I can't just let this one go! Someone please explain to me why we would put our country at risk for a whale?

Question

If the Navy is not allowed to use sonar, then we have blinded ourselfs to a possible attack. See news story at the below link. Am I way off on this???

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070806/sc_afp/usmilitaryenvironment_070806223724

Answer 1

Well, this country always seems to forget about the Military until they need them. Right now they do not think they need the Military at all, even in Iraq. So they do not have a clue what it takes to protect this country.

I am sure this campaign was probably started by some rich politicians wife who needed some cause to publicize herself and help out her husband's campaign.

Hey, don't get me wrong, I feel for the Whales and don't condone killing them.

With all our technology, you would think somebody would have a way to clear the area of whales before testing. Although that would mean asking for more budget money. "Excuse me, Congress, we need 100 million bucks for a Whale whistle, so we can clear the area of whales in order to test our Sonar". Congress <----fell over laughing.

So these people that want to save the Whales need to pony up some cash from somewhere and let the scientists devise a way to clear the area.

If they don't want to do that, well, sorry, but the show must go on.

Answer 2

If you read that article, you'd realize that what they're talking about is training exercises, not actual warfare, so you are way off. Beyond that, they're talking about high intensity sonar, not the basic guidance and detection sensors. These high intensity tools are directly linked to major problems in ocean ecology, often driving whales and dolphins to beach themselves.

Why hurt the environment when we don't need to? Why use a highly powered tool more than we need to when the basic versions of that tool train the personel just as well?

Answer 3

How many insurgents / terrorists do you know have submarine capabilities??

Most subs including the super "golly gosh all quiet diesel subs" can be picked up on the conventional sub detection systems that are located in the oceans and seas.

The Navy is sour because they cant play with their new toys.

And if an Iranian sub was going to launch on the USA using a sub they don't have (fitted to fire nuclear missiles) they should be detected long before they get in range of the USA, they don't need to sail into NY to nuke it!!

Answer 4

Blimey, I can understand concern over the whales to be honest, but you need to make sure your forces are up to speed and trained to the best possible standards!

What get me most is the fact that they have put all that info in the press! Talk about letting the other side whats going on and whats vulnerable! omg....

Answer 5

There are groups in this nation which hate America. There sworn duty is to weakan our defense, and help our enemies. If it was not the whale this group would found something else to harm national security with. All we can do is hope that these groups are spied on and infiltrated before there acts of treason damage this nation to much.

Answer 6

I would accept the Navy not using sonar under ONE condition:

That they be allowed to plow through those stupid Greenpeace rafts whenever they get in the way.

Seriously, you nutty environmentalists, pick one. We gotta have SOMETHING.

Answer 7

well...when the "nice" very very very quiet diesel electric, russian made, Iranian submarine with its nuke warheads pops up in NY harbor nuking the place don't cry then....don't cry...just feel good that at least the whales are ok...!....LOL...!

Answer 8

WHAT!!!! its my first time hearing about it!! dang, what is this country coming to! lol