PLUMES OF SMOKE DUE TO FOREST BURN, NOT TERRORIST ATTACK
As much as this may disappoint sharia law panderers like former U.S. Speaker Newt Gingrich, the thick plumes of smoke billowing up from inside Fort Jackson on Sunday were not the result of a terrorist attack.
The smoke – visible from several miles away – was produced by a controlled burn within the fort, according to John Monk of The (Columbia, S.C.) State newspaper.
Obviously that’s good news … and obviously we’re kidding about Gingrich secretly rooting for a terrorist strike. Seriously, how dare we presume that a Republican politician might seek to exploit such a tragedy to boost their approval ratings, spend additional taxpayer money or further infringe on our individual liberties?
It’s crazy, right?
Of course … although not as crazy as jumping into a religious conflict halfway around the globe based on questionable intelligence without a clearly defined objective or exit strategy.
Located due east of Columbia, S.C., Fort Jackson opened in 1917 and was incorporated into the city in 1968. The sprawling base – which managed to pick up missions during the military’s latest Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) round – contains more than 52,000 acres of land and more than 1,000 buildings.
Good to know they’re all still standing …
***
By Soft Sigh from Hell January 17, 2012 at 7:47 pm
I certainly gave all that smoke a second look on the day of the burning but quickly realized from the light color that it was just a woods fire.