Ghost of BiB

No problem, I don't think. But, Africa is THE benchmark for imperialism, America has never been a player there, and now, like the rest of the world -we're stuck with it because now Germany, France, England and Belgium have better things to do. Want to check out some of this terrorist stuff? Look at the Horn. That's the new playground. Not some cave in Afghanistan or Pakistan.

I would also recommend "Future Jihad", by Walid Phares.

Just to be clear, I'm not saying that at all. They are the one continent who are still closer than any other (except for that penguin haven) to what they were 500 years ago than anyone. I'd have to say they have been pretty consistent. I'm also saddened that policy and security wise, we have to now involve ourselves there. That sucks, because overall - Africa is impossible to deal with.

I've got a couple of wishes. Some of those Persian gals are pretty hot. Face it everyone. The world is now much too complicated for us to run it by ourselves. It would be nice, but it's not going to happen. Look at what trying to is getting us, and how much is disrupts us internally. Iran is someday going to make that clear. Hopefully, nothing as extreme as nuking Israel (or vice versa) but having a nuclear armed nut case country in a powder keg like the ME is going to be interesting. Some folks here make it sound so simple and easy. How would they figure out a nuclear Pakistan, a nuclear India, a nuclear Israel and then toss in a nuclear Iran? Things aren't real slow in the non/counter-proliferation business right now. Oh, and we got North Korea floating around out there too. Gonna be a fun world for the grand kids.

Ah, but that is the land of genies. And the genie is out of the bottle.

Guess we'll have to draft a 5-8 135lb WR with the second pick.

Are we supposed to be guilty over everyone's behavior? All guns did over there is give them higher technology than stones and arrows. They still kill each other on a regular basis with machetes and clubs anyway. Guns don't affect the mind sets. Besides, this doesn't have anything to do with that anyway.

Did you go out to dinner and abuse a waitress?

For anyone with the time, interest and inclination - I very much recommend this book. The Persian Puzzle

As much as we discuss everything right or wrong here, and the craziness of the world at large - Someone really needs to put a fence around Africa.

Kirk

Hard to figue out how to be a pragmatist when one is considered a neo-con. But, this a neo con board. Anyone want to remind me again why we are all neo cons?

Hitler.

It was 3.5 last week. Woo Hoo! Bet it.

Maybe people that don't automatically think everything is bad right now are not really neo-cons.

Uh Huh... VERB Campaign 17 plus million to the CDC in one contract 20 million in another. 133 million in another. We are going to point out Defense as a problem, but a nice touchy feely campaign to tell kids to get off their ass and away from the Nintendo is worth about 200 million? What ever happened to parents? (What ever happened to kids, for that matter?) I know the argument can be made that exercising can (and does) cut down on long term health costs (I agree with that), but just how many kids are going to get out and exercise because the government told them to?

We did? Take a while to get there from Aruba.

They were required for the Air Force's newest effort at Global Force Projection USAFCCV

As much of a neo-con as I'm considered, I really don't care. Doesn't make a bit of difference to me if Charley the Tuna is in charge. Oh...wait...

Yeah, I've since found it and then had to go back to work for awhile. Lots of nickle and dime for the Air Force (I'm guessing they account differently?), but the bulk is indeed in recruiting. This got me to thinking about it, even in terms of IT - there are a lot of web sites out there that are basically PR either for the outside world, or within a command, or a base or whatever for themselves. I wonder if they count against operating funds or they count against PR funds? They seem to cost quite a bit to set up and maintain. But, with the recruiting and promotion the DOD has to do, a billion plus from 03-05 doesn't surprise me as much as it first did. That is, as long as some of those millions actually go towards purchasing the air time and what not. Looking at the numbers, I'd guess it would have to.

Happy Birthday, Rich. Old fart.

I didn't see in your thing where it went (maybe I didn't look hard enough). Think it went into recruiting advertising? I can't think of anyone else Gov wise who actually has to advertise, buy airtime and stuff. They pretty well have to do prime time, too. That's a lot of dough. Wonder, as a comparison what another big company - like Bud or Ford spends in a year? Guess I'm wondering if this is strictly to the agencies, or includes the funds that actually go towards advertising space, whether it be on TV, or print, or on the side of a stock car.

Maybe I should have said "use a club".

Maybe the three of them can start a club?

You ever run across a guy named VABills?