Free Republic

     The Air Force gave a word of caution to the thousands of people planning to storm Area 51 in Nevada later this year, warning the UFO enthusiasts that the military “stands ready to protect America and its assets.” Pressed by The Washington Post on Friday about how officials plan to respond to those who turn up to the Nevada base, Air Force spokeswoman Laura McAndrews declined to elaborate on specific details. However, she did issue a warning to those who may be serious about a plan to infiltrate the Nevada Air Force base.“[Area 51] is an open training range for the U.S. Air Force, and we...

Jonathan Dean, 12, yanks on the action slide to load the 20-gauge shotgun, then sights down the length of the barrel. "Pull," he calls softly. The 5-2, 104-pound boy barely flinches as the shotgun recoils against his right shoulder. He’s found his mark: The 4-inch clay disc shatters in the darkening sky of the East Valley. Jonathan is smaller and has less experience than many of the 118 boys and girls who attend statesponsored shotgun training at the Red Mountain Trap and Skeet club just north of Mesa. But he’s already thrilled with the experience, and looking forward to a...