If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. |
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
|
#1
|
|||
|
|||
Run In With Mr. Edwards
After living in Iowa for the last 7 years, it seemed that we were the only
ones left who had NOT been to the "Great Iowa State Fair." This year is the 150th anniversary of this grand old tradition, so last weekend we decided to check it out. After the brief, 0.7 hour flight to Des Moines, Mary taxied up to Des Moines Flying Service (A.K.A.: "Signature") to park. As we trundled toward the ramp we noticed an inordinate number of vehicles parked on the airport side of the fence. As the prop stopped, I noticed that they were all law enforcement vehicles, of every type and kind, from marked squads to black Suburbans. Jokingly I commented on the criminal nature of that last landing (which netted me a swat to the head :-), but wondered aloud just what the heck could justify the expense of 30 - 40 vehicles and crew... ....and then we remembered the season, and where we were. It HAD to be a presidential election-related visit of some sort -- but who? Mary had quite specifically grilled Flight Service about TFRs, and had been told there were none. DSM approach mentioned nothing, either, so we were fairly certain that it couldn't be the President. The fact that the cops were eying us warily, but otherwise ignoring us, seemed to reinforce this notion. This left the Kerry/Edwards campaign as the primary suspects, and we were not to be disappointed. As soon as we were inside the FBO, the Kerry/Edwards "Real Deal" Boeing 727 plane rolled in. John Edwards was making an appearance in Des Moines, and we were lucky to get in when we did -- cuz the ramp was slammed shut, tight as a drum, as soon as he arrived. Walking to our rental car with my kids, I pushed up closer to the fence to take a picture. Immediately a uniformed DSM police officer asked if he could "help me" -- and ordered me to stay behind a painted line in the parking lot (that he had chosen entirely at random, at that instant) in no uncertain terms. So, I took my pictures and left, marveling at the stupidity of it all. After spending a marvelous day at the fair we returned to the airport -- and were dumb-founded to see all those police officers rolling up to the ramp once again! With incredibly bad timing, we had arrived precisely at the same moment as the advance security detail, meaning that Edwards couldn't be far behind. Now hurriedly paying for gas and the car, hoping against hope to get off the ground before the V.P.-wannabee returned to his plane, we grabbed our stuff and made a bee-line toward the plane -- only to have a secret service agent step between me and the door, asking that I please wait for Mr. Edwards to depart. Now you must realize that my plane was MAYBE 40 feet from the door he was blocking, while Mr. Liability-Attorney's 727 was several hundred yards farther out. I pointed this fact out to him, and also pointed to my children, stating that all we wanted to do was get off the ground before dark, since neither of us were legal to fly at night. This carried no weight with him, and he quietly told me that we'd just have to wait. So, I resignedly told my family to find comfy chairs, and that it would be while. For the next ten minutes or so, we observed at least 50 officers and agents, all on the tax-dole, making sure that the ramp area was "sterile" for Mr. Perfect-Hair. Some were just standing around staring into space, while others were actively scanning the fence line and building tops. Aggravatingly, two characters -- obviously pilots -- kept freely going in and out of the same door that the jar-head secret agent had blocked. This continued for 15 minutes, until I could no longer stand it. I approached the door guard and asked him what THEY had that we did NOT have -- to which he replied succinctly: "Clearance." Apparently they worked for Signature, and had been pre-screened to be on the ramp. By now thoroughly aggravated, I raised my hands over my head and said "Well, screen me. Escort me. Tow me. Do whatever you've got to do to make sure I'm not a threat -- but we've got to get off the ground soon, or we'll be stuck here overnight!" Unsmilingly, he simply said "You're not going anywhere until that plane departs." -- and that was that. Finally Mr. Ketchup's side-kick taxied out to the active runway -- and held for departure. We all immediately grabbed our stuff and started heading for the door -- which our favorite S.S. officer was STILL blocking! Dumbfounded, I asked what the problem was -- and he said that Edwards had to be OFF THE GROUND before he could clear us onto the ramp! Now thoroughly ****ed, I just stared at the guy incredulously. He got the message, and promised that he would try to "get us clearance onto the ramp" -- and started talking into his lapel. He then walked out onto the ramp, where he was animatedly talking with someone when Edwards' plane finally got clearance to depart, and blasted into the evening sky. Within minutes, the Signature ramp was empty, with no vestige of the incredible security presence that had been there only moments before. They all headed to the donut shoppe, and we were able to depart normally, as if nothing at all had just happened. Harry Truman once famously said that the "position of vice-president ain't worth a bucket of warm spit." Worse, Edwards isn't even THERE yet -- he's just a wannabee! He is nothing, absolutely NOTHING -- yet we are treating him like royalty, and my family was treated like criminals when we were anywhere near him. If this is what we have to look forward to under a Kerry/Edwards presidency, I fear the worst is yet to come. As we climbed out I laughingly told my kids that this was "your tax-dollars at work." I then closed my eyes and wished fervently that 9/11 had never happened... (BTW: If you've never seen the Iowa State Fair, it's worth the trip. It's the biggest fair in America, apparently, and it is so chock-full of traditional Americana that I felt like a kid again. And my kids were absolutely in awe of the place, with the rides, live entertainment, food, and animals. Ever seen a 3000 pound bull? Me neither -- but they have one. It's as big as a car!) -- Jay Honeck Iowa City, IA Pathfinder N56993 www.AlexisParkInn.com "Your Aviation Destination" |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
"Jay Honeck" wrote in message
news91Wc.21556$9d6.17529@attbi_s54... If this is what we have to look forward to under a Kerry/Edwards presidency, I fear the worst is yet to come. I disagree completely with your logic. Edwards, Kerry, Bush and Cheney have relatively little to do with these low level security details. All this stuff has long ago been delegated well away from them. If anything, Kerry's campaign has requested that security of this sort be less rather than more. It is also quite arguable that the opposition party candidate have reasonable protection. In short, there is absolutely nothing you can conclude about the "Kerry/Edwards presidency" from your hitting up against the boundaries of their Secret Service protection. |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
Edwards, Kerry, Bush and Cheney have relatively little to do with these
low level security details. All this stuff has long ago been delegated well away from them. If anything, Kerry's campaign has requested that security of this sort be less rather than more. I'd say my experience serves as evidence to the contrary. The Democrats claim to be the "party of the people" -- yet they treat potential constituents like this? Heck, my family couldn't even approach THE FENCE with a camera, let alone get close to Edwards himself. Now, mind you, if Edwards was a "somebody" (I.E.: The Vice-President. The President . The King. The Pope) I might understand this kind of fascist-brand of security -- but he is NOBODY. He is a vice-presidential CANDIDATE, which ranks him just ahead of Orca the Whale in national importance. The whole situation is absurd. -- Jay Honeck Iowa City, IA Pathfinder N56993 www.AlexisParkInn.com "Your Aviation Destination" |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
Jay Honeck wrote:
Edwards, Kerry, Bush and Cheney have relatively little to do with these low level security details. I'd say my experience serves as evidence to the contrary. The Democrats claim to be the "party of the people" -- yet they treat potential constituents like this? Heck, my family couldn't even approach THE FENCE with a camera, let alone get close to Edwards himself. And you think that Edwards personally drew that line in the sand? Sorry, I agree with the previous poster. The security details are set up by the SS, and the candidate has little to say about how they are executed. |
#5
|
|||
|
|||
"Jay Honeck" wrote in message newsV3Wc.68220$TI1.10381@attbi_s52... Edwards, Kerry, Bush and Cheney have relatively little to do with these low level security details. All this stuff has long ago been delegated well away from them. If anything, Kerry's campaign has requested that security of this sort be less rather than more. I'd say my experience serves as evidence to the contrary. With all respect, Jay, your experience is meaningless in that regard. The Democrats claim to be the "party of the people" -- yet they treat potential constituents like this? Heck, my family couldn't even approach THE FENCE with a camera, let alone get close to Edwards himself. The "Democrats" have absolutely nothing to do with this. This is the security apparatus operating; nothing more, nothing less. Now, mind you, if Edwards was a "somebody" (I.E.: The Vice-President. The President . The King. The Pope) I might understand this kind of fascist-brand of security -- but he is NOBODY. Again, with all due respect, you have not thought this out. He is a vice-presidential CANDIDATE, which ranks him just ahead of Orca the Whale in national importance. I completely disagree. What do you think would happen if he were to be attacked? Do you think that would be a good thing for this country? For the world? There are many things big and small that Washington does which I do not agree with but due diligence security procedures are not one of those. Sorry for your minor inconvenience. Weren't you saying GA in your neck of the woods wasn't affected much by these security issues? In other parts of the country we deal with stuff like this, AND MUCH WORSE, all the time yet we deal with it and life goes on. Maybe you now have some small inkling what a lot of the rest of us go through. The whole situation is absurd. The whole world is absurd. The inmates are running the asylum. |
#6
|
|||
|
|||
"Peter Gottlieb" wrote in message et... "Jay Honeck" wrote in message newsV3Wc.68220$TI1.10381@attbi_s52... snip He is a vice-presidential CANDIDATE, which ranks him just ahead of Orca the Whale in national importance. I completely disagree. What do you think would happen if he were to be attacked? Do you think that would be a good thing for this country? For the world? Ya know... I think that many people *would* think that would be good for the country! --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.742 / Virus Database: 495 - Release Date: 8/20/2004 |
#7
|
|||
|
|||
"Jay Honeck" wrote in message newsV3Wc.68220$ The Democrats claim to be the "party of the people" -- yet they treat potential constituents like this? Uh...you tried to get into any Bush or Cheney events lately? Or operate an aircraft in a city where they're appearing? It goes both ways. Fortunately those law-abiding Terrorist Flight Restrictions keep terrorists from flying over them. -c |
#8
|
|||
|
|||
On Sun, 22 Aug 2004 16:33:24 GMT, "Jay Honeck"
wrote: Edwards, Kerry, Bush and Cheney have relatively little to do with these low level security details. All this stuff has long ago been delegated well away from them. If anything, Kerry's campaign has requested that security of this sort be less rather than more. I'd say my experience serves as evidence to the contrary. The Democrats claim to be the "party of the people" -- yet they treat potential constituents like this? Heck, my family couldn't even approach THE FENCE with a camera, let alone get close to Edwards himself. And just how close do you think you would have got to Cheney or Bush? Let's keep your inconvenience in perspective -- you are wrong to blame either Edwards or the Democrats (I am actually a Republican, so this is an unbiased comment). Now, mind you, if Edwards was a "somebody" (I.E.: The Vice-President. The President . The King. The Pope) I might understand this kind of fascist-brand of security -- but he is NOBODY. He is a vice-presidential CANDIDATE, which ranks him just ahead of Orca the Whale in national importance. The whole situation is absurd. |
#9
|
|||
|
|||
"Jay Somerset" wrote in message ... snip And just how close do you think you would have got to Cheney or Bush? Let's keep your inconvenience in perspective -- you are wrong to blame either Edwards or the Democrats (I am actually a Republican, so this is an unbiased comment). snip But... Bush and Cheney are actually *somebody*... --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.742 / Virus Database: 495 - Release Date: 8/20/2004 |
#10
|
|||
|
|||
Jay Honeck wrote: Edwards, Kerry, Bush and Cheney have relatively little to do with these low level security details. All this stuff has long ago been delegated well away from them. If anything, Kerry's campaign has requested that security of this sort be less rather than more. I'd say my experience serves as evidence to the contrary. The Democrats claim to be the "party of the people" -- yet they treat potential constituents like this? Heck, my family couldn't even approach THE FENCE with a camera, let alone get close to Edwards himself. The same VP candidate of the "party of the people" was decrying the working people living paycheck to paycheck at the People's Party convention in Boston last month. This of course was after the DNC and its leaders loudly instructed everyone who lives or works in or near Boston to stay home while the party bosses were in town to play. Just stay home. Take the week off. |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
Edwards AFB 2004 air show cancelled | Paul Hirose | Military Aviation | 41 | September 3rd 04 06:36 PM |
Edwards air show B-1 speed record attempt | Paul Hirose | Military Aviation | 146 | November 3rd 03 05:18 PM |
Edwards Open House Temp Page Up | Tyson Rininger | Aerobatics | 1 | November 3rd 03 07:56 AM |
Edwards Museum Gift Shop update | Tony | Military Aviation | 1 | October 16th 03 10:47 AM |
Predator at Edwards Open House 2003 | miso | Military Aviation | 1 | September 23rd 03 02:52 PM |