As I read the opening post in this thread I am reminded of a famous quote by Winston Churchill, “The best argument against democracy is a five minute conversation with the average voter.”. I believe we have enough on our plate trying to educate the average American voter, let alone trying to placate an entire world population.

America at the dawn of the 21st century finds herself as the most powerful and influential nation on the planet. Yet barely 60 years ago we were still a nation with a strong sense of isolationism. Americans had a deep desire not to get involved in the European conflict of WWI, but eventually we were pushed into war. Again, in 1941 America tried to remain neutral, even as Japan slaughtered millions in China, and Hitler and Mussolini conquered continental Europe. Only after being directly attacked by Japan did we enter the war. America did not even declare on Germany until after Hitler, siding with the Japanese, declared war on the US.

After the war, with Great Britain’s economy reeling from the staggering costs of a second world war they could not afford, it fell to the United States to develop the Marshall Plan to rebuild war ravaged Europe. In Japan a similar effort was underway, with the goal not to conquer and subjugate, but to restore and stabilize.

Without going through an additional history lesson of the later 20th century let me just say that if America had wanted to build empire over the last 50 years, she could have done it. Instead America has looked to the rest of the world to join with us and build peaceful and profitable relationships. But don’t forget that, as a sovereign nation, the United States government is in place to represent the best interests of the people of the United States. We are not the United Nations. So when the best interests of the United States are threatened by a two bit dictator who’s goal is hurt our people and our economy in any fashion, it is the responsibility of our leaders to act. George Bush did this in Iraq. He didn’t do it because he wanted to. In fact, all Saddam Hussein would have had to do to prevent war was be forthcoming about the state of his weapons programs. By “playing it close to the vest”, presumably so as to not loose face in the Arab world, he played a game of chicken with President Bush. Saddam lost. It appears that maybe Muammar al-Qaddafi in Libya has learned from this lesson, and is an example of what can be accomplished with constructive negotiations and economic sanctions.

And so, in the 21st century, America finds herself in the most undesirable position of being the world’s peacekeeper. The United Nations, unfortunately, is not willing to step up and relieve us of this burden, but rather is content to march down a road of appeasement, the likes of which have not been seen since Mr. Chamberlain waved that most famous little piece of paper around after his meeting in Munich. It is not a position that many Americans particularly enjoy, for it is expensive in both money and men, but we realize that for now it is necessary.

Americans will vote next Tuesday for the man that best represents their vision for peace and prosperity. Whichever candidate wins will have little impact for the rest of the world, as both these men are strong, patriotic leaders who will fearlessly defend the United States from threats both domestic and international. In the post 9/11 world the United States is not going to wait around to be attacked again. Whoever is President of the US is going to wage a worldwide war on terrorism. That war will take many shapes and guises, and one victim will be the previous “open arms” borders of the United States. The international community should not fear a rise in religious fundamentalism in the US, for it is not occurring. What is occurring is a return to a desire for isolationism that could have a profound effect on the world stage for the next generation.

Wow, is this the kind of stuff that I’ve been missing by only going to Historic Aviation? Great!

75%??? Jones and who else?

I’m sorry that Col. Rohr does not seem to understand or appreciate the special place that Concorde occupies with most Britains. As a source of national pride the Concorde did a wonderful job of “flying the flag” to all corners of the globe. Maybe it was a money loosing venture, but Concorde was obviously much more than “just another airliner”. It’s too bad that most people feel content to visit a parked and static display, as opposed to seeing this great and wonderful airplane in her element. If more people were interested in seeing our aviation treasures in the sky, as opposed to static display, then our governments would accomodate. The problem is that this number is not 20,000 petition signing fans. It’s more like 20,000,000.

For me I cherish the memory of seeing her at Oshkosh for the very first time. Standing on the flight line as she did touch and go circuits was something I will never forget.

Seeing her now (I visited the Air France Concorde on display at the new Air and Space Museum at Dulles this year) I was impressed with the attention this great lady receives from the public. It’s a worthy display, even if it is second best to flying.

I feel that Concorde, like RMS Queen Mary Long Beach, still has an important job to do.

It also has a tail hook, which I don’t think any of the ISS Furies had.

I suppose this was done during the restoration in Texas. The wing fold in mine is from a Mk. 20, and Nelson Ezell built a custom system for the plane that Joe Thibideau has now.

I understand that a 2 place T. Mk. 20 Sea Fury, with Centaurus still attached, is for sale in Ione, CA. Engine needs an overhaul, though.

You could really learn to fly in that one, Jones. You could knock out primary training, tail wheel transition, high performance, warbird checkout and aerobatic training in one pass!

Excellent. You buy it Jones, and Melv can teach you how to fly in the Rearwin.