Don’t fault the newspaper. It’s simply a symptom of a much larger disease.Actually, “Seattle Times” was all we needed to know. Or perhaps just “Seattle.”
In what other American city would you find a large bronze statue of Lenin?
Don’t fault the newspaper. It’s simply a symptom of a much larger disease.Actually, “Seattle Times” was all we needed to know. Or perhaps just “Seattle.”
Much of this thread seems to be bunched undies over a fairly random guy’s opinion.
Both teams fly planes that are currently in production. They fly older jets from the series, but can swap them out for newer ones when needed.This may be fairly self-limited: the planes the Blue Angels and T-birds fly were first flown over 40 years ago. Maybe newer jet trainers will be used in the future but I doubt, for example, that F-35’s will be filling the role. It won’t be long before this is somewhat akin to cavalry horses in parades: patriotically reminding us of a past time.
There seem to be a fair number of people thinking about the Seattle Times' bunched undies as well.You seem to be spending a lot of energy thinking about other people's bunched undies.
Actually, in this day and age, it's hard not to be thinking about all the selective outrage being intentionally stirred up by many, many people on many, many issues, to drive others' beliefs. Trying to point it out predictably gets one flamed - a key part of the process.You seem to be spending a lot of energy thinking about other people's bunched undies.
I had to go look that one up. Sounds like it’s a piece of private property on someone’s private property. While I don’t agree with apparently showing support for someone as nasty as Lenin, I’d say it’s a testament to the First Amendment, which permits free speech even when I don’t like what’s said. It’s like flying a Confederate flag on your own private property.In what other American city would you find a large bronze statue of Lenin?
The comments on the Article in the Times website are far more diverse than POA. Obviously the majority of this group supports the Blues. People in Seattle seemed to be split 50/50.I'm only here fore the comments. Some dang good ones so far.![]()
If by "worse" you mean an awesome display of power then I agree.Back when we had 12 Prowler and 8 A-6 squadrons it was worse than it is now.
In 1995, I camped for a few nights near Deception Pass while on a motorcycle ride. Turns out the A-6s were doing night patterns that week.If by "worse" you mean an awesome display of power then I agree.
Bumper sticker seen in Oak Harbor: "See the jets? Hear the noise? Get used to it!"
Nauga,
and the low altitude Deception Pass
As mentioned at that link, zany sculptures are a feature of the Fremont District of Seattle.I had to go look that one up. Sounds like it’s a piece of private property on someone’s private property. While I don’t agree with apparently showing support for someone as nasty as Lenin, I’d say it’s a testament to the First Amendment, which permits free speech even when I don’t like what’s said. It’s like flying a Confederate flag on your own private property.
That statue reflects the individual, not the city.
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Statue of Lenin (Seattle) - Wikipedia
en.m.wikipedia.org
You are free to not visit my hometown if you wish.Let's honor the past, but bid farewell to Seattle.
…and Florida Man is a feature of Florida…FIFY.
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Oh, I guess you're right. I was thinking in an air show context - I've been to Annapolis many times but have never seen them perform during those ceremonies.Don't the Angels always perform in Annapolis for USNA graduation?
As mentioned at that link, zany sculptures are a feature of the Fremont District of Seattle.
First, it's NOT like flying a Confederate flag in Seattle. If you fly a Confederate flag in Seattle, at the least, you will have demonstrators and haters targeting you. It would most definitely be torn down. Your house may be attacked. The police will not be allowed to protect you.I had to go look that one up. Sounds like it’s a piece of private property on someone’s private property. While I don’t agree with apparently showing support for someone as nasty as Lenin, I’d say it’s a testament to the First Amendment, which permits free speech even when I don’t like what’s said. It’s like flying a Confederate flag on your own private property.
That statue reflects the individual, not the city.
![]()
Statue of Lenin (Seattle) - Wikipedia
en.m.wikipedia.org
I have no use for the modern jet teams either. I don't understand the appeal of the noise nor the setbacks that diminish viewing points for all the other acts in the show as well. For me they could all be cancelled, never return and I'd enjoy the airshows much more.Apparently I’ve been exposing my self to a health / environmental hazard for years without knowing it.
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Let's honor the past but bid farewell to the Blue Angels | Op-Ed
Let’s honor the past and define the future. Thank the Blue Angels for their service and past shows, say goodbye and move on to healthier fun.www.seattletimes.com
Leslie Nielsen was classic in that movie.This will fix the problem.
Although some people might pull an Admiral Benson and swallow them.
View attachment 132156
I have no use for the modern jet teams either. I don't understand the appeal of the noise nor the setbacks that diminish viewing points for all the other acts in the show as well. For me they could all be cancelled, never return and I'd enjoy the airshows much more.
That said, I don't write opeds and complain. I just put in earplugs, take a nap and get rested to go to SOS later.![]()
Well Said (From another Old Guy, born the Day after Pearl Harbor)I'm old.
When I was a kid, formation flights of F-84s then F-86s flew out of Stewart Air Force Base, weekly, up and down the Hudson Valley and all over upstate.
They would fly intercept missions against B-50s, then the B-47s and eventually the B-52s from the bomber bases around the country as they simulated attacks on NYC.
Every Memorial Day, July 4th, and Veterans Day they would fly out in massed formations, "showing the flag" as they used to call it.
When we heard them coming houses would empty out and people would cheer as they flew past.
We had a bunch of WWII Army Air Corps, guys on my street, a P-38 pilot with 45 missions next door to me, 2 B-17 guys who had 93 missions between them and a guy who flew the Hump for 4 years are the neighbors I remember. And my Dad, who built airfields and fuel storage facilities for Chennault, before we even got into the war, and then with the Army Corp of Engineers until January of '46. And Mr. McCarthy. He flew Spads in France in WWI. Navy, Army, Marines and Coast Guard, they would all meet at the corner, each holding a glass. Someone would bring a bottle of scotch, pour out a libation to each and they would toast the planes when they flew past. Kids would cheer and wave flags, people would clap and wave.
When the sound finally vanished, they would shake hands and drift off to whatever events were planed for the day.
When we stopped "showing the flag" to mollify the critics something important was lost in this country.
In my humble opinion, we are much worse off for it.
FIFYWhen we stopped being civil to our fellow We the People citizens, even when we disagree with them, something important was lost in this country.
In my humble opinion, we are much worse off for it.
And you have every right to do so in this Land of the Free. Just as the author, who spent 30 years defending your/his/our right to do so, does. And, yes, people have the right to insult him for exercising his rights.on the rare occasion when I venture into Fremont, I roll down my window, give a short horn beep, stick my arm out as far as possible, and give Lenin a stiff public flip-off
I'm old.
When I was a kid, formation flights of F-84s then F-86s flew out of Stewart Air Force Base, weekly, up and down the Hudson Valley and all over upstate.
They would fly intercept missions against B-50s, then the B-47s and eventually the B-52s from the bomber bases around the country as they simulated attacks on NYC.
Every Memorial Day, July 4th, and Veterans Day they would fly out in massed formations, "showing the flag" as they used to call it.
When we heard them coming houses would empty out and people would cheer as they flew past.
We had a bunch of WWII Army Air Corps, guys on my street, a P-38 pilot with 45 missions next door to me, 2 B-17 guys who had 93 missions between them and a guy who flew the Hump for 4 years are the neighbors I remember. And my Dad, who built airfields and fuel storage facilities for Chennault, before we even got into the war, and then with the Army Corp of Engineers until January of '46. And Mr. McCarthy. He flew Spads in France in WWI. Navy, Army, Marines and Coast Guard, they would all meet at the corner, each holding a glass. Someone would bring a bottle of scotch, pour out a libation to each and they would toast the planes when they flew past. Kids would cheer and wave flags, people would clap and wave.
When the sound finally vanished, they would shake hands and drift off to whatever events were planed for the day.
When we stopped "showing the flag" to mollify the critics something important was lost in this country.
In my humble opinion, we are much worse off for it.
Yeah but the shows just aren’t there for the public’s entertainment. Showing what are tax dollars go for is just part of the demo team’s mission.I have no use for the modern jet teams either. I don't understand the appeal of the noise nor the setbacks that diminish viewing points for all the other acts in the show as well. For me they could all be cancelled, never return and I'd enjoy the airshows much more.
That said, I don't write opeds and complain. I just put in earplugs, take a nap and get rested to go to SOS later.![]()
Recruiting is at historical lows right now so air shows are more valuable than ever in recruiting the next generation.
No, but doing away with military air demo teams wouldn’t help matters either. Recruiting has roughly a $4 billion dollar budget. The demo teams make up a fraction of that so in my opinion, it’s money well spent.Retention is also low. Somehow I don't think a lack of airshows is the reason in either case.
No, but doing away with military air demo teams wouldn’t help matters either. Recruiting has roughly a $4 billion dollar budget. The demo teams make up a fraction of that so in my opinion, it’s money well spent.
I also think there's another intangible benefit to having these demo teams perform, intentional or not.No, but doing away with military air demo teams wouldn’t help matters either. Recruiting has roughly a $4 billion dollar budget. The demo teams make up a fraction of that so in my opinion, it’s money well spent.
I also think there's another intangible benefit to having these demo teams perform, intentional or not.
Having the Navy and Air Force very publicly demonstrate such a disciplined and precise routine sends a message to current and potential adversaries. It is one convenient package that shows our technology, coordination, resources, and the skill set possessed by our airmen and support crew. If we can maintain such an incredible display, consistently, many times per year with a revolving set of pilots and crew, it really says a lot about our military capability. At least I think it does.
Sure, and I maintain that this is an unintended benefit if it's not an actual part of their mission statement. And perhaps very intentional that they don't demo current tactics or weaponry.It's a nice thought, but I'm skeptical of it. The demos do not involve actual tactics, convey nothing about precision weapon delivery, are flown with outdated equipment, etc., etc. I don't think the demos really say much about real military capability. Nor should they; the less an adversary knows about our true capabilities the better.
As I said, I think the demos should continue, but I see the value to be primarily in public relations.
Well sure, the things you mention are important considerations for ADULTS considering a life in the military. But the shows are to start a spark in a young person who isn’t thinking about money or QoL. The shows are designed to “inspire.” That word is mentioned on both demo teams websites.Maybe. I see the demo teams as quite valuable for public relations, keeping up overall public support for the military and raising awareness. I'm not sure they're very effective recruiting tools, though. Things like pay, quality of life, advancement opportunities, training, etc., probably have more to do with recruiting and retention than seeing fighters in a diamond formation.