The Fayette Citizen-Opinion Page
Wednesday, May 19, 1999

America's military: You don't miss what you had 'til it's gone

Thank you, [Rep.] Mac Collins, for keeping your constituents informed as to what is going on in Congress. I may not always agree with how you vote on every issue, but wholeheartedly agree with you on the support you have given the military and the support you have given to the people who defend our country.

Here are some thought provoking comments that you may be interested in researching.

Think about this the next time you think we are going to kick butt somewhere! Name that country:

· 709,000 regular (active duty) service personnel;

· 293,000 reserve troops;

· Eight standing army divisions;

· 20 air force and navy air wings with 2,000 combat aircraft;

· 232 strategic bombers;

· 13 strategic ballistic missile submarines with 3,114 nuclear warheads on 232 missiles;

· 500 ICBMs with 1,950 warheads;

· Four aircraft carriers, and 121 surface combat ships and submarines, plus all the support bases, shipyards and logistical assets needed to sustain such a naval force.

Is this country Russia? No.

Red China? No.

Great Britain? Wrong again.

United States? Hardly.

Give up?

Well, don't feel too bad if you are unable to identify this global superpower because this country no longer exists. It has vanished.

These are the American military forces that have disappeared since the 1992 election.

Sleep well, America.

B. Beerbower

Tyrone

 

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