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American Morning
Discovery Prepares for Today's Launch; Former American Soldier Charged with Rape and Murder of Young Iraqi Girl and Murder of Her Family
Aired July 04, 2006 - 09:30 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
MILES O'BRIEN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: First of all, everybody always asks about the clock, why is it three hours and holding? Well, in about an hour's time, it will start counting down once again. There's a series of holds built in. The only time the countdown clock matches the chronological time is inside of nine minutes in this huge multi- day count. They actually extended this particular hold to give the crew onboard -- the ICE team, the inspection team a little more time to do their job.
Take a look at the radar real quick though. I want to show you what's out on the horizon there. This is from the space flight meteorology group, National Weather Service. And what you're seeing out there are just a lot of little systems like that, and that's reflective of that cumulus activity we've been talking about. If these guys start coming in, we have problems. But the weather folks are telling us, so far, 80 percent chance of a go. Now, ICE team, what are they up to? They're out on the pad, doing their job, binoculars, telescopes, telephoto lenses, sniffing devices, looking for any sort of ice build up. Particularly in that strut where they discovered a crack the other day, a little piece of foam flaked off. They were concerned some ice could build up in there. There you see them doing their job as they go through, up and down that 195-foot launch gantry looking for trouble.
One little tiny glitch, it's not even that big a deal, I'm just going to mention it to you, just to tell you that there's always something. There's a backup system of heaters for the solid rocket boosters, those are the white boosters on the side of the shuttle stack located here, there is a heater system which keeps these joints from getting too cold, there are two of them. Circuit break failed on the backup system. Even if they can't fix it, they can fly with the primary system. They're working on fixing the backup as we speak. Complete non-issue as far as I know right now, but nevertheless, just a sense that when you have something with a million parts, there's always going to be something to keep you busy, some reason to form a red team.
So, as it stands right now, the weather, 80 percent good and the crew looking like they did on the last two go-arounds when the weather wasn't so good. Had their photo-op and while it was a live picture we're told, it could have been taped because it looked the same as any other day. Third time hopefully a charm, though, as they stood before the cameras. Didn't eat a morsel, there's usually a cake there in the middle. I think I see a cake there. I don't even see the cake this time. Usually they eat the cake when they get back, the pre-mission, pre-weather briefing, pre-suit up photo op. We're going to see a little more of them in about 40 minutes and we'll keep you posted as they make their progress toward the launch pad, 39b, here at the Kennedy Space Center. Special report on CNN 2:00 p.m. eastern time, we'll take you all the way through the launch and into space for "Discovery," its second flight for the shuttle program post "Columbia." Carol?
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Thanks Miles.
Serious charges being brought against a former American soldier. The one-time private is being held without bond this morning, facing charges stemming from a horrific attack in Iraq. CNN's Barbara Starr joins us live from the pentagon with that perspective. Good morning Barbara.
BARBARA STARR, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you Carol. Well of course, the July Fourth holiday here and not a lot of activity on this story today. But yesterday, Steven Green, 21 years old, a former private first class in the 101st airborne division made his first appearance in court in North Carolina yesterday in this extraordinarily disturbing case, charged with the rape and murder of a young Iraqi girl and the murder of her family in March while he served on active duty in Mahmoudiya, Iraq in southern Iraq.
Now according to the FBI affidavit filed with the court, Green actually was discharged after that March incident, honorably discharged from the U.S. military, but discharged, according to the FBI, for having a, quote, "personality disorder". The details of the case alleged outlined by the FBI affidavit are very, very distressing. According to the document, Green and at least three other soldiers, possibly a fourth, plotted, conspired to go to this Iraqi house. When they got there, Green took three members of the family, parents and a young girl into a room and allegedly shot them. Then allegedly raped and murdered another daughter of the family. If he is convicted of these charges, of course, he faces the death penalty for the murders and life in prison for the rape charge. Carol?
COSTELLO: Couple of questions for you. I'm just curious about this personality disorder and what exactly that means.
STARR: Well, we are not likely to hear much about that at this point unless and until this case goes to trial. Under the military rules, someone's medical records are confidential information, so it's actually a little odd that this came out in the FBI document. It may be that prosecutors and defense counsel at some point outline further details of this, but according to the document, he was honorably discharged at some point after this March incident, but was discharged because of that personality disorder.
COSTELLO: Barbara Starr reporting live from the Pentagon this morning. Thanks.
Helmet upgrades that may be protection against roadside bombs are not standard military issue, and some troops heading to Iraq and Afghanistan can't afford to pay for them out of pocket. Several citizens groups have stepped up to help. Our Bob Lawrence of our affiliate KGTV in San Diego reports on a special offer that could jump start their effort.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BOB LAWRENCE, KGTV: A marine convoy heads out on patrol and runs head first into an IED, improvised explosive device. This is only a simulation, but these marine reserves will face the real thing soon enough. And many believe they're not as protected as they could be.
SHANNAN LIMON, MARINE'S WIFE: The main thing that these pads do is absorb energy of a bomb blast, which these lightweight helmets were not necessarily designed to do.
LAWRENCE: Before Shannan's husband deployed, he was looking to upgrade his standard issue marine helmet, but the upgrade kit cost about $100. That's where 10,000 RVs stepped in.
TONY FREEMAN, 10,000 RV DEALERSHIP: Cher happened to be on CNN "ANDERSON COOPER" talking about operation helmet.
LAWRENCE: Cher attended a hearing with Dr. Robert Meaders, the founder of operation helmet, who went to congress convinced that the webbing in the other helmets does not offer the protection when it comes to IEDs.
LIMON: This is something that the guys are asking for. And they either have to purchase it themselves if they want it or they have to depend on operation helmet to send it to them.
LAWRENCE: To that effort, 10,000 RVs stepped up with a $10,000 check and a challenge to others.
FREEMAN: Send it operation helmet and we will match all the donations up to $10,000 during the month of July. And we believe that will help eliminate that backlog of needed upgrade kits.
LAWRENCE: That back log is roughly 450 kits. As far as standard issue, the marines are not yet convinced, but they are beginning tests.
(END OF VIDEOTAPE)
COSTELLO: That was Bob Lawrence of our affiliate KGTV reporting. Those interested in contributing to the program can visit operationhelmet.org and you can get more information there.
Happening in America, no holiday for the New Jersey State Assembly, they'll be on the job today trying to work out a budget agreement that will get the state back to work. Non-essential services are shut down. Atlantic City casinos and state beaches could be forced to close if no agreement is reached.
Officials in Boston getting ready for what they say is America's largest Fourth of July party. The U.S. Coast Guard estimates about 3,000 boaters will take to the water. Security is especially tight around the Charles River. The sheriff in Maricopa County, Arizona has some Fourth of July plans aimed at thousands of prisoners. Under a new policy, the sheriff plans to play the National Anthem and God Bless America twice daily in all of his jails, and prisoners have to actually pay attention.
A newly built mobile home in Pompano Beach, Florida was destroyed by an early Fourth of July celebration. Firefighters say children were playing with fireworks when one landed on the room of the home. No one was injured, but a family of six was supposed to move in next week. They won't be doing that now.
And 55,000 runners racing through Atlanta's Buckhead neighborhood, it's the annual 10k Peachtree Road Race. Today's men's division winner Martin Lel(PH) of Kenya, 27 minutes 20 seconds. And for the women, the Netherlands' Lorna Kiplogan(PH), 31 minutes 9 seconds, congratulations to you both.
Now to a star spangled tradition that redefines the phrase fast food. It's the annual Nathan's hot dog eating contest where the cream of competitive eaters come for the gorging and the glory. CNN's Allan Chernoff is live in Coney Island for today's 91st edition. Good morning.
ALLAN CHERNOFF, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you Carol. And you know it is never too early for a hot dog when you're at Coney Island. The reason, well this is really where it all began for the hot dog. 1871, that's when they had the first hot dog stand right over here. So it's only appropriate that the world's greatest stage in the sport of competitive eating is right here. Nathan's famous, every July 4th, this spectacular contest is held. And of course, this year, we have very, very high expectations. Already you can see the fans assembling. Three hours left before the contest begins. But this year, there is the possibility that an American may finally un- throne the greatest eater of all time, the great Takeru Kobayashi.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
CHERNOFF: Five-time hot dog eating champion Takeru Kobayashi has so dominated his chosen sport that competitors are in awe of his skill. The Japanese gurgitator holds the world record, 53 1/2 hot dogs and buns in 12 minutes.
CRAZY LEGS CONTI, COMPETITIVE EATER: Kobayashi's found a way to process food better than any human in history. And somehow it's like a wood chipper. It goes in and it just disappears. So he's got it. It's zen, mind over stomach matter.
CHERNOFF: Most of Kobayashi's challengers concede they could never match his record pace.
RICH "THE LOCUST" LEFEVRE, COMPETITIVE EATER: If the contest were longer, I would probably do over 40.
CHERNOFF: So if they could just extend this into a whole --
LEFEVRE: If they would make it 20 minutes instead of 12 minutes.
CHERNOFF: Or if they can make it an afternoon barbecue, even.
LEFEVRE: Yes, exactly, yes, that's what I would like.
CHERNOFF: But today, the United States does have a shot at Kobayashi, who won with 49 hot dogs and buns last year. Now the hope of America rests on the shoulders of 22-year-old Joey Chestnut, who ate 50 hot dogs in a qualifying event.
Do you think though that he's vulnerable?
JOEY CHESTNUT, COMPETITIVE EATER: He has a record on the line, and he has everything to lose. I've never won this. He has the title. So I'm just trying to -- just trying to do my best.
CHERNOFF: Indeed, experts from the International Federation of Competitive Eating say Chestnut has both the potential and the stomach to become an American eating hero.
GEORGE SHEA, INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF COMPETITIVE EATING: And here's this kid, this youthful kid only 22 years old. He doesn't even know that he can't win. He doesn't know he can't eat 50 hot dogs. He's got that arrogance and ignorance of youth.
GERSH KUNTZMAN, COMPETITIVE EATING JUDGE: Kobayashi has done this five years in a row. On some level he knows it, his stomach knows it, the competitors know it, and even the hot dogs know it. He doesn't have that fire in the belly anymore that you need.
CHERNOFF: Okay well let me ask you, do you like hot dogs?
TAKERU KOBAYASHI, COMPETITIVE EATING CHAMPION: Yes.
CHERNOFF: What's your favorite food?
KOBAYASHI: Tofu.
CHERNOFF: And the tofu-loving hot dog champ concedes, this July 4th, the mustard yellow championship belt could return to American soil.
KOBAYASHI: Yes, there's a chance I could lose.
(END OF VIDEOTAPE)
CHERNOFF: Even so, the online bookmakers actually do have Kobayashi as the favorite, it's understandable why. His fame is up here on Nathan's wall right here. The record 53 1/2 dogs, it's intimidating for the other competitors. Carol?
COSTELLO: You know, I got that, because even the hot dogs know. You're not going to demonstrate again, are you?
CHERNOFF: Well, Carol, if you want, if you insist. The way they do it, they don't just eat hot dogs. They split them, of course shove them in like this, and then there's the bun. And what do we do with the bun, Carol?
COSTELLO: You dip it in the water and then you smash it in your mouth.
CHERNOFF: Thank goodness.
COSTELLO: That looks so awful.
CHERNOFF: You know Carol, it goes down so quickly when you dunk it in the water. It's incredible.
COSTELLO: I'll bet it's smooth. Allan Chernoff reporting live from Coney Island. Chad, that looks so disgusting.
(WEATHER REPORT)
CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Miles, you don't need lightning down there, either.
O'BRIEN: No we don't. Because if there's lightning, I'm getting off this platform as we had to do the other day. Matter of fact, we did a hurry up drill while we were very suddenly broadcasting from inside our very deluxe temporary trailer there. It was very interesting. And our crew proved its metal.
We are going to take a break. When we come back, a little later in the morning, we're going to be talking to Astronaut Mike Mullane. He's written a fascinating book called "Riding Rockets" which cracks inside the wall that surrounds the astronaut office, behind the white scarf. We'll get the real story from him a little bit later on CNN. And of course, live coverage of the launch beginning at 2:00 p.m. eastern. Stay with us.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: Nothing stirs up notions of summer fun quite like a trip to the beach. But is our love of the sandy shores causing irreparable damage? In the new issue of National Geographic, senior writer Joel Bourne takes a closer look at the condition of our coastlines. He joins us know from Rehoboth Beach in Delaware to tell us some more. Hello?
JOEL BOURNE, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC: Good morning, Carol. How are you?
COSTELLO: I'm pretty good. Thanks for joining us. It looks so beautiful behind you. But tell us about the damage that's being caused to our beaches nationwide.
BOURNE: Well, the thing Carol, you need to remember is everyone loves the beach. The problem is, we're loving the beach to death. More than half the U.S. population now lives within 50 miles of the coastal zone and that's increasing at 3600 people a day. We're building 1500 houses a day on the nation's coast. And what that means is more roofs, more roads, more parking lots that are funneling a lot of the pollutants that come from the sky and from our cars right straight into the places where we love to swim.
COSTELLO: And you talk about pollutants, tell us about the EPA results that you discovered about the water in our oceans.
BOURNE: Right. Well the EPA has a great program they set up after the Beach Act of 2000. Where we're looking at monitoring the states -- giving the states money to monitory the quality of their ocean water. Now according to the report card, the northeast up here has one of the worst water qualities in the country unfortunately. The southeast has some of the best. And that's partly because this is one of the oldest areas that's been mostly developed, the highest density of population. So they get more of the impacts.
COSTELLO: But there are some real success stories, because I know there's a beach in Massachusetts where they sort of controlled the runoff and the amount of pollutants and bacteria in the water.
BOURNE: Oh, this is a great story. This little town of Wareham, Massachusetts right at the foot of Cape Cod decided a couple of years ago to start putting in sand galleys along the road. And it actually works like sort of a septic tank for your street. And if you can just get that first inch of rainfall off, then you're way ahead of the game. And they started this in the mid-90s and they were able to open up 65 to 100 acres of new shellfish grounds that had been closed for decades. They've also just voluntarily increased their water and sewage build or (INAUDIBLE) actually to build one of the cleanest water treatment plants in Massachusetts. It's just a matter of the local community getting together and deciding that water quality is something they're concerned about.
COSTELLO: Well and money, too, because I'm sure that's an extraordinarily big factor. You wrote about, you talked about the human impact, you wrote about it in "National Geographic" that the human impact on our coasts. And I want to read our viewers some of the statistics. 3600 more people every day, 1500 new homes every day, 25 million more vehicles every day. I mean, there seems to be no stopping this. Then what will that mean in the future if we can't control it?
BOURNE: Well, that is one of the major problems. I mean our cars leak enough oil on the highways every eight months to form the equivalent of an Exxon Valdes oil spill, that's an incredible problem. But there are, you know, there are solutions. If we can rebuild the wetlands, which are wonderful, natural filters, avoid developing on them, you know, we can take some of the storm water runoff and divert it into our sewage treatment systems so that we get some sort of treatment before it goes into the water. There are solutions here. And this ecosystem's incredibly resilient if only given the chance. So it will come back, there have been several success stories. It's just a matter of taking the commitment. And the nice thing is, everybody loves the beach. So there is an enormous amount of support for these resources that we have out here.
COSTELLO: You've got that right. Joel Bourne from "National Geographic", thanks for joining us this morning.
BOURNE: Thank you, Carol. It's a pleasure.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
O'BRIEN: Live pictures now, Kennedy Space Center, Florida. That clock is -- sometimes throws people off. It's not three hours to launch. You note the clock is not moving. We're in the middle of a hold, in about 40 minutes or so it'll start moving again. Countdown clock only matches chronological time in the last nine minutes because of all the holds. Take a look at the clouds though up there. It's a little bit of activity going on there. I want you to look at the radar. Let's look at that right now, take a look at what's going on offshore right now. This is a typical summer pattern here in the state of Florida. The radar has set up for some showers to build up and a few towering cumulus precipitation clouds, we're going to show you that radar.
There you go. You could see what's going on out there. And the concern is that this will make its way inland, as you can see it sort of has that tendency. But we're told that the winds are favorable to sort of keep the cape in kind of a little dry slot today, and that's why they're saying 80 percent chance weather will not get in the way of a launch today. Let's take a look at what else is going on down at the launch pad. First of all, the launch control team is busy going through all of its systems, looking at their various parameters, trying to ensure that all the systems are a go on the space shuttle.
There was a problem, which I wouldn't even put in the category of a problem as you look at the launch control center. Brand new launch control center, new computers replacing ones that went back to the mid-70s. In this case they had a problem with a circuit breaker on a heater system for the solid rocket boosters, no longer a problem. They're not even going to try to fix it. They're going to press onward. So as it stands right now, no big ice buildup on that external fuel tank, nothing in the weather front that looks bad and no technical issues. So there you have the makings of an amazing fireworks display, Carol.
COSTELLO: You're not kidding. We're just waiting for it to begin. Hey, are the astronauts suited up yet, Miles?
O'BRIEN: They're in the process of doing that now. We'll see them very shortly, a combination of suit-up and weather briefing is under way right now. What happens is the commander and the pilot get a weather briefing while the rest of the mission specialists suit up and then they come in and suit up and then off they go. We'll see the walkout pretty shortly thereafter. So, very soon we'll see them start to get strapped into "Discovery." We'll keep you posted.
COSTELLO: Can't wait. Alright, we're going to throw to a break, we'll be right back with more.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
O'BRIEN: That's about all the time we have for this hot dog apple pie and rocket launch edition of AMERICAN MORNING. I'm Miles O'Brien live at the Kennedy Space Center. Carol? COSTELLO: And I'm Carol Costello here in New York. Happy Fourth of July, Daryn Kagan takes it away now.
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