(Democrat) Political donors rode in Guard jets (Indiana)

Louisville Courier Journal ^ | Aug 11th, 2003 | AP

[12B]

INDIANAPOLIS — The leader of the Indiana National Guard has approved F-16 fighter jet flights for several Democratic contributors or activists since Gov. Frank O'Bannon tapped him for the post.

The Indianapolis Star reported yesterday that in the 21 months since O'Bannon, a Democrat, appointed Maj. Gen. George A. Buskirk Jr., Buskirk has allowed 11 civilian flights — most of them for major Democratic contributors or activists.

By contrast, only about half the number of Indiana civilians flew in nearly twice the time under Buskirk's predecessor. And only two of them had donated to Democrats.

Buskirk told the Star that there was no connection between donations and the flights on the $21.2 million jet.

[thegreatbeast]

This should just be plain forbidden. These dickwads don't own these jets. The taxpayers do, and we shouldn't be contenancing crap like this.

[Atchafalaya]

Had a high school bud who flew Navy and it was great while he was still in training. I was in school in New Orleans and he was in Kingsville, Tx. He'd call and I'd pick him up at NAS Alvin Callender (Belle Chase); we'd spend a weekend chasing the usual suspects and he'd fly out Mon. AM early. He then went to NAS Oceana and would call; I'd meet him and his RIO and the marathon was on. He would bring me fresh lobster (20), real maple syrup, a couple of hams, and I would send him back with fresh shrimp, crabs, and a pile of boudin. That F4 must have smelled like Esteche's shrimp dock at Grand Isle. I busted his balls to give me a ride in the Phantom but no joy. He was right; If I'd sat in the back as his RIO the wings would have fallen off and some accident investigator would have asked "and just who in the &*&* are you and how in the &*&* did you get here"? I still want a ride; big, noisy, smokey, balls to the wall plane. We made fun!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hey Pat, can I get a lobster?
'

[The Duke]

Given the fact that we have allowed political contributors to take a joy ride in a nuclear attack sub (The USS Greenville) and pilot it into a ship full of Japanese students (killing two, as I recall), why the hell not?

The USA has degenerated into a nation of infantile children, partying under an umbrella of nuclear deterrance bequeathed to us by a former generation who, I have little doubt, would see us with a strange mix of pity and contempt!

[M.K. Borders]

Hey, I got one better than that.

How about a prominet businessman who had been retired from the Guard for well over 15 years, making a $60K donation to the winning candidate for Govenor, and being made the Adjutant General! (2 stars).

[concerned about politics]

Given the fact that we have allowed political contributors to take a joy ride in a nuclear attack sub (The USS Greenville) and pilot it into a ship full of Japanese students (killing two, as I recall), why the hell not?

And Billary Corruption raped us taxpayers "big time" selling seats on our plane - Air Force One. She robbed us blind, and put the cankered cash right into 'ol crusties oraface.

[fnord]

ah, I remember the short reign of Jack Elrod

This is what passes for scandal in Indiana, I guess

[Blood of Tyrants]

Rats don't do this type of thing. Must be some kind of muistake. (/sarcasm)

[GOPJ]

Will the New York Times care about Democrats getting a free ride? Nah, the Times gives 'em a free ride too...

[Mr. Bird]

Part of me thinks this is no big deal. It happens everywhere, at every level, with liberals and conservatives. I suppose you could ban the practice, but there are legitimate reasons for certain civilians to experience things like this.

The best thing to do, in my opinion, is to take these matters into the voting booth at the next election. If you think it's a corrupt endeavor, vote the culprits out. If you don't, don't.

[Fudd]

I busted his balls to give me a ride in the Phantom...

A friend used to be a crew chief on A-7's in the ANG, and was assigned another job when the unit transitioned to F-16's. He told me that the only time a crew chief was given a ride was when he retired.

The next best thing, though, is a warplane ride. I got a (free) ride once in a prop trainer. Low pass (200 kts @20 ft), some hammerheads, rolls, loops, and other things you don't want to try in a C172.

[ChadGore]

They dispise the military, yet take joy rides while our boys are laying down their lives?

Deplorable.

[Mr. K]

These planes fly anyways- for training. I have no problem with people allowed to see what it takes to defend a nation.

As long as it is not too smelly, like oh, let me see.. SELLING LINCOLN BEDROOM OVERNIGHT STAYS FOR CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS.... (oopsie - that was a democrat.. so ssshhhhhhhhh!)

[oldironsides]

What was the finding on the submarine accident anyway? Was it a donor trip or just for everyone?

[wordsofearnest]

I spent a few weekends fishing at not so Grand Isle in 1977. Worked for Exxon and we could stay in the bunkhouse and eat in the mess hall. Good fishing. Redfish and specs.

[buzzsaw6]

Before WW2, most Guard General officers were political hacks. When the war came, many were sacked or given stateside duty. After the war, that practice slowly abated. Now, roughly 25% of the Colonels and above in the Guard are there because of their political connections. MG Buskirk is an example of a Guard officer buying himself the office. In sum, he is a hack and God help anyone who has to go to war with him.

[buzzsaw6]

As a young (31 y.o.)1st Lt,I received a ride in an F-16. Best video game ever. I was at McConnell AFB, KS in '89 and Maj Jim Appleton took me up for a spin. I was a student at the ANG's follow-on Air Weapons Controller School. We did a fly-by for some deceased Vietnam Vet's wife in Liberal KS and then went to the range over west Kansas for some 1 v 1 intercepts. Pulled 8.1 G's and never got sick. I shoulda been a pilot.

[CyberAnt]

"no connection between donations and the flights"

I don't object to the flights because it is the congresspeople who have to approve for these dollars to be spent and maybe they rightfully should be able to get a ride in equipment they approved.

The main problem I have is that people are allowed these flights based on their donations.

And .. in order to be fair - then all flights should be stopped.

[rdb3]

[2Jedismom]

F16s fly over my house all the time. I hear them coming and stand out in my yard watching them fly over.

I would just LOVE to fly in one! I doubt I'll ever have enough money to donate to deserve a ride, though. :-(