The Osprey is the new Marine helicopter that is heading to Iraq. The price tag for this program is $20 billion and rising. It has been plagued by delays and technical problems. Independent observers generally agree that the Osprey is the perfect example of an expensive unneccesary weapons system. The reason for its existence is Congressional support. The Osprey is manufactured in over 40 states, and PAC money goes to many congressmen.
To me, it seems inevitable that if the Marines actually fly this deathtrap into combat, the headline will soon read "20 Marines killed in Osprey helicopter".
Currently my favorite candidates are Obama and Clinton. But who is the candidate that has said they would CANCEL this stupid defense project?
That candidate is John Edwards.
In addition to the cuts backed by Clinton and Obama, Edwards would also reduce so-called "Star Wars" to research and development only, cancel the F-22 supersonic stealth fighter, cancel the development of "killer satellites" and space lasers, cancel the development of the V-22 Osprey, an airplane-helicopter hybrid, and eliminate Defense Department earmarks.
Another point that I want to make here is that these Democratic debates may be worthless. They never bring up specific details. So Obama promises to be the candidate of change, and so does Hillary.
But who has the guts to stand up to military contractors? Apparently only Edwards.