What country do we live in...?!"

How did I miss this from a month ago?

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AP) - Security forces at Vandenberg Air Force Base are allowed to use "deadly force" in some cases if any anti-war demonstrators infiltrate the military complex, officials said.

Some anti-war activists have announced plans to trespass in hopes of disturbing Vandenberg's mission and to vandalize sensitive equipment they believe helps the war effort.

Vandenberg officials revealed Friday that military security police have always been allowed to shoot to kill, if necessary, to protect base residents and equipment.

It is more critical now that people understand the severity of that policy, a base spokeswoman said.

"This is not fun and games anymore," said Maj. Stacee Bako. "We're living in post 9-11. We don't know what's going to happen with the war effort in Iraq."

Military police will use their judgment, experience and training to determine if lethal force is necessary, she said....[Emphasis all mine.]

Oh, they'll use their judgment. Then that makes it alright!

And in just which time period was protesting against the military "fun and games?" ...I guess I missed that one, too.

Like the lobsters in the pot, the water's heating up all around us but the increase is so gradual and steady, our asses will be cooked before we realize it's hot.