Shopsmith Forums

Pensacola is home to the Blue Angels and we get to see them practice on Tuesdays and Wednesdays each week except when they are wintering in Nevada. However, the Thunderbirds showed up yesterday. Since I have property near the air field, I got to see them perform today. At this point, I will apologize to JSB and Dusty and other Air Force members. I did 4 years Navy, but the Blue Angels are of Navy and Marine Corps fliers. Even though I have seen them so many times, I don't really care to see them ever again, I prefer the Blue Angels show to that of the Thunderbirds. The Blues fly the F/A-18 and the Thunderbirds fly the F-16. They are loud. As my property is 1/4 mile north of the air field, too many times the Thunderbirds flew over my house rather than over the air strip. There is too much space between Thunderbird events of the show, but they are fast and smooth. JMHO

Steve, the old Florida gator

I just love it when she says I can go make sawdust.

Driving the country in a 18 wheeler was a honor for me , I cant tell you how many times I was making deliveries near or in military bases , seen countless air shows from the road.

living in Ohio I seen the B52 train many times , I will never forget the air shows in Sioux falls . or Ellsworth AFB in SD ,,Not to mention lv Nevada ... the new planes making moves that would tear the old planes apart .

I would say if any one is ready we are.

ARE WE?

Two factors that give me concern are 1) the non-proliferation agreements and 2) the major cuts in defense spending that have occurred.

It is apparent to me that several countries are not living up to the terms of the non-proliferation agreements. Are we prepared to deal with the consequences?

At one time I thought the same way .

America can handle it as long as we have leaders and statesman and not politicians !!

Peace through strength.

Reference my avatar.

The SAC motto: "Peace is Our Profession"

Given our current state of readiness and the political stance of our Government, Are We Ready. The goings on in NOKO scare the hell out of me. I sure wish I could attend the daily "Status of Forces" briefing. But, those scared me as well.

I did not make clear that these two flight teams are demonstration teams and unless there is a major war, they don't participate in war. These pilots are recruited from the fleet as they have demonstrated special skills.

Now, can we help ourselves. The military has the largest budget in history even with the Congress not allowing the military the waste money they have wanted for the past 6 years. Congress made the rules to mandate that each department of the government gets a percentage of the budget. And, the deficit has grown from $11 trillion to $19 trillion in the last 8 years. When we the people tried to put a lid on this before the last 8 years, we were unpatriotic. During the last 8 years, it was unpatriotic to increase the deficit. Now, we are going at a more rapid pace into debt and the military is going to get the largest part of the increase if this budget goes through. With this new budget proposal and the looming possibility of shutting down the government, the military and federal workers will be put on stand down. Yes, those non-essential personnel who print out the checks, create the electronic files to your bank account, assist in filing your Social Security entitlements will be off with pay. Talk about wasting time and money. Remember, money represents time. Are we ready for a war with North Korea? Yes, if the politicians get out of the way like they did in Viet Nam. We have the ability and resolve to put this man and his regime on a slab. That's all I have to say about that.

Steve, the old Florida gator

I just love it when she says I can go make sawdust.

swampgator wrote:. . . Are we ready for a war with North Korea? Yes, if the politicians get out of the way like they did in Viet Nam.

If I read this correctly you are stating that the politicians got out of the way during the Viet Nam war. I suggest you read "Dereliction of Duty" by H.R. McMaster.

My experience while I was an Operations Analyst at 7th AF Headquarters in Viet Nam was that the politicians were in the way. For gosh sakes, LBJ was in the Oval Office pouring over North Viet Nam maps picking out the next day's targets. We sure could use him again, I say with a great deal of sarcasm.
Dick

We need more Statesman in office and less politicians

A Statesman is all ways thinking about the next generation
A politician is all ways thinking about the next election.

Sorry, Dick. I guess I mistated that. What I meant is that LBJ and crew would have us to take a day or two of stand down so that the Viet Cong could regroup. It helped us get our plane better prepared, but we allowed the enemy to rebuild. The politicians did get in the way. That's what I meant by my poorly made comment. If I am in a war, I am in only to win, not to just take punches. Yes. Our military is ready for N. Korea and I hope they take him and his top leadership out.

Steve