For more than a decade, both California and the USFS have been offered the services of the biggest and best firefighting air tankers in the world, the incomparable IL-76 Waterbombers of EMERCOM. Since 1994, these remarkable firefighting giants have flown thousands of missions worldwide and have NEVER failed to put out the most destructive wildfires, in the worst weather conditions and the roughest terrain, without EVER having an accident, damaging structures or injuring anyone or anything on the ground. Multiple Waterbombers were, and still are, on offer for U.S. service immediately. Each plane can consistently stop a raging wildfire over an area equal to 12 football fields in less than 15 seconds! Although Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) made several pleas to the Governor of California and the USFS to call in the Waterbombers, his pleas fell on deaf ears.

// Oct. 31, 2007 - 05:44 GMT

US Congressman in Russian Hole in the Wall. Are Russian Members of parliament allowed the same freedoms to buy up local businesses in the USA? It would be interesting to know. I suggested that it would be a great way for Russia to show solidarity with US citizens. There are many businesses here that Americans  care about yet are either nonexistent or are bulldozed to make way for generic franchises bringing products that are not domestic or not in the domestic interest.

// Oct. 30, 2007 - 12:43 GMT

Canadians like drinking beer as well, on average considering only the population of drinking age, we drink 98 litres per person annually. It's too bad to hear your beer industry is being monopolized by the international corporations. We are increasing the number of micro breweries here in Canada. More variety in the product and it keeps the profit in the regional / national economy.

// Oct. 30, 2007 - 09:27 GMT

In politics, I find Putin as the straight person when it comes to handling the Iran issue. Let me elaborate. He still insists that the war drums are no good. The dialogue is still the best solution. And I think that is what majority of the countries think at the moment as the Iraq is heating up the issues with Turkey and there is lots at stake in that region., Mostly it goes against the USA economy as the armory etc of USA is based in Turkey to look for the India, Russian, Chinese and North Koreas movement on the arms and space race.

// Oct. 29, 2007 - 06:28 GMT

I think Andrei Vavra's article "Is Russia to be red free" is little more than an anti-communist's wish. Communist's will not just survive in Russia, but in a failing capitalist (modern day feudal) system, the theory of communism, in one form or another will become more relevant this century than ever.

// Oct. 22, 2007 - 04:57 GMT

This fighter sold to India can be knocked down like a turkey shoot by the F-22.  Why didn't they buy something good?

// Oct. 22, 2007 - 04:53 GMT

I wish to tell you how pleased I am, yet again,with President Putin's courageous stand in the world.In my view he is may be the only statesmen around in the world at present.He has a standing and authority both at home and in the whole world. Consequently I sincerely hope that he will remain, even after March 2008, a central,commanding figure in Russian politics.He is the only leading public figure at present who openly says what millions think and know, i.e. that the present regime in the USA and the past Blair regime in the UK,were and continue to, shamelessly and arrogantly criminaly transgress international law with their brutal imperialistic policies.

// Oct. 19, 2007 - 05:02 GMT

Concerning your article "Putin confirms his visit to Iran for Caspian summit-1" I think it is a bad idea for Mr. Putin to visit Iran right now. This could prove very interesting. If those in Iran want to cause an international incident, and if the U.S. Navy were to be attacked in the Gulf by Iran while Putin is in Iran, will the U.S. retaliate when Putin is there? Or, what would happen if would-be homicide bombers in Iran succeed in killing Putin, will it be blamed on the U.S. and touch off a war? I think it is a bad idea that Putin goes to Iran right now in light of the high volatile tensions that exist over there right now. If he does go, I hope he stays safe.

// Oct. 16, 2007 - 04:29 GMT

Ria Novosti, have been too busy to hook-up on web lately. Will have more time in November on, like before. keep up the great work for the uninformed American people. I have always heard of how "super" the Russian people are and what a great country Russia is. Thank you!

// Oct. 15, 2007 - 04:55 GMT

The AK47 is the result of stolen German property. The Soviets stole the machinery to produced the MP44, otherwise they were not capable to do it.

// Oct. 15, 2007 - 04:52 GMT