Posted on 07/01/2019 10:14:58 AM PDT by ransomnote
National Park Service acting director P. Daniel Smith faces plenty of looming priorities this summer, from an $11 billion backlog in maintenance needs to natural disasters like the recent wildfire damage to Big Bend Park.
But in recent days, another issue has competed for Smith’s attention: how to satisfy President Trump’s request to station tanks or other armored military vehicles on the Mall for his planned Fourth of July address to the nation.
The ongoing negotiations over whether to use massive military hardware, such as Abrams tanks or Bradley Fighting Vehicles , as a prop for Trump’s “Salute to America” is just one of many unfinished details when it comes to the celebration planned for Thursday, according to several people briefed on the plan, who requested anonymity to speak frankly.
Trump — who has already ordered up a flyover by military aircraft including Air Force One — is also interested in featuring an F-35 stealth fighter and involvement from Marine Helicopter Squadron One, which flies the presidential helicopter, two government officials aid. The Navy’s Blue Angels were supposed to have a break between a performance in Davenport, Iowa on June 30 and one in Kansas City, Mo. on July 6, but will now be flying in D.C. on the Fourth.
At least 300 service members were slated to participate, primarily from military bands and drill teams, but that number could rise as additional military aircraft and other flourishes are added to the event.
The Defense Department has not released any estimate for how much the celebration could cost. But the use of numerous aircraft could drive it well into the millions when counting fuel and maintenance.
The F-35 costs about $30,000 per hour to fly, according to Pentagon estimates. Each Blue Angel jet costs at least $10,000 per hour....
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
Post of the Day!
Oh yes. Including ICBMs with dummy nuclear warheads. Or even real ones.
“[Independence Day] will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more. You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not.”
― John Adams, The Letters of John and Abigail Adams
7
We’ve always had tanks in our July 4th parade. Why is this a problem?
“...I figure the fascists will climb on and harass them...”
That could possibly create a situation that they would not be very happy with....
Thanks for posting.
Tanks are probably too much, except as show pieces. For something that would work better, if there is a chance they might need to *do* something, would be M1126 Stryker Combat Vehicles. They could definitely fend off any car or truck bombs. Likewise they could quickly tow away smaller vehicles.
You wrote: “I want tanks, boats, jets, howitzers and blood-thirsty marines all pledging loyalty to our president for life, Donald J Trump!”
Well I certainly don’t, I want our military pledging loyalty only to our constitution forever! DJT has been a good president but he is not king and, I hope, will be reelected for 4 years. But then, God willing, another good man (or woman) will take charge. I hope, though, that Mr. Trump will remain in the public eye for many years to come, and will be a strong voice for American liberty, limited govt, and great strength against the powers of evil.
And this sort of thing is what the Blue Angels are all about.
Which differs from the Republicans how?
Money well spent. It might help recruitment as well which in a volunteer military it's a good thing.
Here's some news for the Washington Post: Trees and grass will grow back on their own. Fires have been happening for thousands of years, and trees and grass have regrown for thousands of years, all without using Uncle Sam's money.
I’d rather see tanks in Portland.
We don’t need a military parade. We need the DOJ and law enforcement to do their jobs.
Would it be a bad time to start an internet rumor about someone proclaiming himself to be ruler for life on this Independence Day?
No problem. No problem at all, not for those of us who support the military.
One question to ax, though, with the SecDef and the director of the Park Service and whoever else in the room, is “Can we really get M1 tanks in and out of there without tearing up the streets? Or maybe just settle for some Bradleys and stuff?”
I like that idea.
How about free helicopter rides for antifags?
You don’t say...
Please tell it all, but just between us. I promise I won’t tell anyone.
All I get from this article is whomever is responsible for letting $11 billion backlog in maintenance should be road out of town on a rail.
“I think I could do without the tanks”
The Fourth of July, Independence Day, is the celebration of a military victory.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.