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McCook Gazette
Letter to the Editor

Pricey choppers

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Dear Editor,

I'd like to address a couple of things that I have been thinking about lately.

First, how many of our readers are aware of the fact that our government financed the purchase of 28 helicopters, originally priced at $6.1 billion, to fly our president on his trips? The price now is $11.2 billion. Some of the fleet have broken down. At present, we have an existing fleet of 19. We have been replacing some "choppers" since 2002.

First off, our president ought not need such a large fleet of helicopters. How about a common trip of 10 minutes to and from Andrews Air Force Base. Big fleet needed?

Incidentally, the British have bought the same base model helicopter for $57 million each. It is said Congress and the Pentagon are reviewing the program to try to cope with the contract growth. I wonder!

We need to contact our U.S. Reps in Washington and see if they could get some changes made.

Another concern is ... why are our Supreme Court judges appointed for a lifetime? This ought not be. We have term limits on governors, senators and our president. Why should the hat be tipped for the judges?

Again, write to our "Reps" there in Washington. They like to hear from "we the people." it helps them to make decisions.

Esther Wissbaum,

McCook

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Note: The nature of the Internet makes it impractical for our staff to review every comment. Please note that those who post comments on this website may do so using a screen name, which may or may not reflect a website user's actual name. Readers should be careful not to assign comments to real people who may have names similar to screen names. Refrain from obscenity in your comments, and to keep discussions civil, don't say anything in a way your grandmother would be ashamed to read.

  • For what it is worth, the basic helocopter, like the Brits purchase, are beefed up in armor, power, and equipment (the type you will never hear about), so that we are not looking for a new President every few months. Pricy, Yes, but worth it, no matter who is President.

    The Consitiution does not make Supreme Court appointments for 'life,' but for a period of, I believe the term is: 'good, or acceptable conduct.' The President, and Congress may fire any Justice deemed to not be following the Constitution. Honest (OK, I paraphrased a bit).

    Ironically, I have learned more about the Constitution, especially the Christianity in the Constitution, from the History channel, and from TBN Christian television, watching the 'American Heritage Series.' If you receive TBN, watch that program. It will open your Christian eyes.

    Our 'Reps' are in Washington 'Representing' our Constitutional Will. Don't believe me? Ask any Representative. What they do not tell you is that they think we are so stupid, they have to decide what we want, or trully need, then, do that which they wanted to do in the first place, never, giving credence to what we say we want. That is why every Rep. must complete a 'special' course of instruction, prior to taking seat in office. They learn quickly to 'play the game,' and forget their promises. Enough said.

    Wow, I only expected to say about ten words.

    Vote, for knowledge, and ability to represent with leadership, but vote. This may well be the most important election we voters have ever participated in for 232 years, even more important than the Declaration of Independence.

    To one and all, Shalom in Messiah. Arley Steinhour

    -- Posted by Navyblue on Wed, Jul 23, 2008, at 5:11 PM

  • Your point about the reps thinking we are all stupid and that they need to think for us....well good ol Adrian Smith has it back asswards...he's the one that is stupid, another Virginia Smith, do no thinking for yourself, only the party line, straight down the center of the party line road, do not do anything for your constituants only the party line! This guy will probably get re-elected for years to come, by just being a no mind and going straight down the party line. As far as the copters, doesn't surprize me at all that W would be wasting money on numberous birds to fly him around, I would think 2 or 3 would be plenty. If I remember correctly they are buying the copters from a foreign country to boot! What ever happend to buying American!!!! What's a few more million on the trade deficit and the national debt.

    -- Posted by goarmy67 on Wed, Jul 23, 2008, at 9:59 PM

  • A follow up on our great rep. he voted against a bill today that even W said he would sign, help for the housing problems. But the great and almighty GOP said na-na and of course Adrian voted na-na, what an independent thinker he is!

    But in step with his fearless leader, George W said aboard Air Force One, on June 4, 2003....

    "I'm the master of low expectations." I'm sure that Adrian will following in W's footsteps with ease, cause that's what we have with him...low expectations!

    -- Posted by goarmy67 on Thu, Jul 24, 2008, at 10:45 PM
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