Feds “demanded total secrecy” in NYC flyover-we demand answers

By Doug Hagmann —— Bio and Archives April 29, 2009

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Having personally experienced the loss of law enforcement officers I knew rather well and knowing others in law enforcement who were forever affected on the morning of 9/11, I am mad as hell over the ill-conceived low-altitude flyover of the skies of lower Manhattan by an Air Force One lookalike and its F-16 military escorts that took place early Monday morning. Not only am I outraged, I want answers, if not for me, for every American and especially those who were forced to relive the fear felt on 9/11.

By now, everyone has likely heard the account of the White House “photo op” gone bad. If not, the official story is simple and brief., and readily accepted by most in the media without question. The back-up Air Force One, flanked by two F-16 fighter jets, flew at “near building height” over lower Manhattan on Monday morning, ostensibly so that Air Force photographers could take iconic pictures of the presidential plane using NY landmarks as symbolic backdrops. The problem, however, arose when no one bothered to report this event in advance to the public. The result was as predictable as it was shameful; the sighting of a large aircraft and military jets flying in close proximity to NY skyscrapers caused many to fear that another murderous attack was about to take place. Several of New York’s tallest and most prominent buildings, including but not limited to the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, the Woolworth Building, and other facilities were evacuated. People were running in the streets to escape from an anticipated impact. According to the official reports of this incident, Louis E. Caldera, director of the White House Military Office, “approved” this “mission” the previous week and has now fallen on his sword, taking full responsibility for this ill-conceived plan. Also according to official reports, commander-in-chief Barack Hussein Obama apparently did not know about the plan in advance, and only learned of the fallout from this event Monday afternoon, more than a few hours after the event. Nonetheless, he too is reportedly angry over the angst caused by this “mission.” Although I do not doubt the sheer stupidity and narcissism of political hacks inside the beltway, the “official line” has as many gaping holes as the U.S.-Mexican border. Apparently, the majority of the media continue to be too entranced by their infatuation with their American idol of a president to see the absurdity of this story and contradictions concerning this event. As usual, no one in the media is asking pertinent questions, and they sure aren’t demanding answers. So, please allow me:

Louis E. Caldera, director of the White House Military Office, publicly stated that he “approved” of a “mission over New York” and assumed full responsibility for the fallout it caused. If the plan did not originate with Caldera, who created the “mission” and where did it “originate?” According to a memo obtained by NYC CBS Channel 2, “Federal officials knew that sending two fighter jets and Air Force One to buzz ground zero and Lady Liberty might set off nightmarish fears of a 9/11 replay, but they still ordered the photo-op kept secret from the public.” Why? What was the motive? According to initial reports, federal officials failed to notify New York officials about this event (despite of the anticipated panic). However, subsequent reports indicate that some New York City officials were indeed notified, but were restricted under the severest of classification - the punishment of losing federal money - if anyone broke silence about this planned event. If this was indeed an innocuous photo-op as claimed, why the need for secrecy that includes those assigned to protect the city from enemy attack? Who was aboard the Air Force One lookalike? Please supply the passenger manifest. Several prominent buildings were evacuated by the perceived threat of a terrorist attack on lower Manhattan shortly after 10:00 AM Monday. According to official White House accounts, Barack Hussein Obama claims he did not know about this until later in the afternoon. Considering the national security implications, what was the reason for the delay? The “mission” was conducted at a reported cost of $328,835. is that a reasonable allocation of taxpayer money for a “photo-op?”

I want - no, I DEMAND answers. As Americans, so should you. Oh, for those who don’t consider this incident a big deal, here is sobering amateur footage taken in lower Manhattan Monday morning, courtesy of CBS Channel 2: