U.S. puts machine-guns on Great Lakes coast guard vessels

[TomInTib]

I wonder - is this meant to keep the Canadians out or to keep us in?

For the first time since 1817, U.S. Coast Guard vessels on the Great Lakes are being outfitted with weapons – machine-guns capable of firing 600 bullets a minute.

Until now, coast guard officers have been armed with handguns and rifles, but the vessels themselves haven't been equipped with weapons.

The War of 1812 saw violent battles on Lake Erie and Lake Huron between U.S. troops and British forces, which were largely composed of militias from Britain's colonies in what is now Canada. After the war, the United States and Britain – and later Canada – agreed to demilitarize the Great Lakes waters.

The Rush-Bagot Treaty of 1817 allowed each country to station four vessels, each equipped with an 18-pound cannon, to safeguard the Great Lakes.

more:

http://www.cbc.ca/ottawa/story/ot-vessels20060315.html

[MadMaddie]

1. Are they expecting an invasion.....??

More Rumsfeld....Mcarthyism....:wtf:

[jbnow]

2. Maybe they are after Michigan

Not just because Gore and Kerry got the electoral votes but inn 2000 McCain won republican primary. Plus that Dem Canadian governor as well as the Dem US Senators. And smuggling prescription drugs from Canada for personal use. All those cherries too.

There are some other bad states around there too but Michigan can be invaded by water from 3 sides and we like to start with easy targets.

[NNN0LHI]

3. Thats for Osama in a skindiving suit. Remember that one?

I think we were on red alert for a couple of weeks over that deal.

Don

[CatholicEdHead]

4. Is this to keep someone out or someone in?