Not Yet Goose, It's Time To Buzz The Tower

In this case, the tower was the entire island of Manhattan, NY and the aircraft was Air Force One.

Most of us remember the images of 9/11, and those of us who don't we either not born yet, or just plain retarded. The events of 9/11 occurred nearly eight years ago, but the images are still fresh in the minds of many people, especially those who lost loved ones in the World Trade Center Towers.

Some people are still nervous about airliners flying at the standard prescribed altitudes, so imagine the shock and awe experienced by many at the sight of a 747 flying low and just over the skyline of Manhattan.

The United States Air Force was directed to get pictures of Air Force One flying by the monuments of the United States. This action was supposedly authorized be a high ranking official in the Department of Defense, but there was one small problem; the Mayor of New York was never notified, and as a result, neither were the people of New York.

So here we have people at work in the New York high rises, observing a jumbo jet airliner seemingly flying directly at them. The even forced an immediate mass exodus from the offices, and mostly likely cause a few first responders to poop in their pants. In short, the flight sent the entire island of Manhattan into a state of alarm.

Look, I am all for the photo ops, just like the next guy, but hey, we have to use a little common sense. New York City is already on pins and needles when it comes to dealing with air planes; why add to the fear?

Here is the bottom line America; the act in and of itself was totally insensitive. No two ways about it, the act was a truly boneheaded move. At an absolute minimum, the Mayor of New York should have been advised of this alleged photo op weeks in advance. Doing that would have allowed the Mayor to communicate with the residents of Manhattan and prepare them for the event. The Department of Defense, indeed the United States Military, and to a grander scheme the White House, are not above the law. No one in this country is above the law. Stunts such as that Top Gun Air Show Fly By should have been cleared through the local elected officials first.

Now, I am going to give credit where it is due. The President addressed the matter behind closed doors with the authorizing official. Although I feel that the President was correct in admonishing the one who authorized the fly by, I also think the President, in his capacity of Commander In Chief of the US Armed Forces, should issue a formal and unscripted apology to the people of New York. Perhaps make an impromptu trip to Manhattan and speak to the people directly. At least in doing so, the President will show that he is still in control of the United States Armed Forces, and he is truly concerned for the overall well being of the citizens of Manhattan.