January 28th, 2005
So maybe it isn’t Sikorsky’s best week for a decision to be made over which helicopter the president will fly in, considering the recent crash of a Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion in Iraq, claiming the lives of 31 Americans. While investigators figure out how the chopper went down in the sandstorm, members of the Pentagon’s Defense Acquisition Board are set to announce in less than three hours the next maker of presidential helicopters. So who will it be? The Hartford Courant is reporting that an Italian newspaper, Finanza Mercati, has unnamed sources telling them the bid will go to Sikorsky. From a security standpoint, this would make sense: Does the Pentagon really have confidence that the spindles and gearboxes made in Europe by AgustaWestland will be free of terrorist tampering? As the folks at Sikorsky like to point, only they have Yankee White Clearance–access to only the most classified personnel.
That said, Sikorsky will have its work cut out for them, having to do their own system integration (something Lockheed excels at) and roll out an aircraft that is largely untested. Politically, Bush has to offer both Blair and Berlusconi a viable alternative to this lucrative (at least $1.5 billion) program, such as participation in the Joint Strike Fighter.
But should the Pentagon announce in favor of Lockheed, it will be because the US101 is considered battle-proven (a version of it is used by the Royal Marines), a known quantity based not on a commercial but military design. Sikorsky would also be in big trouble, especially if a future helicopter contract such as the PRV goes Lockheed’s way. “Do you think the president is going to kill Sikorsky?” one defense analyst asked me. In short, even if they lose the Marine One bid, the Stratford-based company will get some consolation contract in return.
To be continued…
0 commentsHow Not to Run a Major City
January 28th, 2005
While the DC Police Department surrenders an important law enforcement tool—the right to arrest protesters without permits—the City Council takes another step to ensure that the district is available as a plaything for Seattle-style anarchists. The Washington Times editorial page has the story.
0 commentsThe Principles Project
January 28th, 2005
One of my best and oldest friends, Rob Arena, has been involved in a new venture called The Principles Project. The idea is to create a coherent, forward-looking liberalism.
It’s an important project, since much of today’s liberalism has gone off the rails. A vigorous, intelligent liberalism–think Peter Beinart, not Michael Moore–is essential to the American experiment and I wish Rob and his associates all the best. It’ll be interesting to watch in the coming weeks and see what they come up with.
0 commentsHate Mail from Hollywood
January 28th, 2005
Anklebiting Pundits have a piece of hate mail from someone claiming to be a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
0 commentsJanuary 28th, 2005
Simply horrifying.
0 commentsJanuary 28th, 2005
Philadelphia sports fans often get branded as thugs and cranks. This is unfair. Today’s Phil Sheridan column in the Philadelphia Inquirer about Bill Belichek’s genius is about par for the course in Philly fandom: They have total, complete respect for greatness, particularly when it’s exemplified by visiting teams not from Dallas.
Whatever else you want to say about Philly fans: They know the score. And they care. That makes them some of the best sports fans in the country in my book.
0 commentsKaus-Sullivan Update
January 28th, 2005
The Kaus-Sullivan death-match is continuing over at Kausfiles now. After hinting that Sullivan may have some unspecified “virtues,” Mickey says, “This isn’t a man you want to follow into battle. Unfortunately, many Americans did.”
[Why do you obsess about these stupid, manufactured “feuds”? –ed You don’t want me on that wall, you need me on that wall!]
0 commentsKaplan in Iraq
January 28th, 2005
It is not overstating things to say we should laud Lawrence Kaplan for having the physical courage to simply go to Iraq to report on it in the days leading up the election. But he should be double lauded for this excellent piece over at the New Republic.
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