You're right, McCain gets a huge pass from the press and we've had two of them pop up. One is his war on South Dakota ethanol by falsely blaming high food prices on ethanol development as the pretext to oppose the Renewable Fuels Standard.

But the second example actually WILL result in fatal accidents which WILL kill American pilots and flight crews.

I'm referring to McCain's support of giving a $40 billion contract to the French Airbus corporation to build the next generation of U.S. Air Force tankers. McCain favored the French over the much safer, more reliable model offered by American union-built Boeing.

This was no oversight. McCain said he overlooked the safer, dependable, tested Boeing model because the French were selling cheaper planes "at minimum cost to taxpayers." Well, who gives a flying f--k about saving a few bucks today when selling out to the French and undermining an American company will certainly increase the likelihood of air-to-air refueling tankers?!?

If you've ever seen these huge planes dock up to refuel bombers and fighters, you would know how delicate and deadly this procedure can be. There is no such thing as a mulligan. A mistake or slight malfunction will result in the total destruction of both planes and their crews in a firey explosion.

"... at minimum cost to taxpayers." What about the families of the flight crews? How much is that worth, McCain?

But if money is what you're worried about, then there are these facts:

* The $40 billion American tax investment in the French company will probably stretch out to $100 billion of our taxes to strengthen the European Union.

* This $100 billion investment will kill Boeing, which has been in a death match with Airbus for the market share of jetliners serving the flying public. Boeing has been winning this competition by inches, but this sudden splurge of American taxes to a French competitor will be deadly to the economy of Washington State and our ability to compete internationally in the realm of air travel.

The fact is there is no minimum cost to taxpayers. It is a wrecking ball controlled by John McCain aimed at a cornerstone industry in America. And it's slamming us at a time when our economy is entering a severe recession.

At no level is this good for America. Worst of all it is deadly to men and women in uniform.

I thought the scandal of poor armor protection for our troops in Iraq had taught us a lesson about getting what we pay for when it comes to military equipment.

As a fighter pilot who experienced a flight disaster, I thought John McCain would have more common sense than this. He really is right about not knowing anything about our economy. Apparently, his ignorance is equally as applicable to his knowledge of military equipment.