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Letters
Letters: June 8, 2007

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Readers react to Blue Angels’ foes

I find it interesting and somewhat amusing that Supevisor Chris Daly continues to occupy himself by looking for just one more perceived offense to his sensibilities, now citing the annual Blue Angels air show as “dangerous and unnecessary” (“Daly backs move to ground Angels,” June 7).

However, it’s obvious he uses this event to mask his real motivation of objecting to anything supporting the U.S. military, acknowledging the service of our servicemen and women, or supporting any display of national pride.

It wasn’t enough that the board stood by and indeed encouraged the dismantling of our high school JROTC program, depriving hundreds of young people of a program where they could develop life skills emphasizing teamwork, respect and responsibility. Now that they have teamed up with Code Pink, et. al., to try to cancel the annual air show.

Until San Franciscans wake up to the fact that The City is now firmly controlled by the fringe left, we can expect more of the same. I wonder if they would prefer to invite Hugo Chavez and the Venezuelan air force to perform instead.

John Peloquin

The City

Supervisor Chris Daly wants to ban the Blue Angels because he says they are “dangerous and unnecessary.” The crack and smack dealing in Daly’s District 6 is even more dangerous and unnecessary.

After nearly six years of Daly as supervisor, the district is still a drug-infested mess. I suggest Crusading Chris turn his attention to the urine-soaked and trash-strewn sidewalks of his district, rather than looking to the skies to ruin Fleet Week for an entire city.

Paul Kim

The City

I was shocked to hear that Chris Daily might make a motion to ban the Blue Angels from performing in San Francisco. I voted for Chris Daly but I find that I cannot support him anymore. If he does go forward with this bill I will work with his opponent to defeat him in any election campaign for any office he seeks in the future.

We are all against the Iraq war, but do not confuse the Blue Angels with that failed policy. The Blue Angels and Fleet Week are a way to honor the men and women who serve and die for our country.

Nick Acosta

The City

Thank you, Supervisor Daly! These flights scare our dogs and intimidate some immigrant populations.

There is a real danger to our safety as well. The South Carolina Blue Angels crash is a very real threat and a warning to San Francisco. Only the pilot was killed in Beaufort, but that certainly would not be the case in San Francisco.

I have great respect for the military, even when I think they are doing the wrong thing (Iraq, Vietnam, Cambodia, etc.) but I think we have other ways of showing respect.

Doug Comstock

The City

Supervisor Chris Daly, along with support from an anti-capitalism, pro-socialist organization such as Code Pink and Global Exchange, wants to end the Fleet Week air show by the Blue Angels.

Of course the initiative is veiled in a concern for public safety and fuel economy, but the real agenda is a classic expression of left-wing disdain for the military and the adolescent belief that somehow John Lennon’s “Imagine” will come true in a world of jihadists, despots and multinational calculation.

It appears that it is OK to express one’s outrage at the military through symbolic gestures protected by our laws and military, yet to demonstrate support for same is not permissible by the elitists of the left.

What is it about murderous dictatorships and failed socialist governments do they not understand?

Matt Mitguard

The City

What a disappointment it would be for the city of San Francisco if the Blue Angels air show is canceled in October.

If this is about “air danger,” who is to say that one of the many commercial airplanes that fly over The City each day wouldn’t also pose the same problem?

We also should be sure that no private airplanes fly over The City at any time — including the news helicopters that hover over breaking news stories. Statistically we might want to examine the incidence of helicopter crashes versus Blue Angel crashes.

Whether we are pro-Bush or anti-Bush, the Blue Angels as a part of Fleet Week are the draw that bring folks together to honor our military. The spirit along the Marina Green on the weekend of Fleet Week and the diverse number of people that it draws is a testament to this fully inclusional city.

Let’s not change something that has become valuable. Let’s honor the Blue Angels and all the military by continuing to welcome them to San Francisco.

Cathy Mustacchi

The City

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