A Simple Desultory Philippic (Or how I was Robert McNamara'd into Submission)

This one is a bit of a non-sequitur compared to my recent ramblings as it tilts slightly political.

I caught a documentary on the History Channel on Friday Evening. "America's Lost H-Bomb" You can see a trailer, HERE.

I had heard about the bomb we dumped off Spain, but was unaware that there was another one sitting in Virginia. The show was pretty good until they started interviewing Robert McNamara. He was used by the producers/directors as a foil to deliver their true message. I'm quoting from memory, but he said something to the effect of, "The fact that all these years later we still have these weapons is unbelievable. There is no instance I can think of that the US would be justified in using nuclear weapons."

No reason ever? None? Not even if some raving lunatic moslem takes out the Sears Tower next? Never?

And he was the Secretary of Defense.

If that level of blistering idiocy was on display and available to tap 45 years ago, it's no wonder Viet Nam ended in the manner it did. Phew.

Went for a ride today.

I now get about every other Friday off with my new job. (I work 9 hours the rest of the time to cover it. It's pretty cool.)

Today I rode down to Thibodaux to get some shooting in. I sighted in the 500 at 30 yards and put 100 158gr .357 Magnum rounds through my new M&P 340 carry pistol. It was a great day for a ride.

The guns:


On the way home, I went up the west river road and strangely, just south of Plaquemine, in the same location as I saw last October, there was another multi car wreck in a field. I'm still not sure how these people manage to crash in a straightaway with 1/2 mile of visibility in either direction.

Oh well. I caught the ferry in Plaquemine and came home the rest of the way via the East river road. Great day to be out.

The Ferry: