LINE ITEM 0004 · FY1998

They Keep Trying to Retire It

1998 · Cost-Plus Records · 5 tracks

Released in direct response to the 1997 Quadrennial Defense Review. A formal objection filed through the medium of metal.

1. 01They Keep Trying to Retire It4:22
2. 02Congressional Testimony (Metal Version)6:20
   Lyrics (as filed)

   Mister Chairman. Ranking Member. Members of the committee.
   Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today.
   
   I am here to discuss the proposed retirement
   of the A-10 Thunderbolt Two.
   I ask that my written statement be entered into the record in full.
   
   Without objection.
   
   The written statement is fourteen pages.
   Appendix A is the sortie-rate comparison.
   Appendix B is the cost per flight hour.
   It also contains eleven letters from ground commanders
   who were not asked the first ten times.
   
   I would like to address the argument
   that the platform is old.
   The platform entered service in nineteen seventy-seven.
   It is old.
   So is the building we are sitting in.
   Age is a fact. It is not an argument.
   
   I would like to address the argument
   that a faster aircraft can perform the mission.
   It can arrive faster.
   It cannot stay under a thousand-foot ceiling,
   slow enough to see which side of the tree line is ours,
   long enough to matter,
   and come home with a hole in the wing.
   
   I AM HAPPY TO TAKE YOUR QUESTIONS.
   I HAVE ANSWERED THEM BEFORE.
   I WILL ANSWER THEM AGAIN
   UNTIL THEY STOP BEING ASKED.
   
   I AM HAPPY TO TAKE YOUR QUESTIONS.
   I HAVE ANSWERED THEM BEFORE.
   I WILL ANSWER THEM AGAIN
   UNTIL THEY STOP BEING ASKED.
   
   Thank you. The witness is excused.

3. 03Surplus to Requirements4:10
4. 04Desert Storm Called4:25
5. 05A-16 (A Lament)6:40