- Harper's $16b on 65 F-35's for 'Security Reasons' - Yah 'Right', Think Again.

Posted: 1:15 PM on February 8, 2011, The Globe and Mail
Cost of promoting sole-source fighter-jet purchase nears $200,000, Daniel Leblanc, Globe and Mail, February 8, 2011
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-notebook/cost-of-promoting-sole-source-fighter-jet-purchase-nears-200000/article1898443/

US Defense Secretary Robert Gates:
"Our partners are needed, obviously, because the more quantity you buy, the price-per-copy will drop," (Google.com, AFP – 26 Jan.'11)

(that's right the same Gates that has taken such an interest in the estimated $1 trillion in untapped mineral deposits in Afghanistan - NYT, 13 Jun.'10 - don't tell me the US is there for their resources - the devil you say)

So, Canada buying the F-35 is for financial reasons

It is shocking that former Canadian air force general Paul Manson, one of Harper main spokespersons promoting the F-35's, might at one time have been president of Lockheed Martin Canada. (Chronicle Herald, 7 Feb.'11)

And while Manson is clearing the air, he might want to confirm that he has, or had, or intends to have, at any relevant time, no personal financial interest, either, like shares in the company, interest in contracts, or otherwise

So much for the "Canada's security" argument

But

There are indications that Harper wants to back down on this - vis.:

"saying 'no' to spending more money on new things we can’t afford." (Harper speech, 21 Jan.'11)
and, the MacKay jumping ship rumour a month or so ago.

But that

MacKay would likely resign causing serious division in the ranks of the Con party, especially in Nova Scotia

And

It would go against the wishes of the core of die-hard, right-wing extremist supporters of Harper, epi-centred in Alberta, who may also directly benefit

("As Laurie Hawk, sorry Hawn (slip of the pen), pointed out: "Alberta and Cold Lake will certainly figure prominently in the life of the F-35," (The Ottawa Citizen)", 'Hey Big Spender, why don't you spend a little time with us - Explaining the 16B for 65 F35's', 25 Aug.'10, Lloyd MacILquham)

Lloyd MacILquham cicblog.com/comments.html