quoting from: The Godfather
“Determined, a government like the US's and their military and secret service branches are at keeping secrets, and how far they will go to
accomplish something.”
In an attempt to balance my belief in US conspiracy, I choose to base my beliefs based on information I have had hand. No, I haven’t BEEN to
Antarctica, but I’ve been in communication (recently) with those that had. I’m sure there are secret government bases all over the world. Just,
perhaps, not in Antarctica.
”1. Antarctica is the most isolated, remote place on Earth. Perfect for carrying out secret research in some remote military installation. The
closest country to it is Australia, and trust me, most of us Aussie's don't know even believe in the fact that Area 51 exists, let alone of half of
the crazy conspiracy theories on this site.”
Why would an average Australian individual believe in Area 51? It’s much easier for most people to believe in things that are in their own
backyards. However, it’s a big planet, and in the end, it’s everyone’s back yard. Not to say that ANYONE must believe in Area 51, should they
not wish to.
”2. America easily has the resources to blow money on some secret base there and to supply and fund it well, (*AHEM* No big secret America is #1
for defense spending per capita in the world), trust me, if the US wants a military installation in Antarctica, the US is GOING TO HAVE a military
installation in Antarctica.”
Let’s suppose, for a moment, that Antarctica was a more temperate region. If that would the case, then I would easily agree that the US would have
placed several secret bases in Antarctica, well away from the other stations. No biggie. But Antarctica is not a temperate place. During certain times
of the year, aircraft can’t land. (Although it’s possible someone has come up with an aircraft that can deal with –70 temperatures. Ships
supply several bases, and if a ship can’t break through the Ice (this happened less then 3 years ago, and we had to schmooze with Russia to get the
job done), then no supplies arrive.
”3. The clandestine operation of all the scientific bases there, the fact that the US Navy and Raytheon operate there and such, the red tape and
extensive legal work people have to go through to work there, it all adds up, think about it.”
While clandestine operations are much more likely then secret stations, I would like to point out that a LOT of research is indeed coming out of
Antartica. But yes, it’s such a hassle getting there. Even from Christchurch, in New Zealand. So part of the reason Raytheon and NSF put all the red
tape out is to keep folks away who wouldn’t last the season. Furthermore, the bases do speak to each other. Not only speak, but also visit.
Apparently the bar at Scott base is very cozy, and folks from McMurdo (or Palmer, I don’t recall), will head over to the Scott base if invited.
Americans visiting Scott base have been pleased by the Aussie reception they always receive. Communication between all the other bases happens all
year round. Communication is necessary from a logistics point of view. And during the winter on The Ice, social communication between the bases does
occur.
”What I'm trying to say here is there's no place more perfect for a secret US military base than Antarctica, and chances are, our fears are
probably true.“
I agree that there is no better place, because of its innate remoteness. I do however, suggest that we look at the bases we do know about (there are
at least 13), and concentrate on them. Would it not be more likely that clandestine research is being done in the existing bases, with no one the
wiser? McMurdo could be the obvious choice for this, as it’s by and far the largest base in Antarctica.
“Same with Antarctica, it's highly possible that a military base exists there, we just need more proof, and even if we do find out about its
existence, we won't even come close to finding out what goes on there.”
If by a military base, you mean one that is not on any of the maps, I would guess. And sure, while it’s possible, it makes much more sense to use
the resources of the existing bases.
“Hell, the only thing that could know what goes on there is the polar bears, I'll bet even they have to sign an oath of silence “
Polar bears are not indigenous to Antarctica. Penguins are, but only in very specific regions. Heh. That’s why some refer to Antarctica is the Big
Dead Place. Some people go there and never see a single living thing beside themselves.
”The only thing that bugs me here is CLIMATE! Now I may sound like I'm contradicting myself here, but has anyone else thought about this? I mean
where's the sense in building a secret military in sub-zero conditions?”
It doesn’t make a lot of sense. Unless you’re a paranoid country who feels geopolitical inclined to put people on the Ice. Even then, it’s dumb.
Even now, I still find older papers online about the fact that Britain was annoyed they didn’t get there first. Sheesh.
“Think about construction, labour, the workforce and such it would be hard to operate, and suppose they did some secret weapons research and
testing there, I'm sure 7 months of darkness and constant -60 and below conditions would have some hampering effect on any type of weaponry or
high-tech gizmo's stored down there.”
You totally on target. The climate is hell on equipment. Doing any work out in the open is difficult to nigh impossible, during deep winter. Even
depending on satellite feeds is wishful thinking. Certain bases are not able to send/receive satellite signals 24/7.
“Plus, it wouldn't be that easy just transporting all necessary materials for construction of base and any secret weapons and personnel such
down there, without arousing some suspicion, seeing how satellite imaging can already locate almost all KNOWN bases down there, shouldn't we have
pictures of such a base by now?”
It’s very difficult to get anything to Antarctica. As I mentioned earlier, Russia ended up sending an ice breaker to the area a couple years back,
to help us poor Americans out. So if you can’t get an icebreaker (should it be needed), or a regular ship, plus aircraft, into the base area, the
base is toast.
If there were a secret base, it would have to well away from all the other cluster of bases (I don’t have a base map handy to refer to), and
probably be primarily underground. This way, no obvious proof via satellite, and other bases wouldn’t see the aircraft coming into land on the
secret base.
Now I noticed that
Wodan posted some information about one of the German bases earlier in this thread. Perhaps this user could share insight
about that base?
And
Netchicken mentioned the road. Yep, a road. I’ve not bothered to read much about this road, but yes, it’s real. This road is likely
being put in for reasons beyond those that have been announced. Hmmm.
Just food for thought
-VW
[edit on 7-3-2005 by VisionWithin]
