonight is an exception though in that it’s not only a “Palin-Neutral” thread but also a “Palin-Free” thread. I suspect that if you look around hard enough there might be a few other posts around the place where the topic has and is being discussed. You’re welcome.

A place called Oddee.com is making my life a little too easy tonight with their list of The 10 Craziest Products Inspired by Bacon. While the list includes such things as bacon-scented air fresheners and a bacon action figure (with his nemesis: a tofu action figure), I have yet to see anyone come out with a line of bacon-related grooming products or cologne. Give it time.

Now if only Skittles could get that kind of love. Maybe if they were bacon-wrapped Skittles I suppose.

Once you’ve viewed all things bacon there they have tons of other lists to peruse…too many to list all of them here but some of the better ones are “World’s Most Flexible Women,” “12 of the World’s Strangest Limousines,” “10 Weirdest Toilet Papers” and so forth.

More bacony things below the fold...
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Posted by: Open Blog at 05:26 PM | Add Comment
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Zelaya Denied Permission To Land In Honduras
— DrewM

Showdown or showmanship?

Ousted President Manuel Zelaya says he can't land at the main Honduras airport because soldiers are blocking the runway with several military vehicles.

The pilot of his Venezuelan plane circled around the airport and decided that landing is "totally impossible" because of the trucks in the way.

A Venezuelan plane? Well, that's not surprising.

Oh and you know America's new "no meddling" policy? Let's just say it is flexible.

At least three other planes left the Washington area separately, carrying Latin American presidents, the secretary-general of the Organization of American States and journalists. They were trailing Zelaya to see what happens in the skies over Honduras before deciding where to land.

And here's a quick rundown of the many ways in which Obama has gotten this situation wrong.

It's going to be a long 3 and half years.

CNN now says he may go to Managua, Nicaragua and try again tomorrow. Perhaps this will become a daily occurrence.

Posted by: DrewM at 03:13 PM | Add Comment
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Let Me Clarify My Statements
— Russ from Winterset

It seems that the product of my battle with insomnia EARLY on Saturday morning has caused a bit of a ripple in the blogosphere. Before I explain myself, I'd like to make one observation. I guest blog here thanks to the graciousness of Ace, the Blogfather. He's got a finger on the delete button 24/7/365, and he has yet to send my previous work into the phantom zone. That doesn't really sound like the actions of a RiNO who hates Palin with The Heat of 1,000 Suns, now does it?

It almost makes you think that he's really an advocate for the free exchange of ideas, now doesn't it? Think about it before you hit "SEND" on your next comment, mmmmmmKay?

(slight profanity warning for the expanded entry, so don't say you weren't warned) more...

Posted by: Russ from Winterset at 02:31 PM | Comments (1)
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July 4th Tea Party Roundup
— Dave in Texas

Thanks for all the pics folks. Here's that one again from the Pittsburgh get together, via Josh L. who estimated about 1500 there yesterday morning.

as one commenter put it, "...and if it freedom won't ring, at least let it motorboat!"

Indeed.
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Posted by: Dave in Texas at 06:20 AM | Add Comment
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Schism...Top Iranian Cleric Group Breaks With Government
— DrewM

I think Khameni is going to have a hard time spinning such an important clerical group in the country as a bunch of foreign lackeys.

A pro-reform clerical group protested against the official results of Iran's June 12 presidential election, in a statement made available to AFP.

Blasting the official electoral watchdog, the Guardians Council, the Assembly of Qom Seminary Scholars and Researchers said it no longer had the "right to judge in this case as some of its members have lost their impartial image in the eyes of the public."

On Tuesday, the unelected 12-member council upheld the re-election of hardline incumbent Mahmoud Ahmadinejad over complaints of fraud from his challengers that had brought hundreds of thousands out onto the streets.

Government spokesman Gholam Hossein Elham is a council member.

The reformist clerics said the council "did not pay attention" to the complaints lodged by defeated candidates Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi.

This statement comes just a few days after "reformist" former Iranian President Mohammad Khatam said the elections were "tantamount to a coup".

The government has lost the backing of the people and now the clerics based in the holy Shia city of Qom (so much for the Islamic part of the "Islamic Republic"). Even the most in the tank apologists for Iran have to admit it's nothing more than a military backed autocracy.

Obviously, now is the time to begin negotiations with them.

Posted by: DrewM at 06:14 AM | Comments (1)
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Showdown in Honduras Tomorrow Today? UPDATED
— Dave in Texas

Ousted President Manuel Zelaya says he will return on Sunday and retake his office. The interim government has responded that they will arrest him and put him on trial.

Honduras rebuffed demands by the international community to reinstate Zelaya in the name of constitutional order, thrusting the poor Central American nation deeper into political crisis and isolation.

The Organization of American States met in Washington to consider suspending Honduras' membership because of the coup — though even before the emergency session, the interim government decided to pull out of the OAS rather than meet its ultimatum to restore Zelaya.

What will Obama say about a trial in courts that consist of the very same judges who administered Honduran courts under Zelaya?

Something insightful I'm sure.

UPDATE: UN General Assembly President Miguel D'Escoto says he will accompany Zelaya to Honduras.

Posted by: Dave in Texas at 06:23 PM | Add Comment
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Overnight Open Thread – Post-Pyrotechnic Edition (genghis)
— Open Blog

So howÂ’d it go today? Everyone return with the same number of digits they left with? Anyone actually return home with more digits than they had when they left the house? Anybody go to one of the Tea Parties? Attend a swearing-in ceremony for new citizens? Grill anything interesting? (Note: Anyone who says they bbqÂ’d something but didnÂ’t do so in an actual smoker will be mocked without mercy and quite possibly have their comment edited.) See any good public fireworks displays, or even better put on one of your own? Get shitfaced? Still in the process of getting shitfaced or adding to your shitfacedness? Get laid? Still getting laid while youÂ’re writing up your comment? Do any multiple combination of those things at the same time or, even more impressive, all of them at once? Anything else?

Of course, anything involving the armed forces is more than welcome as well, and IÂ’m sure there were plenty of events both big and small, ranging from things like a Blue Angels/Thunderbirds/Golden Knights performance down to just calling a family member or friend whoÂ’s serving.

Tell us all about it in the thread. Even better if you’ve got vids or link to vids. I’ll try to tack on the best ones. Note the word “try.”
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Posted by: Open Blog at 04:21 PM | Add Comment
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