Scoff if you like, call it a parody if you must, but, not 10 minutes ago I caught a press conference on CNN with SecDef Rumsfeld on this very issue. He announced several initiatives that are directly related to the .50.
1) The DoD contract with GE has been cancelled, all miniguns will be replaced with a single .50 BMG and that includes the Navy's Phalanx system
2) All Patriot Missile batteries will soon be replaced by a USMC trained sharpshooter armed with a single shot .50. (He implied that Israel is planning to do the same with the Patriots they have purchased, but will use one of their own sharpshooters.)
3) All "Star Wars" research and associated contracts have been cancelled. All future research on ICBM defense will be geared toward the use of a .50 calibre system. He was vague on details since that project would be ultra sensitive top secret.
4) Lastly, he announced a change in weapons issued to all Army field personel - The Ma Deuce will henceforth be the standard weapon issued. Every soldier will carry one with them into battle. A shoulder sling is being devised to assist with the somewhat bulky but extremely effective weapon.