To the Point
The Wars of the Future and the Wars of the Past
Defense Secretary Gates says cutting the F-22 jet fighter was "not even a close call,” but the project provides jobs in no less than 44 of the 50 states. We hear about upcoming battles over a defense budget that reorients the Pentagon from conventional warfare to counterinsurgency. Also, President Obama greeted warmly in Iraq, and Vermont becomes the fourth state to recognize same-sex marriage.
By Warren Olney • • 1h 0m ListenDefense Secretary Gates says cutting the F-22 jet fighter was "not even a close call,” but the project provides jobs in no less than 44 of the 50 states. We hear about upcoming battles over a defense budget that reorients the Pentagon from conventional warfare to counterinsurgency. Also, President Obama is in Iraq, where he's greeted warmly by US troops, and Vermont is the fourth state to legalize same-sex marriage, and the first to do so with a vote by the legislature.
Banner image of F-22: John Possino/Lockheed Martin
In this episode
3 storiesObama's Unscheduled Visit to Iraq
President Obama went to Iraq today, where he was wildly cheered by American troops when he said it's time for Iraqis to "take responsibility for their country." He praised the soldiers for what he called the "extraordinary achievement" of giving Iraq "the opportunity to stand on its own as a democratic country." The President is being covered…
Read the story6 minGates Calls for a Major Overhaul in Defense Spending
Yesterday was supposed to be "bloody Monday" for the defense industry, but its stocks rallied as Defense Secretary Gates outlined his latest budget . The US spends more on the military services, arms and equipment than the rest of the world's nations combined.
Read the story36 minVermont Legislators Override Governor, Legalize Gay Marriage
In Massachusetts , Connecticut and Iowa , courts have ruled in favor of same-sex marriage. Today in Vermont, it was the legislature, overruling a veto by Governor Jim Douglas. In the Senate, the vote was 23 to 5; in the House, 100 to 49, just the two-thirds required to override a veto.
Read the story7 min
