I’ve discussed the BCA (Budget Control Act of 2011) both here and here and the fact that the MIC aided by Republicans and Democrats through the use of propaganda campaigns are attempting to use fear as a tactic to override the, well any “cuts” to the Defense budget. The facts mean nothing to these people obviously.

Now enter the ties between industry and congress to propagate behind closed doors the expectations of those that have become used to and flourishes on the peoples dime.

Key Senate Staffer on Military Issues Got Big Payout From Lockheed Martin

Former Lockheed vice president Ann Elise Sauer was hired by Sen. John McCain in February as the top Republican staffer on the Senate Armed Services Committee.

The revolving door swings regularly in Washington, but the size of the compensation package Sauer received from Lockheed when she left the company is notable. A financial disclosure form shows the defense giant gave Sauer $1.6 million in compensation around the time she took a buyout in January 2011.

No worries, just ask, answers are at the ready.

crossposted at Voices on the Square

Elizabeth Kolbert addresses the effect the current drought is having on crops in The Big Heat.

It is now corn-sex season across the Midwest, and everything is not going well. High commodity prices spurred farmers to sow more acres this year, and unseasonable warmth in March prompted many to plant corn early. Just a few months ago, the United States Department of Agriculture was projecting a record corn crop of 14.79 billion bushels. But then, in June and July, came broilingly high temperatures, combined with a persistent drought across much of the midsection of the country.

Gonzo journalism. If anyone personified it it was Hunter Thompson, he liked guns, rock and roll, drugs and honesty. Heh. 75 laying in the grave and laughing his ass off at all of us above the dirt.

You want to understand Gonzo go here and find something to post. I actually am impressed by that because any mention of the man is locked down at least it is from my computer.

Heh

Buy the ticket, take the ride.

I feel the same way about disco as I do about herpes.

In a closed society where everybody’s guilty, the only crime is getting caught. In a world of thieves, the only final sin is stupidity.

The Edge… there is no honest way to explain it because the only people who really know where it is are the ones who have gone over.

When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro.

You better take care of me Lord, if you don’t you’re gonna have me on your hands.

Quotes

Rip Hunter Rip

U.S. drought biggest since 1956, climate agency says

The National Climatic Data Center is reporting that over 70% of the country are experiencing “abnormally dry or worse conditions”.

That’s double one year ago, according to agency statistics.

The hot, dry weather has taken its toll on agriculture, with 30% of the corn planted in the leading 18-corn producing states reported in poor or very poor conditions as of last week, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Even while flat earthers scream foul, statistics and evidence continue to mount that we are experiencing a warming pattern and extreme weather conditions that can’t be explained away by wishful thinking.

More below.