NPR is reporting that the 5th U.S. helicopter in the last month

[saltpoint]

has crashed in Iraq.

This came over their top-of-the-hour news headlines.

The military confirms that the helicopter is down but has not offered info yet on casualties.

Here is the link on the story from Reuters:

http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSL0790937020070207?src=020707_0810_TOPSTORY_u.s._transport_chopper_down_in_iraq


Anybody else getting the impression that things are not going very well over there?

The Bush War Cabinet notwithstanding, of course.

[Captain Hilts]

1. #@*! nt

[greenissexy]

2. well

I don't think crashed helicopters are an indication of problems. There are plenty of other indicators. Military helicopters crash all of the time even without a war. Remember they're built by the lowest bidder and poorly maintained by kids with very little experience and flown by guys not much older. It's not like in the civilian helicopter business where the vast majority of mechanics and pilots you see are 40's or older and about half are Vietnam vets in their 60's so they have many years experience.

[karlrschneider]

3. Maybe, but SHOT DOWN choppers are indicative of problems,

obviously.

[saltpoint]

5. We'll have to see if the thing was shot down or crashed of its own.

Early reports indicate that observers on the scene say the copter was shot down.

My comment was intended to take the Bush administration to task and hold it accountable.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

6. Let me guess.

You're typing that from the comfort of your own armchair.

[karlrschneider]

4. Here's some later info

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070207/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq

[saltpoint]

7. Hi, Karl. Thanks for the link. I'm getting that the helicopter was

likely the victim of enemy attack and all crew are dead.

When we get to the significant successes the Vice President keeps talking about, would somebody give me a call?