"Even without knowing it, you're being prepared for a new age. Many of you already understand better than my generation ever will, the possibilities of computers. In some of your homes, the computer is as available as the television set. And I recently learned something quite interesting about video games. Many young people have developed incredible hand, eye, and brain coordination in playing these games. The Air Force believes these kids will be outstanding pilots should they fly our jets. The computerized radar screen in the cockpit is not unlike the computerized video screen. Watch a 12-year old take evasive action and score multiple hits while playing Space Invaders, and you will appreciate the skills of tomorrow's pilot. Now, don't get me wrong. I don't want the youth of this country to run home and tell their parents that the president of the United States says it's all right for them to go ahead and play video games all the time. Homework, sports, and friends still come first. What I'm saying is that right now you're being prepared for tomorrow in many ways, and in ways that many of us who are older cannot fully comprehend."
- Ronald Reagan, Disney's EPCOT Center, March 8, 1983 (from Ed Halter's From Sun Tzu to XBox: War and Video Games)
Errant drone near DC almost met by fighter jets
WASHINGTON -- The U.S. military almost launched fighter jets and discussed a possible shoot-down when an errant Navy drone briefly veered into restricted airspace near the nation's capital last month, a senior military official said Thursday.
The incident underscores safety concerns with unmanned aircraft as defense officials campaign to use them more often during natural disasters and for homeland security.
I believe in adequate defense at the coastline and nothing else. If a nation comes over here to fight, then we'll fight. The trouble with America is that when the dollar only earns 6 percent over here, then it gets restless and goes overseas to get 100 percent. Then the flag follows the dollar and the soldiers follow the flag.
-- Major General Smedley Butler
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