The nation, and even the world watched in horror as the story of the boy in the balloon, Falcon Heene, unfolded but especially those of us in Denver were troubled and mesmerized by the story because this was one of our own. The names and photos of places are familiar to us and somehow we all feel a bit more connected to the event because of that.
What a relief when the balloon had a nice soft landing, but then the horror and fear escalated when it was discovered that the balloon boy was not in the balloon. How could such a thing happen? Thoughts immediately went to the worst case scenario and the fear that there was no way this little guy could be alive was on everyone's mind.
Much to the relief of all, the little balloon boy was found safe and sound, in his own home, hiding in a box in the garage attic. Sounds like something a six-year-old boy would do, right?
But this morning, as the story is unfolding, doubts are cast as to whether or not the event was entirely staged. Little Falcon Heene stated on T.V. that "we did it for a show." Was this entire balloon boy story nothing more than a twisted publicity stunt?
At this point, no one knows, but if it is, what a colossal waste of this nation's money in a time when we really don't have money to waste.
Athe present time it is unknown how much the balloon boy has cost taxpayers. Hard figures include the Black Hawk in the air for three hours at a cost of $4,600 an hour and the smaller Kiowa helicopter that was in the air for 1 hour at the cost of $700 an hour. Between the two, the total cost $14,500 for just the helicopter piece of the "rescue." Obviously, there are other costs as well.
More financial figures for the cost of the balloon boy story will be shared as they become available.
Comments
I live in Denver and watched the news coverage in it's entirety. I'm glad Falcon is safe but the epilogue of this family's media craving behavior makes me sick. Denver Channel 7 website has video of balloon launch from family backyard. Contrary to what father said about being in the house, he was right there and watched as craft lifted off. Falcon is telling the truth, Dad is lying and should be arrested for false use of emergency personnel and shutting down Denver Airport for 3 hours. Even people who are lost in the mountains have to pay for search and rescue and so should the Heenes.
WW, I agree with you completely! It is one thing if the story is true. Crazy things to happen to innocent people. But what a horrible waste of funds if this was all a crazy, planned out thing. The good news is that I believe that a thorough investigation will take place and that some type of punishment will be enforced if it is found that the family staged the whole thing.
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