Did anyone hear Hedgecock's claim about firefighting planes sitting on the ground in CA?

[Conservativegreatgrandma]

Did anyone hear Hedgecock, on Rush's program yesterday claim that Gov. Davis has refused to put into use two firefighting planes?

I'm looking for details.

[goldstategop]

Gov. Davis owes the enviro wackos. I wouldn't be surprised if this turns out to be true.

[martin_fierro]

Yup -- something to the effect that certain firefighting planes were required to sit idle until certain firefighting contractors had first crack at the fire.

[Kerberos]

Probably would violate some environmental law to do so.

[JustAnAmerican]

Is there some reason this Idiot hasn't been jailed and shot for treason by now.?

[shhrubbery!]

Yes, a couple of C-130s specially equipped to fight just this sort of fire.

I believe the reason they're still sitting on the ground is that California politicians can't get it together as who's going to pay for the C-130s to be used.

Apparently they also have to get a waiver of the posse commitatus act, but that's a mere formality according to Hedgecock.

[azhenfud]

Heavily loaded AC don't do too well in high wind, low airspeed conditions. Maybe the weather conditions will cooperate over the next few days to get more planes aloft.

[Conservativegreatgrandma]

But aren't they trying to blame Bush for not sending help?

[LurkedLongEnough]

Yes, yesterday Sean Hannity said something about "legal constraints" that prevented Davis from launching the C-130's.

Also, that "legal constraints", whatever they were, should have not pre-empted common sense in this case.

[mystery-ak]

Are these Guard C130's?

[ICE-FLYER]

IF it is true, they are AIR GUARD assets and DO NOT NEED FEDERAL PERMISSION TO USE.

The governor of each state does not need DOD permission to direct assets of the Air Guard of his/her state to do humanitarian missions. While it is true that FEDERAL and RESERVE units can not be used against the civilian populace this is not even that. Its specifically to HELP the civilian populace and thus even if it were an issue it would be negated by the emergency need.

The governor of our state has directed our use many a time without federal involvement.

[fqued]

It appears that there are two separate items:

two c-130 aircraft which Davis needed to request from the US Government and he didn't.

a big scoop helicopter with a 2000 gallon bucket which is sitting idle until other firefighters have had their shot

[CatoRenasci]

Yes, I heard part of it. If true, all those who have been involved with preventing the use of the planes should be tried as accessories to murder: let the juries sort them out.

[Conservativegreatgrandma]

IF it is true, they are AIR GUARD assets and DO NOT NEED FEDERAL PERMISSION TO USE.

I think this was what Hedgecock was alledging.

[Mrs.Liberty]

Our local Congressman Duncan Hunter (R) (San Diego) was able to get air support from Colorado, Wyoming and North Caroline ( think NC was the 3rd one).

[Pest]

Hannity was speculating yesterday that Bush isn't sending help because Davis hasn't asked for it. Legally, the Feds can't send help unless it's requested by the Governor.

[Conservativegreatgrandma]

Yes, I heard part of it. If true, all those who have been involved with preventing the use of the planes should be tried as accessories to murder: let the juries sort them out.

That's exactly what I was thinking. This is serious, serious business and if true, this needs to be shouted from the rooftops. We certainly can't expect the media to do it.

[Eric in the Ozarks]

A lack of common sense is why he got fired.

[John Jorsett]

In what way is Hedgecock treasonous?

[Southern_Republican]

I know that the NC Air Guard is sending a couple C-130's this morning.