Spy Satellite Doomed

Cost A Heavy Factor In Hubble Future

"Some U.S. scientists are reportedly questioning whether a repair mission for the aging Hubble Space Telescope was worth the huge price tag.
The mission, necessary if the Hubble is to to continue working, has been projected to cost $1 billion to $2 billion, the New York Times said.
At a hearing of the House Science Committee to discuss Hubble options, both scientists and legislators praised the orbiting observatory for its many contributions to science since its 1990 launch. But, the cost could be a stumbling point.
'Is it worth saving the Hubble even if that means taking money away from other NASA science programs?' asked Rep, Sherwood Boehlert, R-N.Y., chairman of the committee.
'We have to make some hard choices about whether a Hubble mission is worth it now, when moving ahead is likely to have an adverse impact on other programs.'
Next year's NASA budget proposal is rumored to exclude any money to save the Hubble."

Pimentel warns US on spies in RP; demands extradition of Meiring

.: Mindanews - 26 January 2005 :.

"DAVAO CITY -- Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel has warned the United States against taking advantage of its military presence and intelligence operations in the Philippines to engage in activities that may subvert the country’s sovereignty."

"Pimentel said the Philippine government should demand the extradition of Michael Meiring, an American national who nearly lost his life when a bomb exploded in his hotel room on May 16, 2002, within the week Davao City was plagued with bomb threats."

Pentagon Spies in Indonesia Use Tsunami for Cover

.: Mindanews - 29 January 2005 :.:

"Senator Enrile. How many warm bodies of this spy group are in the country, Mr. President?
Senator Pimentel. I do not know for sure, but I have heard the figure 70.
Senator Enrile. Seventy?
Senator Pimentel. Seven zero in Mindanao, Mr. President.
Senator Enrile. Seven zero. This is on top of the agents of the Central Intelligence Agency operating in the country?
Apart from CIA
Senator Pimentel. Yes, my understanding is, this is a separate group, as I said, Mr. President, organized by the Pentagon, no less, aside from the CIA.
Senator Enrile. This is a military intelligence effort in the country.
Senator Pimentel. That is my understanding, Mr. President.
Senator Enrile. Are they directing this spying operation strictly to personalities in the country or also personalities in other countries within our neighborhood?
Senator Pimentel. Mr. President, the report that I received is that they are also operating in Indonesia. In other words, another group, aside from the...
Senator Enrile. Aside from the people in Mindanao, there is another contingent operating in Indonesia.
Senator Pimentel. Yes, Mr. President.
Senator Enrile. And what cover are they using for their operation in Indonesia?
Senator Pimentel. I would not know, Mr. President, because....
Senator Enrile. In aid of these tsunami victims?
Senator Pimentel. Probably, that is why one reason why the Indonesians want those who are assisting the tsunami victims in Indonesia, who come from foreign lands, is to get out of Indonesia soon."