FAA Memo: Feds Knew NYC Flyover Would Cause Panic - Threatened Federal Sanctions Against NYPD, Secret Service, FBI & Mayor's Office If Secret Ever Got Out
Federal officials knew that sending two fighter jets and Air Force One to buzz ground zero and Lady Liberty might set off nightmarish fears of a 9/11 replay, but they still ordered the photo-op kept secret from the public.
In a memo obtained by CBS 2 HD the Federal Aviation Administration's James Johnston said the agency was aware of "the possibility of public concern regarding DOD (Department of Defense) aircraft flying at low altitudes" in an around New York City. But they demanded total secrecy from the NYPD, the Secret Service, the FBI and even the mayor's office and threatened federal sanctions if the secret got out.
"To say that it should not be made public knowing that it might scare people it's just confounding," Sen. Charles Schumer said. "It's what gives Washington and government a bad name. It's sheer stupidity."
The flyover was ordered by the White House Office of Military Affairs so it would have souvenir photos of Air Force One with the Statue of Liberty in the background.... postcards?
"It was a mistake. It will never happen again," President Obama said.
They scared the shit out of New Yorkers, for postcards? Really? Why the big secret? That does not make sense.
$328,835? Hmmm, one might think when looking for ways to cut the budget, idiotic things like this would be a great place to start.
Gotta love the redundency and ignorance:
ReplyDelete"It's what gives Washington and government a bad name. It's sheer stupidity."
To be honest, you don't need stupid publicity stunts to give Washington and the Federal (or any level) Government a bad name. They have done enough damage just through meddling legislation and its execution over the last 20-30-40 years to make this episode seem like nothing.
And as to stupidity... well maybe better not go there.