[Pukin Dog]

He noticed that funds for the program were cut in the Air Force budget request for 2008, and that no money is budgeted for it beyond 2008; when he inquired, the Air Force acknowledged the retirement decision.

Sadly, the media which covers the military is probably the dumbest of all. They would suggest that you continue to pay for something after you have bought all you intend to buy.

Under their logic, I guess I should be paying for beer long ago flushed?

[null and void]

Can the be fitted with conventional explosives warheads and used up somewhere?

Where is an exercise left to the reader...

[Zeroisanumber]

Under their logic, I guess I should be paying for beer long ago flushed?

Good point, but I think that they must be referring to the maintenance budget. Nukes require a lot of upkeep to keep in good working order.

[zek157]

dog, Have you ever thought about what effort goes into keeping this type of platform air worthy and certified? You don't keep it in a nice box on a shelf.

Think of keeping a pristine 1957 T-Bird in mint condition for the prom date that may never occur. The day you need it it must start up and purr, even after 25 years. You have people doing a routine maintenance cycle changing the engine, fuel systems, hoses, etc., etc..

Nothing to do about paying for flushed beer. Very poor analogy. Much more like keeping an old Ford on the road except its certified to fly many many miles with a very special package and hit very very close to very secure targets.