Time to Ground the Blue Angels? A Navy Flyer Responds

Eagle Action Report ^ | 8/5/2018 | Bill Paisley

[Abakumov]

The Seattle Times published an opinion piece entitled "Time to Retire the Blue Angels," which argued that the U.S. Navy demonstration team should not fly at Seattle's annual Seafair exposition. The author, Patrick Pilcher, wrote that he found the display "in poor taste," that the air show was a waste of money and a "display of military muscle-flexing that seems a bit outdated." Pilcher also believes that flying the jets is insensitive, since they "can be a reminder of the terror of death raining from the sky in the form of cluster bombs or other weapons" for "many recent immigrants from war-torn countries."...

The author of the Seattle Times article fails in a huge way to recognize what these flight demonstrations do for the nation. Not only the Blue Angels, but the USAF Thunderbirds, Canada’s Snowbirds, and numerous other flight demonstration squadrons and organizations show the public what their tax dollars are producing. In a time of cynicism and waste, the professionalism, training, and dedication of these men and women are, as the saying goes, some if the best this country has to offer to the world.

[IronJack]

Considering how rarely it snows in Seattle, how did that city accumulate so many snowflakes?

[RinaseaofDs]

Seattle is a den of virtue-signalling a$$holes. Aside from SF, one of the worst places to live on the West Coast.

If I didn’t have kids here, I’d be gone.

[frog in a pot]

...an insult to military aviators...

An insult? It appears you know very little of the reality of the matter, let alone the character of military aviators/warriors poised to risk everything at a moment's notice for the rest of us.

Such risk, taken on our behalf, demands the highest skills. The Blue Angels demonstrate for the rest of that community the skill levels attainable and the rest of us are proud to watch.

Strongly recommend you find time to read and think about the response in the link from a former aviator.

[Archie Bunker on steroids]

ITs a reminder to some of terror raining down from the sky in the form of cluster bombs??????
To others, though, it brings a sense of pride when we think of the unmatched defense weapons that a freedom loving nation can create when all citizens work together and share the same values.

[grobdriver]

The Sound of Freedom, Baby!

[shotgun]

At least the PI had a better sports section

[rlmorel]

"...Pilcher also believes that flying the jets is insensitive, since they "can be a reminder of the terror of death raining from the sky in the form of cluster bombs or other weapons" for "many recent immigrants from war-torn countries..."

I say load the Blue Angels up with cluster bombs and let them put on a REAL demonstration in Seattle! That'll give them something to worry about!

[rlmorel]

Hahahahahahaha...love that post!

[Mr Ramsbotham]

I was just borrowing from that NYC firefighter after the WTC outrage, who advised Osama bin Laden to kiss “his royal Irish ass.” I’m sure he was neither Irish nor royal, but it sounded good!

[Steve_Seattle]

I think the Post-Unintelligencer still has an Internet presence.

[jpsb]

The US does not use cluster bombs I am sorry to report.

[nuke_road_warrior]

Pilcher also believes that flying the jets is insensitive, since they "can be a reminder of the terror of death raining from the sky in the form of cluster bombs or other weapons"

Sound like Freedom!

[JimRed]

Liberal: "OH MY GOD! SOMEONE'S HAVING FUN! BAN IT!"

Unless it's sexual misbehavior without consequences, that is.

[aMorePerfectUnion]

Waste of money, compared to other recruiting methods.

[Yo-Yo]

[BlueLancer]

Pilcher also believes that flying the jets is insensitive, since they "can be a reminder of the terror of death raining from the sky in the form of cluster bombs or other weapons" for "many recent immigrants from war-torn countries."...

200 years from now, I want their children's children's children
to cower and cringe in fear whenever they hear the sounds of jet engines overhead
because their legends tell of fire from the sky.

I want them to hide in dark caves and holes in the earth,
shivering with terror whenever they hear the roar of diesel engines
because the tales of their ancestors talk about metal monsters
crawling over the earth, spitting death and destruction.

I want their mothers to be able to admonish them with
"If you don't behave, the Pale Destroyers will come for you",
and that will be enough to reduce them to quivering obedience.

I want the annihilation to be so complete that their mythology
will tell them of the day of judgment when the stern gods from across the sea
.. the powerful 'Mericans .. destroyed their forefathers' wickedness.

(Original created by BlueLancer ... 13 September 2001)

[rlmorel]

"Why should these guys be putting their lives on the line so I can enjoy a cool show?"

Heheh, no need for flames. Just step over here behind this jet blast deflector...

You should probably ask your question of the pilots, the support crews (who do this on weekends and holidays) and the vast majority of people who watch.

You would likely get some good (and interesting) responses that explain the military perspective on these things as well as the attitudes of people who don't live in Seattle...which is most of us.

Of course, given that Boeing builds them and is based in Seattle, even the liberals living there who aren't brain dead might like seeing them too...:)

[Hatteras]

A friend lives in a floating home on Portage Bay. He sent me a video last week of a couple of practice run, low level passes. Good stuff. Always loved the Blue Angels.

[rlmorel]

Living behind enemy lines does take an emotional toll, that is for sure. I know, I am from a very blue state.

[Abakumov]

“The Man Who Would Be King”

Danny: They think I’m a god?

Peachy: A god! Put your big foot out that I might kiss your big toe!

Danny: You may kiss my royal arse!