"Last week, I approved a mission over New York. I take responsibility for that decision," he said. "While federal authorities took the proper steps to notify state and local authorities in New York and New Jersey, it's clear that the mission created confusion and disruption."The president is said to be furious. No shite! The first asked question should be why? Who was the beneficiary of a photo-op and why did it require a low pass of Manhattan? We go to the New York Times for more, and get.. nothing. On to the WaPo! Here's the headline, "low flying planes panic locals". Low flying planes--yeah, just backup Air Force One and an F-16. For all we know reading the headline it was a couple of Piper Cubs.
People reported seeing the plane circle over the Upper New York Bay near the Statue of Liberty before it flew up the Hudson River. It was accompanied by two F-16s.
If this was anything short of a preparedness drill that required no foreknowledge (testing response, etc) it was ridiculous and a colossal waste of jet fuel. Especially since Obama has recently announced a program for rank and file federal employees to suggest more efficient ways of doing the government's business. Suggestion number one--stop making practice strafing runs on New York with Air Force One!
As to the secrecy, not surprising considering it was a presidential move and they are not telegraphed. Imagine the bad PR if an Air Force One look-alike started taking SAMs over the Statue of Liberty (by ex-military right wing man-causers, of course!). A nice coup for Jihad, Inc.
But now they've got something almost as good--a gift-wrapped video of people screaming and panicking like on 9/11 over the sight of our own presidential aircraft. Hey, come to think of it that sounds like a good opening for a GOP commercial in 2012...
CORRECTION 4/27/09
The New York Times WAS on the case, they simply buried the story in the "NY/Region" section at the bottom of their page. Turns out to be an Air Force photo op, or that's the story. Not sure why they couldn't have notified the public since it's not every day one gets a chance to see Air Force One flying low similar to an air show. And finally, it looks like the Mayor's aides have some splainin' to do. There will no doubt be more in-depth info coming out in the aviation webzines later today and tomorrow..
WHY? 4/28/09
This story certainly isn't as important as the flu crisis, or the government taking over auto companies, or Senator Specter coming out of the political closet, but it's probably more interesting. Deep in the bowels of the internet conspiracy theories are beginning to flow (which normally occurs when the powers that be ignore and obfuscate), one being that the fighter escort was a Red Tail from the Alabama National Guard. Naturally, through forms of tinfoil magic, they are making the link to the upcoming George Lucas movie "Red Tails" (which sounds pretty neat), which may or may not have any validity.
But I did receive a rather strange, unsolicited glossy foldout in the mail a few weeks ago. It had a beautiful shot of a P51 Mustang with some Tuskegee pilots in the foreground, and a foldout War Bonds poster inside. There was no mention of who sent it or any sponsors whatsoever.
23 comments:
I am so happy to read this unbiased reporting of this utter fubar and insensitive act. I really hope that we get answer and the culprits of this stupidity. Scares me to think "these" people military or admin. care so little.
Yet another total display of idiocy by the Obama mis-administration. Obama may have an aide to fall on his sword but ultimately it is his responsibility. Ground Zero is hallowed ground and as a former firefighter/paramedic I am disgusted by this blatant use of such a site for political purposes.
According to the Times update it was an Air Force PR shot, so I'm not sure Obama knew or approved. But it's hard to believe someone from Andrews would not have notified the White House.. This is something Obama should have had a veto on.
This scared the crap out of me today. A whole bunch of us ran outside our offices to see what was going on. It was like 9/11 all over again. What a bunch of a-holes that approved this. Thanks for giving me the second biggest scare of my life.
Obama was clearly upset about the flight, which he was not aware of...he even said he would have prevented it if he did know. So there.
another Obama oops...did you hear the bumbling president without his teleprompter today...weve been had ..his administration had to know of this photo op another tax cheat, homeland security stupid remark administration in only 100 days blooper....what did we do , putting this Im sorry for america Idiot in the white house
I thought New Yorkers were supposed to be tough. What a bunch of wussies. This is exactly how terrorist want us to react to stuff like this. Grow some balls New York or I'll gladly lend you mine.
Mr. Obama has already said that if he had known about it,. he would have stopped it. What more do you want? Sure, it was a scary moment for New Yorkers after their horrible experience on 9/11, and a thoughtless, stupid thing for the military to have done, but it's over, apology has been made. outrage expressed by the President towards those responsible.
Now,quit whining!
The only idiot in the white house was the village idiot you all put there for 8 years! bush/cheny together couldn't get anywhere near the stature of the man, statesman, human being and leader that Mr. Obama is. Grow up, reps!
but it's over, apology has been made. outrage expressed by the President towards those responsible.
Now,quit whining!Whining doesn't start until the subject is beat to death. This subject is new and being discussed at the moment, so in reality it is you doing the whining here.
If Obama was furious he should have personally apologized to New Yorkers instead of throwing his aviation guy under the bus to take full blame. This is something he should have been aware of. Why did they need new photos anyway? How does that represent cost-savings to the taxpayers during a financial downturn?
I'm sure Obama had a reason he couldn't personally make the apology, probably the reason he has a PR in the first place, he is the president for God's sake!
They notified New York and New Jersey state officials, I would think it might be their fault for not relaying the message to the public.
Hey Anons how about you "grow a set" and post your name. Ok let me use some of your "logic" on you. Interrogations happen under the Bush admin. and your calling for his and others heads on the grounds it happen on his watch? Ok now a recent quote from THIS admin.. " I am the President and the buck stop with me" This because HE is suppose to place intelligent personnel to make sure these things never happen because it does fall on him. He makes a stupid remark..( which was blown out) regarding Special Olympics and personally calls them to so I am sorry. YET he scares 1000's already suffering shell shock and he has a under link give a paper statement and Sect with no clue? Even when Gibbs did find out. Where was the break in the news to announce we are sorry and been brief?? We a cattle to them. He is so fast on the groveling if we were in EUROPE. Wake up be an American not a talking point for any party.
Oh P.S. BTW the military can not get up one morning and say lets take the AF1 out for a ride. Check the chain of commands.. Use google I dare you. This comes from top officials and ON THE REMOTE chance of commincation break down,how safe does that make us if they didn't have a clue??? Feel safer now???
Really good at the "should haves", arent we?!
bush should have not invaded Iraq, should have taken immediate control after Katrina, should have never stepped into another country, being an inept ass,....the list is endless.
Obama did what he should have, apologized. Anyone who thinks he knew and did it for a lark better get out of the playground and grow up quickly.
Schumer pretty much summed this one up....very, very stupid.
So ... how did the flyover cost? Or was it part of the stimulus package ....
On the behalf of many of us "villagers" in NYC...can we take our votes back now???
New York, you're a wuss. What ever happened to the land of the free and the HOME OF THE F'n BRAVE.
I'm sure the event caused much panic for New Yorkers but as an American citizen of that another question. How expensive was this stupid photo shoot? 747's and F16's are not cheap to fly and during the economic times it's certainly sounds like a stupid thing to be spending money on! I'm sure it's small in relation to everything else but it's still an expense that could have been avoided.
Robt Gibbs, the WHITE HOUSE press secretary.....
"I..I...I.. Well, I'd contact the "White House."
Reporter: Well, we're IN the White House and YOU are the White House.
Gibbs: I... I... don't .... I have seen some news reports. But...ah...ah I don't know. That.. ah...I have no information on it."
Are you serious? He read news reports? He didn't think 'Gee maybe I ought to find out about this before I go out for the daily briefing.'
This administration is a disaster. It seems that each day brings on a new "What the hell are they thinking" moment.
Just try to imagine how much this stupid stunt costs. Flying a fighter jet and air force one to TAKE A PHOTO??
The people behind this idea should get all kicked out of any position they are currently occupying.
Hubby said he would gladly make them a publicity photo with the plane and Lady Liberty for FREE. Anybody could photoshop that image. But nooooo, they had to scare everybody to death and bring back memories of September 11, 2001. Obama HAD to know.
Debbie Hamilton
Right Truth
I believe Obama HAD to have known an version of AF1 was going to do a low pass over NYC. If he didn't know there's something seriously wrong up there.
The question remains why. Is anyone ready to buy the 'new pictures for the gift shop' line? What, with action scenes of horrified people on the ground scrambling for cover? That'd be a hot seller, I bet. Whatever the case, Muslim fanatics must be having a field day with this and 'swine' flu.
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