Update: USS America Probably Sunk Terrorist Plot

Here is an update to my May 21st post.
In review, CV-66, or USS America was intentionally sunk as planned as a result of 25 days of explosive studies. Another reason for the sinking: USS America by virtue of her symbolic name alone was a prime terrorist target. The Navy's purposeful sinking of the vessel, in addition to providing invaluable data for carrier design improvements, DENIED A TARGET OF OPPORTUNITY TO THE TERRORIST MENACE. Ongoing US security costs - zilch. Terrorist costs - substantial: what to do with the Philadelphia cell, now breached, and how long to find and plan to attack as suitable a replacement target?

And, the update: Leader of Philadelphia Mosque Convicted. A local religious leader was convicted Tuesday of using political connections to obtain illegal loans, donations and municipal contracts. Shamsud-din Ali, 67, the leader of a Philadelphia mosque, was accused of leading a criminal enterprise that generated tens of thousands of dollars through extortion, bribery and political connections. Ali will likely face at least four to five years in prison when he is sentenced Sept. 19, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Labor. According to prosecutors, Ali and his wife, Faridah, used the Muslim school they ran as a private piggy bank, soliciting donations and public education funds for adult education classes that were never held. Ali, formerly known as Clarence Fowler, served six years in prison for killing a minister during a robbery, but the conviction was overturned in 1976. As his racketeering trial got under way, he pleaded guilty to four counts of income tax evasion for not filing returns from 1998 to 2001. Remember, follow the money trail. To Ali we sing the submariners hymn!