Sunday Morning Talk Show Thread 6 August 2006

Various big media television networks ^ | 6 August 2006 | Various Self-Serving Politicians and Big Media Screaming Faces

[Alas Babylon!]

The Talk Shows

Sunday, August 6th, 2006

Guests to be interviewed today on major television talk shows:

FOX NEWS SUNDAY (Fox Network): National security adviser Stephen Hadley; Israeli Ambassador Daniel Ayalon; Mohamad Chatah, adviser to Lebanese Prime Minister Faud Saniora; Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del.; former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.

MEET THE PRESS (NBC): Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice; Lanny Davis, adviser to Lieberman, and Lamont supporter Jim Dean, chairman of the Democracy for America political action committee.

FACE THE NATION (CBS): Sens. Chuck Hagel, R-Neb., and Chris Dodd, D-Conn.

THIS WEEK (ABC): Rice; Sen. Joe Lieberman, D-Conn., and Ned Lamont, Connecticut Democratic primary challenger; screenwriter and director Nora Ephron.

LATE EDITION (CNN) : National security adviser Stephen Hadley; Lebanese Economy and Trade Minister Sami Haddad and Lebanese political analyst Roula Talj; Shlomo and Karnit Goldwasser, parents of kidnapped Israeli soldier.

[Alas Babylon!]

My concern is that they won't realize or don't care that they'll die real fast if they try it. And if they try and we respond with all of our might what will that cost us?

Almost every war starts with a similar miscalculation. The Japanese thought we'd be like the Russian of 1905, and give up once our fleet was destroyed. The Germans of 1917 thought that the only way to finish off England was unrestricted submarine warfare, even if the USA got in, they believed they could sink enough tonnage as to make it a mute point. The French thought that they could crush the Prussians overnight for their silly slight against Napoleon III. The North thought that all they had to do was send the Army to Mannassas and the rebels would flee in terror. The British thought taking out a few cannon in Concord would cause the rebellion to slink off into the night. All miscalcuations leading to wider war, usually at the opposite of the plans of the agressor.

[snugs]

I am off to finish dinner (chicken breasts in red wine with mushrooms and bacon) with new potatoes and veg.

After which I have some prep work to do for the singles thread I am co hosting this weekend.

So I may pop in later to check posts or not dependent upon time constraints.

Enjoyed the company and the stimulating chat as always - if I don't catch you before see you next week.

[Eagles Talon IV]

My info comes from a Navy source and I would go with it before anything from Wilkpedia.

[greyfoxx39]

Ann Coulter for weekly free speech commentary segment on courics news...

If that is true the Big wigs at CBS are a LOT smarter then I give them credit for being

There has to be a catch there somewhere, I can't imagine CBS turning Ann lose without a censor. Probably have a clone of the old "Crossfire" on CNN, with someone like Michael Moore or Buffalo Garafolo who will shout over and drown out her every comment.

[Phsstpok]

I agree. Wikipedia was a bad choice. It was just the first that came up in a quick Google.

How about the US Navy?

Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarines - SSBN

Description
Nuclear-powered submarines armed with long-range strategic missiles.

Features
The first eight Ohio class submarines (Tridents) were originally equipped with 24 Trident I C-4 ballistic missiles. Beginning with the ninth Trident submarine, USS Tennessee (SSBN 734), all new ships are equipped with the Trident II D-5 missile system as they are built, and the earlier ships are being retrofitted to Trident II. Trident II can deliver significantly more payload than Trident I C-4 and more accurately.

The Ohio-class submarines are specifically designed for extended deterrent patrols. To decrease the time in port for crew turnover and replenishment, three large logistics hatches are fitted to provide large diameter resupply and repair openings. These hatches allow sailors to rapidly transfer supply pallets, equipment replacement modules and machinery components, significantly reducing the time required for replenishment and maintenance. The class design and modern main concepts allow the submarines to operate for 15+ years between overhauls.

The first four Ohio-class submarines are scheduled for conversion over the next five years to guided missile submarines (SSGN) with an additional capability to transport and support Navy special operations forces.

Background
Strategic deterrence has been the sole mission of the fleet ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) since its inception in 1960. The SSBN provides the nation's most survivable and enduring nuclear strike capability. The Ohio-class submarine replaced aging fleet ballistic missile submarines built in the 1960s and is far more capable.

Ohio-class/Trident ballistic missile submarines provide the sea-based "leg" of the triad of U.S. strategic deterrent forces. The 18 Trident SSBNs (each carrying 24 missiles), carry 50 percent of the total U.S. strategic warheads. Although the missiles have no pre-set targets when the submarine goes on patrol, the SSBNs are capable of rapidly targeting their missiles should the need arise, using secure and constant at-sea communications links.

Point Of Contact
Public Affairs Office
Naval Sea Systems Command
Washington, DC 20362

General Characteristics, Ohio Class

Builder: General Dynamics Electric Boat Division.

Date Deployed: November 11, 1981 (USS Ohio)

Propulsion: One nuclear reactor, one shaft.

Length: 560 feet (170.69 meters).

Beam: 42 feet (12.8 meters).

Displacement: 16,764 tons (17,033.03 metric tons) surfaced; 18,750 tons (19,000.1 metric tons) submerged.

Speed: 20+ knots (23+ miles per hour, 36.8+ kph).

Crew: 15 Officers, 140 Enlisted.

Armament: 24 tubes for Trident I and II, MK-48 torpedoes, four torpedo tubes.

Ships:

USS Henry M. Jackson (SSBN 730), Bangor, WA

USS Alabama (SSBN 731), Bangor, WA

USS Alaska (SSBN 732), Kings Bay, GA

USS Nevada (SSBN 733), Bangor, WA

USS Tennessee (SSBN 734), Kings Bay, GA

USS Pennsylvania (SSBN 735), Bangor, WA

USS West Virginia (SSBN 736), Kings Bay, GA

USS Kentucky (SSBN 737), Bangor, WA

USS Maryland (SSBN 738), Kings Bay, GA

USS Nebraska (SSBN 739), Bangor, WA

USS Rhode Island (SSBN 740), Kings Bay, GA

USS Maine (SSBN 741), Bangor, WA

USS Wyoming (SSBN 742), Kings Bay, GA

USS Louisiana (SSBN 743), Bangor, WA

Last Update: 6 April 2006

 From a separate page on the status of the Navy

Attack submarines underway (away from homeport): 24 submarines (44%)

On deployment: 12 submarines (22%)

That doesn't say how many of those 12 are SSBN, but they have the separate listing for the attack subs, so I assume that most of the 12 are SSBNs on "deterrence patrol" and not SSGNs with conventional warhead equipped cruise missiles.  I also question the bit in the Wikipedia article that limits the cruise missiles on the SSGNs to conventional warheads.  I don't see why that would be the case.

[montomike]

I remember when I saw the OHIO in drydock in Electric Boat Shipyard in Groton in 1979. Wow! I had no idea that a sub could be so big. I was precom on the USS Boston (now razorblades thanks to Billy the Perv).

Its the end of the world if they shoot off all 24 missiles. They are not Katushas filled with ball bearings.

[rodguy911]

I wouldn't hold my breath, it has not happened yet.

[rodguy911]

Take my word for it i'M involved.

[Coop]

They gravitate toward jobs that give ample time for activism, if not actual paid time off for said activities.

More rationalizing.

[Phsstpok]

I saw an SSBN tied up at a pier at Port Canveral as we pulled out on a cruise a couple of years ago. They test launch missiles at the KSC range.

From what I understand from the web site I linked to the Ohio is currently undergoing conversion from SSBN (Trident II Missiles) to SSGN (cruise missiles and special ops missions). The USS Michigan, USS Florida and USS Georgia are also either already converted or going to be by next year.

All of our warships are impressive beasts.  But there's something eerily majestic about the Ohios.  They are so big and so quiet.  I'd really love to see a real Typhoon, though.  It's even bigger.  In fact, from what I have read, the Typhoon is bigger than the aircraft carriers in WW2 (48,000 tons vs 30,000 tons). 

 

 

[HitmanLV]

Did anybody else catch that creepy smile & borderline lustful look on Bill Kristol's face whenever he glaced over at newcomer Alexis Simendinger?

[Coop]

I'm not directing any comment at you personally. This is simply a generalization between leftists and conservatives. They are FAR more passionate and involved than we are.

[Phsstpok]

We're facing a world-wide religion that's morphed into a 5th century death-cult.

7th century death cult, not 5th.  In the 5th century they were more rational.  The nutjob from Medina came along in the late 600s.  Other than that I agree 100% with your post <G> 

[Phsstpok]

I'm now officially hooked on CBS Sunday Morning.

It helps lower my blood pressure after Timmy, Snuffleupagus and Shyster do their best to raise it.

So long as you limit yourself to the gorgeous photography and "feel good" stories.  Their political slant, when it comes up, is way left of even the rest of CBS news.  Kind of the Bill Moyer's type "smarter than thou" stuff.

[stopem]

That's not good.

[gov_bean_ counter]

To a degree I believe the left is more passionate. Out of necessity. Their ideas, logic, argument, policy positions, etc, etc... never and I repeat never ever survive a reasoned factual analysis.

[Phsstpok]

I certainly hope you and MNJ are right that they aren't crazy and will be wise enough to avoid any mistakes that set off a wider war.

On the other hand I have become fascinated with history and have spent a lot of time over the last few years learning about what the world was like in the 1920s and particularly the 1930s, leading up to world war 2. No one thought Hitler was crazy enough to do what he did, either. What is being said now is eerily similar to what was being said then.

[beyond the sea]

About an hour ago I heard a democrat on Fox say that Newt had called Condi "Neville Chamberlain."

I think it was "Nedra Chamberlain".

;-)

[Phsstpok]

They (leftists) gravitate toward jobs that give ample time for activism, if not actual paid time off for said activities.

Postal worker is a popular parking place for leftist activists between protests. 

Before I get flamed, I'm not saying all postal workers are leftists, just that I know it's a popular gig with the long haired maggot infested hippie types, or at least it was when my sister was married to one. 

[shalom aleichem]

Doesn't that feel good? (To know someone living is older?) And she graduated Wellesley about 5 years before The Witch.