Replies

Like many out there, you've given too much credibility to the reporting done on the PRC/Clinton scandal of the 90's. Loral does not make RLG,s or even rockets. They build commercial satellites and sell an integrated launch package, meaning they go out and buy the launcher and guarantee the satellite will be put on orbit for the customer.

Let me say I am a conservative, retired officer, and Reagan, Bush supporter (dont agree with illegal amnesty) before I continue, because I don't appreciate the vitriolic response I get when I talk about this, ok?

Truth is Loral, or rather a few individuals at Loral, like many other companies during the Clinton admin, violated some export control rules when investigating the failure of a launch of a Loral satellite on a Long March they had legally contracted with the PRC. (This was permitted then because Clinton had moved control of this technology from defense to state department, something those of us in defense would have disagreed with).

The violation was the passing of a report that explained some design issues with the Long March guidance system that led to the failure to the PRC. We did not give them new guidance systems. This was indeed a violation, and the company was properly fined.

Boeing was also fined for disclosures it made during this time. And if you recall, several of the computer manufacturers were also fined or criticized for selling the PRC Silicon Graphics machines, etc.

Loral became a rallying point for conservatives in congress to blame Clinton for the failure to protect this technology. Bernie SCHWARTZ, not Sanders, who I have no love for as a democratic supporter, became a symbol for the Republicans (again, my party) to attack.

Bernie deserved some of this, the company deserved the fine due to the export control failure, as did Boeing and others, and the export control of this technology needed to be put back under defense. Blame Clinton for not caring about our national defense, and go after individuals for violating rules.

But don't think for a second that the PRC doesn't have tens of thousands of very smart people developing these new systems on their own or buying the necessary stuff from other countries.

I just get tired of hearing the "LORAL gave it away" mantra. Its uneducated talking points from the Cox report that, as stated above, was an indictment of the Clinton administration policy failure.

And finally, no I don't work at Loral. So no flaming please.

But don't think for a second that the PRC doesn't have tens of thousands of very smart people developing these new systems on their own or buying the necessary stuff from other countries.

Amen, they are seriously embarked on a military modernization and buildup program and they have the money now pouring in to accomplish it. They also have very bright engineers and use them, along with whatever trade advantages and intelligence advantages they can muster to that end...and they are making significant strides.

But don't think for a second that the PRC doesn't have tens of thousands of very smart people developing these new systems on their own or buying the necessary stuff from other countries.

Amen, they are seriously embarked on a military modernization and buildup program and they have the money now pouring in to accomplish it. They also have very bright engineers and use them, along with whatever trade advantages and intelligence advantages they can muster to that end...and they are making significant strides.

We dare not take them for granted or not view them seriously. With all the new naval and other branch deployments to WESTPAC< it is clear the Bush administration understands this.

if you say so... all i did was ask if he meant RLG's. i was questioning the technology of the gyro not how it was aquired or by who.

There were alot of shenanigans by the ChiComms and the Clinton administration. The Cox report is full of things that the ChiComms got under Clinton's watch. The "coincidence" of campaign dollars from the ChiComms to the Democrat party smells to high heaven, and was embarassing enough that former American hero John Glenn sold his soul and good name for one last rocket ride in exchange for gumming up the Senate investigation in the matter. I am a big believer that one plus one equals two. ChiComms give Democrats money, ChiComms end up with enough of our technology to push them ahead by a factor of 15 to 25 years. They may have stole it fair and square, but someone wasn't guarding it like they should have been.

Thanks for the facts; repeat them as necessary!!