"Time to nominate an FAA Administrator"

 I got this article off my 3rd party news at work.  The last time the Biden administration nominated  was basically a "Diversity Hire"  he was selected purely because he checked off certain boxes that are popular with the democrats and when he went before the senate for confirmation, he was clueless

I don't care who you are, as long as you are competent, and the administrator sets the tone for the agency.

Credit: Elijah Nouvelage/AFP/Getty Images

Every flight in the U.S., whether of a FedEx cargo aircraft or an American Airlines passenger airliner, requires a network of experts to load, taxi, take off, navigate and land safely. Every link in the chain must perform its duty skillfully for safe and efficient air travel.

America has excelled at this process for a century, resulting in the U.S. aviation industry comprising 5% of the country’s GDP and sustaining more than 2 million jobs. Aviation is a valuable sector of our economy, and the entire industry rests on the authority of the FAA to set the rules and policies that govern the skies.

The FAA is responsible for the safety of travelers and is vital to our nation’s economy, which is why it is deeply concerning that the agency has not had a permanent, Senate-approved leader—the FAA administrator—for more than 450 days. This vacancy is having a ripple effect not just in aviation but across multiple sectors and industries.

The FAA stands at an important juncture as it navigates an evolving environment. Demand for air travel has returned at an unprecedented pace following the COVID-19 pandemic, and new and evolving aircraft are rapidly being introduced into our National Airspace System. Severe and sometimes chaotic and dangerous disruptions continue to face Americans attempting to fly during holidays. A record number of air travelers and consumers dealt with thousands of canceled flights and tens of thousands of flight delays nationwide over this Fourth of July long weekend. We have also seen near collisions on the runway and emergency landings. To meet these current challenges, the FAA requires modernization and good leadership throughout the agency.

The current FAA Reauthorization Act is set to expire this fall. I have worked with my colleagues to write the legislation to reauthorize the FAA while also using my position on the Senate Appropriations Committee’s subcommittee on transportation, housing and urban development and related agencies to provide the FAA with the right resources. We must conduct proper oversight of the FAA and provide the agency with the tools it needs to evolve and excel.

However, even with new resources and modernized authorities, these are just words on paper without an FAA administrator. The agency is too critical to be guided by interim leaders. We need a confirmed administrator. 

The U.S. has long been a leader in aerospace by leaning into challenges and opportunities. Innovation, fostered with appropriate safety oversight by the government, can help cement the U.S. as a competitor on the global scale.

While Congress can help ensure resources, craft authorizing language and provide the FAA with most of the tools it needs to succeed, the agency must have a leader with a steady hand at the helm.

The White House must act to nominate an individual with extensive experience in transportation and aviation, an understanding of the role the FAA plays in consumer safety and knowledge of the business models by which aviation works in the U.S. and around the world.

I urge the president to put forward an experienced nominee so the FAA can reduce disruptions for air travelers, ensure the safety of our skies and guide us into the next era of aviation. 

Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) is the ranking member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee’s subcommittee on aviation safety, operations and innovation and sits on the Senate Appropriations Committee’s subcommittee on transportation, housing and urban development and related agencies.

Truss Braced Wing Concept

 My apologies, I have been working a lot of overtime, in the summer is our busy time.  Unless it is absolutely broke or unsafe to fly it is flying because of the demand for air travel.  Other Airlines are having similar demands placed on them.  Like I have stated before, I like to blog, but I like sleep more.

   I had "Blogged Last year about this concept" it is an intriguing design.

Credit: Boeing

LE BOURGET—Pratt & Whitney’s selection to power the NASA X-66 transonic truss-braced wing (TTBW) sustainable flight demonstrator may be the opening the company needs to break back into the future Boeing single-aisle market, says Christopher Calio, Raytheon Technologies' president and chief operating officer.

The engine-maker’s PW1100G geared turbofan will power the high-wing X-66 later this decade and is the first engine from the Pratt & Whitney stable selected for any Boeing-built narrowbody since the final 757s were delivered in the early 2000s. The competing GE Aerospace and Safran joint venture CFM International has, by contrast, enjoyed exclusivity on the 737 since the development of the 737-300 some 40 years ago.

“We’ve always said we would love at some point to take our technology and offer it to both of the narrowbody OEMs—that's the position our competitor has today,” Calio says, referring to CFM’s availability as an alternative to the PW1100G on the Airbus A320neo family. “That affords [CFM] a lot of privileges as a result. So we would love to find a way to get back in. Our view is [the TTBW is] a great way to get back in working with Boeing in the commercial engine space in the commercial narrowbody market,” he adds.

However, Calio is also realistic that much needs to be done before Pratt can be fully competitive. “First of all the focus right now is on getting through our issues on the GTF for Airbus and our customers. So make no mistake, we are not taking our eye off that ball, but longer term—in 12 to 15 years—you’ve got to invest. You can't just wake up in 2030 and go ‘hey, we'd love to get back on the Boeing aircraft.’ You have got to be investing along the way in some of these enabling technologies.”

Pratt is currently developing the enhanced PW1100G Advantage version, but has several technology programs under way to reduce fuel burn on the basic architecture by a further 10% or more over the coming decade.

“Dave [Calhoun, Boeing CEO] says any new product will have to be 20-30% more efficient. A lot of that comes from the engines and I think what we've learned as part of the GTF when we rolled it out is just as much as you've got to go drive the efficiency gains, the things you do to get those efficiency gains is you've got to make sure that industrially you can support it. To me, that's just as important. Not only does that does the technology have to be there for those gains, but the manufacturing and support has to be in lockstep,” Calio says.

Carry Concealed Tips for Older Shooters...

 I saw this and this may 'splain the older generations affinity for the .45ACP especially after reading the first suggestion.   I also nicked this off "American Rifleman"

As we get older, we must keep in mind that we can still be a target for criminal attack. In fact, we may become even more of a target as the years catch up with us. The crooks see the gray hair, the wrinkles and figure that we will be less likely to resist and less likely to be armed. Age may cause us to have physical problems to deal with, but many of them can be overcome. We owe it to ourselves and our families to be as tough a target as is humanly possible. Here are a few ideas to help older defensive shooters deal with their issues.

1. Use The Most Powerful Handgun That You Can Shoot Quickly And Accurately. 

You may be surprised to learn that this is what I tell all shooters, regardless of their age.  However, you may have found that, due to infirmities, you can no longer manage that .357 Mag. or .45 ACP pistol. This doesn't mean that you should quit. It means that you should scale down to a 9 mm Luger, .38 Spl., .380 ACP, or even .22 LR, depending upon your particular needs and abilities.

These smaller calibers may not be as capable, but they sure do beat fighting with your fists. The lighter the caliber, the more important bullet placement becomes. So, you'll have to practice more and work on delivering the best bullet placement possible. 

2. Consider Changing Carry Positions. 

One of the most common defensive carry techniques is to wear the handgun on your strong-side hip, just behind the hip bone. Unfortunately, with aging, many shooters lose mobility in their joints. To make a draw from this popular position, your shoulder must move up and back, and it must do it quickly. Some folks just have a tough time with this.

A better choice for the aging shooter might be the appendix carry; that is, wearing the handgun on the strong side but in front of the hip bone. The shoulder does not have to move so radically with this technique. The same may be true with the crossdraw carry method. Both carry the handgun on the front side of the body and will be easier to get to and allow for a quick pistol presentation.

3. Dealing With Fuzzy Sights. 

About the time that we hit middle age, the sights on a handgun sure do start to look fuzzy, and a clear sight picture rapidly becomes a thing of the past. Some folks deal with this natural phenomenon by using the close-range portion of their bifocals. However, for all of us, glasses are the answer.

Even if you don't use bifocals, your optometrist can have a corner of your glasses ground so that you can see the sights clearly through that portion of the lens. If you don't feel comfortable discussing your shooting skills with your current optometrist, ask at your local shooting range or gun store until you can get the name of an optometrist who is a shooter. You'd be amazed at how many of these professionals enjoy the shooting sports and understand the needs of aging shooters.

4. Weakness In The Hands And Forearms. 

Some older shooters find that, due to arthritis or some other ailment, they can no longer work the slide on a semi-automatic pistol. In most cases, I have found that they have been doing it wrong in the first place.

Too many shooters want to hold the auto pistol in their hand with the arm almost fully extended. Then they use the thumb and index finger of their support hand, at the very back of the slide, to work the slide and chamber a round. This whole technique looks very much like the way we shot slingshots when we were kids. Regardless of age, this is a very poor technique and is an indication of someone who is a real tenderfoot regarding this business of self-defense.

The closer your hands are to your chest, the more strength you have in your hands and arms. Hold the pistol close to your chest and parallel to your chest, with the muzzle pointed to the side. However, you should be conscious that the muzzle is still pointed in a safe direction at all times.

Put your support hand over the top of the pistol, in the area of the ejection port, and grasp the slide firmly with your whole hand and all of your fingers. At the same time that you pull the slide to the rear with your support hand, you should push forward with your strong hand. The isometric push-pull, along with holding the gun close to the body, utilizes much more of your bodily strength and is a much more positive way to charge your auto pistol.

However, there are those who simply are dealing with issues that make them too weak to run an auto slide. They might consider making the transition to a double-action revolver. The action of loading and unloading a DA revolver requires much less muscle strength. When transitioning to a revolver, however, don't hesitate to have a professional gunsmith smooth up the action to make the double-action trigger pull as easy as possible.

5. Increase Mobility With Exercise. 

The older we get, the more important exercise is to our maintaining our body strength and mobility. If you have health issues, it is critical that you do not start an exercise program without consulting with a physician. Just as with the optometrist, you may find it a bit more comfortable to find a physician who enjoys the shooting sports.

When you start hunting for a doctor who is a member of our shooting fraternity, you will be amazed at just how many of them there are. I don't want to sound "New Age" here, but the fact is that a yoga class, especially one for older folks, is a great way to increase your agility and mobility. However, if you have any doubts about your ability, take the time to consult with a physician.

It is critically important, as the years go by, to continue to refuse to be a victim. Seek the advice of other aging shooters, use your mind to solve your particular problems as they relate to shooting skills, and simply say to yourself, “I am tough, I am an American shooter, and I am not going to give up."

Modernizing the Garand.

 I saw this in one of my early "American Rifleman" Issues...Now if I got hold of a mid 50's Garand, I would consider something like this...but to my kayak sunk*sniff*Sniff*  departed WWII Era Garand.....NEVER

Caution: The following contains images of a modified M1 Garand rifle. While no M1s were permanently altered during the making of this project, collectors with a strong affinity for original-issue military arms may find it offensive. Reader discretion is advised.

Seriously, if the thought of modernizing the M1 Garand is anathema to you, please avoid unnecessary stress by not reading further. The goal here is not to suggest that a historically significant rifle be denigrated, rather it is to propose that John C. Garand’s classic old warhorse can become, with a few judiciously chosen updates, a modern general-purpose rifle.

The M1 was made in such great quantities, nearly 5.5 million, and for such a timespan, 1934 to 1957, that re-routing a few post-Korean War examples with no particular martial history should not pose a conflict for anyone. The late-1953 Harrington & Richardson M1 featured here is a perfect example. After acquiring it, I set about to modify it using off-the-shelf components that would increase its utility while keeping its overall weight to a reasonable limit. All were “bolt-on” and did not require gunsmithing or permanent changes to the rifle. Additionally, they were accomplished using only modest skills along with a few screwdriver bits and Allen wrenches.

As is, the M1 Garand is a highly capable rifle—rugged, hard-hitting, possessed of fine sights and an excellent trigger, and traditional in appearance and format—but with a few carefully considered modifications it can be an even more effective tool for all sorts of applications. In the past, it has been knocked for being (in no particular order): difficult to scope; ammunition-sensitive; finicky to load; heavy; and burdensome to fire unsupported. With the goal of correcting those deficiencies and reconfiguring it into a more useful tool, my first change involved scoping it.

The solution was a relatively recently devised one, and it is offered by more than one maker. Best of all, it gets the shooter on target more precisely without resorting to such tricks as the offset optical axis employed in the U.S. military’s M1C and M1D sniper variants. The model I chose, the M12 Forward Optic Mount ($185) by UltiMAK, replaces the rear handguard with a 15-slot section of Picatinny rail. The U.S.-made unit is machined of 6061-T6 aluminum and matt black anodized. It bolts directly to a standard G.I.-profile barrel with two machined 4140 steel clamps and comes with thorough installation instructions and the Allen wrenches necessary to attach it.

Once mounted, its minimalist profile positions the optical axis of a riflescope or red-dot sight low to, and directly over, the bore—in fact, co-witnessing of the iron sights is possible with the latter. I decided to go with a tried-and-true model of the former from Burris, the 2-7X 32 mm Scout ($429). With the company’s Ballistic Plex compensating reticle, the lower half of the scope’s vertical stadia line offers three short horizontal holdover references that can be calibrated to specific ranges depending on power setting and ammunition choice.

At low power, the optic serves in the both-eyes-open, snap-shooting role popularized by the scout rifle concept, and at higher power it offers excellent longer-range precision aiming nearly twice as powerful as that afforded the average World War II sniper. A set of 1” Low QRW detachable rings ($60) from Leupold preclude the need for an add-on cheek riser and make for quick, tool-less access to the iron sights should it be damaged.

Many modern factory loads exist for the .30-’06 Sprg. that exceed the specifications set for military ammunition originally intended for the Garand. To take advantage of some of them, and to avoid damage to the rifle, a change to the gas system is necessary. A few different concepts have been devised, usually involving modification of the gas plug. I chose the Ported Gas Plug ($40) by Garand Gear, an install-it-and-forget-it solution.

In essence, its hollowed-out base increases the gas cylinder’s overall volume, thereby effectively flattening the pressure curve of propellant gases acting on the piston at the end of the operating rod. Think of it as insurance against a bent operating rod and limited license to explore a wider range of ammunition offerings. Installation simply involves turning out the original gas plug and turning in the new one, which accepts 1/4”-square socket drive bit.

As is often the case with firearm projects, scouring gunshows and online sites is sometimes the only way to acquire all of the pieces of the puzzle. Two of the items detailed here fell into that category. The first was popularized as the “Holbrook device” after the veteran who formalized its manufacture and sale—although homemade versions have existed for many years and instructions on making one can be found online.

This modified operating rod catch simply swaps out with the original but significantly changes the M1’s method of operation in the following ways: A full or empty eight-round en bloc clip can be inserted into the rifle and will “click” into place, but the bolt will not close even on a slowly withdrawn thumb—thus the commercial version’s “thumbsaver” moniker. Then, the first round is loaded into the chamber by pulling back the operating rod handle and letting it fly forward. Also, an empty clip locked into the rifle can be loaded with from one to seven rounds singly. Finally, the device remains in the gun, with the bolt locked back, after the last round is fired and ejects from the rifle only after the clip latch has been manually depressed.

In short, the Holbrook device makes the M1 operate more like an M1A. The second item of uncertain availability is a synthetic stock—something that, at various times, mainstream manufacturers such as Bell & Carlson and Ramline, along with a few boutique makers, have produced for the M1 Garand. But demand has apparently receded to the point that no major maker currently offers a model. Still, I was fortunate enough to find a Bell & Carlson, and its black, pebble-finished lightweight fiberglass construction has transformed my M1 into a stronger, lighter, more weather-resistant and modern-looking rifle than could ever be achieved with walnut or laminates.

While a variety of slings are available for the Garand, most were intended either as simple carry straps or as full-on competition rigs for highpower shooting. One that strikes a balance between those roles, and that stands alone for its combination of simplicity and utilitarian elegance, is the 1¼” Rhodesian Sling ($76) by Andy’s Leather. Made of bridle leather and featuring solid brass hardware, it is available in all-black with a Cerakoted buckle. Once adjusted, its front loop section is easily engaged by the user’s support arm triceps, helping to get the rifle on target reasonably quickly and keep it there with amazing stability. It also serves well to carry the somewhat heavy M1 at the shoulder or diagonally across the back without additional adjustment.

Once all the parts were assembled, the modernized M1 Garand detailed here came in at 11 lbs. overall unloaded, which will likely shock those whose primary frame of reference is small-caliber aluminum-and-polymer modern sporting rifles. But it bears repeating that we’re looking at a 24”-barreled rifle chambered in .30-’06 Sprg. that is capable of delivering a 200-gr. bullet with nearly 1,000 ft.-lbs. of energy remaining at 500 yds.

But because the rifle’s mass is so well-distributed along its slender profile, and because of its smooth underbelly, carrying it, even with one hand at the side, it convenient. Indeed, the modernized M1 seems little more burdensome than the original appears to have been for millions of G.I.s. And, if anything, despite its increased capabilities, it still tends more toward “sporting” than “military” in appearance.

When it came to shooting the one profiled here off a bench using bags or from the standing position, recoil was reasonably mild—especially considering the power being sent downrange. After sighting in at 50 yds., at least one five-shot group using 175-gr. SIG Sauer V-Crown Elite Match Grade ammunition could be covered by a nickel.

With no worries about damaging the gun or getting “Garand thumb” while loading it, I was able to concentrate on shooting. And while replicating the exact configuration described here may be, admittedly, nigh impossible, it nonetheless serves to illustrate that the a modernized M1 Garand leverages classic strengths with updated ideas to provide the modern shooter with a rugged, capable general-purpose rifle.

Exploring The Viet Cong Booby Traps

 I have "Blogged" before about Viet Cong Booby Traps before, usually I would run the Vietnam War stuff on my blog past my Dad for accuracy, but since St Peter cut orders for him to report to Fiddler Green a couple of years ago, I can't do that anymore damm, well anyway, I saw this on "Sofrep"  and I thought it was pretty good and I shamelessly nicked it.

 

Viet Cong booby traps were treacherous devices that destroyed and took countless lives. Read up on their history and impact on warfare.

During the Vietnam War, the Viet Cong (VC), a communist guerrilla force in South Vietnam, employed a variety of booby traps to counter the technological superiority of American and South Vietnamese forces. 

These traps inflicted maximum damage on unsuspecting soldiers, leaving a lasting impact on the battlefield. In this layman’s history, we will explore the development, types, and impact of Viet Cong booby traps.

The Origin Story of Viet Cong Booby Traps

The origins of Viet Cong booby traps go back to guerrilla warfare, where a weaker force strategically targets and disrupts a stronger opponent. With limited resources and firepower, the Viet Cong needed alternative means to counter the American and South Vietnamese forces’ advanced technology and overwhelming military strength.

 

Necessity Breeds Innovation

The Viet Cong’s resourcefulness and adaptability were crucial in developing booby traps. Unable to match the firepower of their adversaries, they relied on inventive and low-cost methods to inflict damage and instill terror. 

The need to defend their territory, disrupt enemy movements, and demoralize opposing forces fueled the innovation behind these traps.

The Viet Cong bear trap (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

A Viet Cong booby trap was about utilizing readily available local materials. Derived from bamboo, wooden stakes, and basic explosives, guerillas had easy access to materials. This approach allowed them to maximize their limited resources and create deadly devices without relying on external support.

Learning From Historical Precedents

The Viet Cong drew inspiration from historical precedents and existing knowledge of warfare, adapting and refining techniques used in previous conflicts. They incorporated elements of traditional booby traps employed in earlier conflicts, such as their war against the French, and from indigenous methods used in the region.

Types of Viet Cong Booby Traps

Numerous types of Viet Cong booby traps were in circulation during the Vietnam War. While it is difficult to provide an exact count, given the vast range and variations, here are some of the most prominent types:

• Punji Pit Traps: These traps involved camouflaged pits dug into the ground, often with sharpened bamboo stakes or other spikes at the bottom, intended to impale or injure soldiers who fell into them.
• Tripwire Explosives: Tripwire-based traps utilized thin wires connected to explosives hidden nearby. When a soldier unknowingly triggered the wire by tripping over it, it would detonate the explosive, causing severe injuries or death.
• Bouncing Betty Mines: These mines were pressure-activated and launched into the air before detonating. Buried in the ground, they targeted the lower body of soldiers, causing devastating injuries and reducing the chances of survival.
• Toe-Popper Mines: These small, pressure-activated mines were typically buried just below the surface, designed to injure or disable soldiers. Stepping on them would trigger an explosion, inflicting severe damage to the victim’s foot or leg.
• Bamboo Whip Traps: Bamboo stakes, often tipped with poison, were bent and secured under tension. When triggered, the stakes would whip out, causing deep puncture wounds and potential infection due to the poison.
• Snake Traps: Containers or bamboo tubes were the primary tools to hold venomous snakes, each strategically placed to surprise and attack soldiers, causing panic and distraction.
• Grenade Traps: Hand grenades came with tripwires or other triggering mechanisms designed to explode when disturbed, injuring or killing anyone nearby.
• Punji Stick Traps: Similar to Punji pit traps, Punji stick traps involved concealed stakes or spikes, often coated with toxic substances, hidden in foliage or along trails to injure or infect soldiers.
• Rolling Log Traps: Guerillas positioned large logs to roll down hills or slopes upon triggering, aiming to crush or injure soldiers caught in their path.
• Booby-Trapped Ammo and Supplies: Viet Cong forces sometimes rig ammunition or other supplies to explode when picked up or used by enemy forces, causing unexpected casualties.

The Menacing Damage Caused By Viet Cong Booby Traps

Soldiers caught in booby traps often suffered severe injuries, including loss of limbs, shrapnel wounds, and internal damage. The injuries inflicted by these traps could be debilitating, sometimes leading to long-term disabilities or even death.

Beyond the physical harm, Viet Cong booby traps had a significant psychological impact on soldiers. The constant fear of hidden dangers, the tension of moving through unfamiliar terrain, and the unpredictability of these traps created a pervasive sense of anxiety and vulnerability among troops.

 

Viet Cong booby traps profoundly impacted the course of the Vietnam War and left a lasting mark on military history. For one, they forced the American and South Vietnamese forces to adapt their strategies and tactics. 

The hidden nature and widespread use of these traps necessitated changes in how troops moved through the terrain, increasing caution and the need for specialized training in identifying and neutralizing booby traps.

 

Viet Cong Booby Traps and Their Impact on Modern Warfare

Viet Cong booby traps also significantly influenced the evolution of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The lessons learned from the Vietnam War, including the effectiveness of concealed explosive devices, shaped the development of IEDs in subsequent conflicts. It profoundly impacted modern warfare, as IEDs became a significant threat in armed conflicts worldwide.

(Wikimedia Commons)

Ultimately, Viet Cong booby traps changed history by reshaping military strategies, highlighting the importance of psychological warfare, affecting civilian populations, influencing military training, and contributing to the evolution of explosive devices. 

These traps left an indelible mark on the Vietnam War and influenced subsequent conflicts, emphasizing the need for adaptive and comprehensive approaches to unconventional warfare.

 

Happy Brexit Day

I am still in Florida, but we are returning today to home, I am not looking forward to the drive.  It was great visiting my brother and his family, and I got a bit of reading in.

 Happy 4th of July, our country is 247 years old, still young, but compared to a lot of the countries in the world, we are one of the older ones.  In this we still having a representative form of government is unusual, usually by this time tyranny has set in, although we have lost some freedom, we still are doing better than every else in the world.  Despite the problems, I am grateful that I am an American and I hope the new generation continues to carry the torch forward.

This idealized depiction of (left to right) Franklin, Adams, and Jefferson working on the Declaration was widely reprinted (by Jean Leon Gerome Ferris, 1900

In CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,

"When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation."

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
"That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security."

"Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
"He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
"He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
"He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
"He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
"He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness of his invasions on the rights of the people.
"He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected, whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
"He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
"He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.
"He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
"He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.
"He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
"He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power.
"He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:
"For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
"For protecting them, by a mock Trial from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
"For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:
"For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:
"For depriving us in many cases, of the benefit of Trial by Jury:
"For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:
"For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:
"For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:
"For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
"He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.
"He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
"He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation, and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & Perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.
"He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.
"He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.
"In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people."

"Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends."

"We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor."

Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence?
Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died.
Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured.
Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War.
They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. What kind of men were they?
Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated. But they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.
Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.
Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward.
Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton.
At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.
Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.
John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished. A few weeks later he died from exhaustion and a broken heart.
Norris and Livingston suffered similar fates. Such were the stories and sacrifices of the American Revolution. These were not wild-eyed, rabble-rousing ruffians. They were soft-spoken men of means and education. They had security, but they valued liberty more. Standing tall, straight, and unwavering, they pledged: "For the support of this declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of the divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor."
They gave you and me a free and independent America. The history books never told you a lot about what happened in the Revolutionary War. We didn't fight just the British.
We were British subjects at that time and we fought our own government!
Some of us take these liberties so much for granted, but we shouldn't. So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of July holiday and silently thank these patriots. It's not much to ask for the price they paid. Remember: freedom is never free!

Teaser Post Postponed, but you get some Wagner Mercenary News....

 I was going to post a story about my travel to the Motor City, but I didn't get home until 20:00 hours so I have to postpone my teaser post, it may not go up until Saturday because I will have time on Friday to post it.

     I got this from my usual 3rd party email from work.

Yevgeny Prigozhin pictured during a video address on June 24, 2023.

Credit: Pool Photo/Wagner Group/Alamy

Ending his so-called “march for justice” against two Russian military leaders 200 mi. short of Moscow, Yevgeny Prigozhin had claimed his actions were bloodless.

Far from it, it has emerged. While his Wagner column of heavily armed mercenaries faced no opposition on the ground, imagery published on social media has confirmed that a Russian Air Force Ilyushin Il-22M airborne command post was among several military aircraft shot down inside Russia by Prigozhin’s Wagner Private Military as they advanced north.

Wagner-operated air defenses brought down the four-engine turboprop on June 24 near the city of Voronezh in southwestern Russia. All on board—many likely to be experienced Russian air force personnel—were killed. Those same forces also bought down several Mil-8/17 transport helicopters, including a specialized electronic warfare version, a Kamov Ka-52 attack helicopter, and a Mil Mi-35 attack helicopter that were attempting to stave off Wagner’s advance.

“We regret that we had to strike at aircraft, but they were bombing us and launching missile strikes,” Prigozhin said in a 11-min. video clip explaining his actions published June 26.

Prigozhin, Wagner’s owner, seemingly triggered the rebellion, aiming his ire at the head of the Russian military, Gen. Valery Gerasimov, and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu over concerns that Wagner was being stripped of its combat capability. Prigozhin publicly blamed the two men for the conflict in Ukraine, which has seen thousands of Wagner personnel killed. In an earlier video published online on June 23, he said the justification for the war in Ukraine was a lie, and just an excuse for “a small group of scumbags” to promote themselves and deceive both the public and Putin.

Hours later, Wagner forces seized the city of Rostov-on-Don and then launched what Prigozhin called their march toward Moscow, during which the aircraft and helicopters were engaged. Later that day, he halted the advance 200 mi. short of the Russian capital, agreeing to an undisclosed deal apparently brokered by Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko. The June 26 video does not reveal any details about the deal. 

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the events of June 25 had been a “direct challenge to [President] Putin’s authority,” and that the episode suggested there were now “real cracks” in Putin’s rule.

Prigozhin himself said his actions had demonstrated shortfalls in Russian military capabilities, saying that Wagner forces had given “a master class on what should have happened on February 24, 2022”—a reference to the difficulties faced by the Russian Army in the first days of the war in Ukraine.

The loss of the Il-22M—a military conversion of the Il-18 airliner—represents a significant blow to the Russian Air Force’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capacity and its valued airborne command post capabilities.

Russia is no stranger to losses of vital platforms, however. In September 2018, an Il-20—an electronic intelligence version of the Il-18—was accidentally shot down by Syrian air defenses as it returned from a patrol flight over the Mediterranean Sea.

 

Credit: Stocktrek Images / Alamy Stock Photo

Imagery published on social media has confirmed that a Russian Air Force Ilyushin Il-22M airborne command post platform was among several military aircraft shot down inside Russia in an apparent attempted coup by the Wagner Private Military Co. 

Wagner-operated air defenses brought down the four-engine turboprop on June 24 near the city of Voronezh in southwestern Russia as the paramilitary group’s forces made an advance toward Moscow in what President Vladimir Putin described as an “internal betrayal” of the Russian people. All 10 crew on the Il-22 were killed. 

Wagner forces also bought down several Mil Mil-8/17 transport helicopters, including: a specialized electronic warfare version; a Kamov Ka-52 attack helicopter; and a Mil Mi-35 attack helicopter being used to to stave off Wagner’s advance.

Yevgeny Prigozhin, Wagner’s owner, triggered the rebellion, aiming his ire at the head of the Russian military, Gen. Valery Gerasimov, and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. 

Prigozhin publicly blamed the two men for the conflict in Ukraine which has seen thousands of Wagner personnel killed. In a video published online on June 23, he said justification for the war in Ukraine was a lie, and just an excuse for "a small group of scumbags" to promote themselves and deceive both the public and Putin.

Hours later, Wagner forces seized the city of Rostov-on-Don and then launched what Prigozhin called a “march for justice” toward Moscow, during which the aircraft and helicopters were engaged. Later that day, he halted the advance 200 mi. short of the Russian capital, agreeing to an undisclosed deal apparently brokered by Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko. The agreement calls for Prigozhin to exile himself in Belarus. Prigozhin’s whereabouts are unknown.

U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said the events of June 25 had been a “direct challenge to [President] Putin’s authority,” and suggested there were “real cracks” in Putin’s rule.

The loss of the Il-22M—a military conversion of the Il-18 airliner—represents a significant loss in the Russian Air Force’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance fleet. It is the second such loss in five years. Back in September 2018, an Il-20—an electronic intelligence version of the Il-18—was shot down accidentally by Syrian air defenses as it returned from a patrol flight over the Mediterranean Sea.

 

Teaser Post for Thursday

 

      I came home late from work and I had to make dinner so I was unable to put the post up, but this past weekend My son and I visited the Motor City and saw  "Aaron" who was an excellent host.  I plan on going back again....After Labor day and I will 'splain why, LOL when I post tomorrow.

The T62, The Testament to Soviet Engineering Prowess.

 

 I shamelessly clipped this from "Military.blog", The material would have augmented my "Red Storm Rising Post" I did back in 2017 and I enjoyed doing that one immensely because it is my favorite Tom Clancy book.

 

                                            Modified T-62 with reactive armor.

In the annals of military history, the T-62 stands out as a remarkable symbol of Soviet engineering. Introduced in 1961, this main battle tank was the successor to the T-55 and the final tank design under the aegis of Joseph Stalin. The T-62 was a global presence, exported widely and participating in several wars, including the Yom Kippur War, the Soviet-Afghan War, and the Gulf War. Its last combat use by the Soviet Union was during the invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968.

The T-62 was a significant upgrade from the T-55, boasting the first Soviet tank to be equipped with a smoke grenade launcher. Its higher hull and improved armour made it resilient against anti-tank missiles. However, the absence of a Turret Basket posed a challenge in reloading the main gun.

The T-62: A Symbol of Soviet Military Might

The T-62 was a testament to Soviet engineering prowess and played a crucial role in the Soviet Union’s military strength. It was an integral part of the Soviet strategy of using tanks in mass formations to overpower adversaries. The T-62 was designed to be more potent and sophisticated than the T-55, the mainstay of the Soviet tank fleet. It featured a 115mm gun, improved armor, and tracks, and a new diesel engine that was more fuel-efficient than the T-55’s petrol engine.

View of Soviet main battle tank T-62, Kislovodsk, Russia

The T-62: Keeping Pace with Technological Advancements

When the T-62 was launched in the 1960s, it was a state-of-the-art tank that helped the Soviet Union stay abreast with the latest in tank technology. The T-62 was significantly different from the previous generation of Soviet tanks, most notably in its use of a 115mm smoothbore gun. This gun, designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov, was capable of firing both conventional shells and anti-tank guided missiles, making the T-62 a versatile and formidable tank.

The T-62: Reliable and Rugged

The T-62 was one of the most reliable tanks produced by the Soviet Union. It was rugged and easy to maintain, making it a favorite of Soviet tank crews. The T-62 was used extensively in the Soviet military campaigns in Afghanistan and Chechnya. It proved to be a capable and reliable tank in both mountain and urban warfare.

The T-62: A Formidable Force on the Battlefield

The T-62 was armed with a powerful 100mm gun that could destroy most enemy tanks. The 100mm gun was the most powerful tank gun in the world at the time and could penetrate the armor of any tank. The T-62 was also equipped with a 12.7mm machine gun which was effective against lightly armored vehicles and infantry. The T-62 was one of the most feared tanks in the world and played a major role in the defeat of the Western forces in the Gulf War.

The T-62: A Mainstay of the Soviet Tank Fleet

The T-62 was a mainstay of the Soviet tank fleet for over two decades and saw action in a number of wars, including the Soviet-Afghan War. Even today, the T-62 remains in service in several countries and continues to be a formidable force on the battlefield.

The T-62 was a defining tank for the Soviet Union and a symbol of their military might during the Cold War. It was a reliable and effective tank that saw action in numerous conflicts, including the Soviet-Afghan War. The T-62 was a Soviet triumph, and a key part of their tank fleet for over two decades.

 

Monday Music "Don't Change a Thing" by INXS

 I am still running my favorite songs for a few more weeks, then it will be the songs I despise...

I was driving home listening to my Sirius XM on the "80's" channel and this song came on and I liked the song and decided to make this one my "Monday Music".   I remember this song and video playing a lot on the new Music channel MTV, back when they played music video's and was actually pretty cool to watch. 

I would come home from school sit in front of the TV and watch music video's.  The older people didn't get it...they didn't understand the appeal.  My liberal Social Studies teacher considered it "subversive".  Funny coming from her...Even back then, liberals were not tolerant.  Oh well.   I would have fun with her debating her on various thing....especially on the Sandinista and the Soviets.....I was a bit right wing in high school...remember this was Reagan's America and we were proud to be Americans.

    Of course in my yearbook, they had a section of "What will certain people be doing in 10 years..". well I was voted most likely to be in central America killing communist.....Funny how things turned out.    Here is my favorite Pic of Ronald Reagan

    Back then it was a good time to be an American.



INXS (pronounced "in excess", in-ex-ESS) was an Australian rock band, formed as The Farriss Brothers in 1977 in Sydney, New South Wales. They began playing covers in Western Australian pubs and clubs, occasionally playing some of their original music. Mainstays were main composer and keyboardist Andrew Farriss, drummer Jon Farriss, guitarists Tim Farriss and Kirk Pengilly, bassist Garry Gary Beers and main lyricist and vocalist Michael Hutchence. For twenty years, INXS was fronted by Hutchence, whose "sultry good looks" and magnetic stage presence made him the focal point of the band. Initially known for their new wave/pop style, the band later developed a harder pub rock style that included funk and dance elements.

"Don't Change" is a song by Australian rock band INXS.It was released as a single from the album Shabooh Shoobah, in October 1982. It has been described as the band's first international single.

"Don't Change" peaked at number 18 on the Australian Singles Charts and reached number 80 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 17 on the Billboard Top Tracks chart,

The music video, directed by Scott Hicks, was originally planned to be filmed on an airport runway, in South Australia, but was cancelled due to a bad weather and filming took place in a nearby airport hangar. Hutchence knew Hicks, who had previously directed Australian film Freedom, for which Hutchence had performed on two songs including on the film's soundtrack, "Speed Kills" and "Forest Theme", which were written by Don Walker (Cold Chisel). "Speed Kills" was Hutchence's first solo single and was released by WEA in early 1982.
In February 2014, after the Channel 7 screening of INXS: Never Tear Us Apart mini-series, "Don't Change" charted again in Australia via download sales. It peaked at #92 on the ARIA Singles Chart.
The song has been covered by Brandon Flowers, The Audreys, The Bravery, Everclear, Face to Face, Goo Goo Dolls, Grinspoon, Zero (a post-punk band from Uruguay, covered the song with the title No cambies), A Fire Inside and Lazlo Bane. "Don't Change" plays during the credits of the movie Adventureland and is featured in its soundtrack.
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band performed the song during their High Hopes Tour on 19 February 2014 show in Sydney, Australia, and played it for the first time in the United States in Albany, New York, on 13 May 2014.
The Baltimore Ravens play "Don't Change" at their home games when a call in their favor is being reviewed by the referees.