End of Story

If I were Louie, I would hold a press conference with a giant 36″ x 48″ glossy of that photo as a backdrop, pound the podium, and declare, “it was worth it.” That is one spiffy photo. Good work by our flyboys in snapping that pic.

In all seriousness, I think the outrage over this was a bit absurd. I understand the 9/11 dynamic – same city, similar scenario, same time of day, etc – but if the mere sight of a jet that looked like a passenger jet, escorted by two fighter jets, was enough to send people into panic mode, then we have other issues. I’m just glad that this happened under the current administration, rather than the former. If this happened under President Bush, there would have been people with torches and pitchforks storming the White House. The press coverage would still be round the clock, with Olbermann et al demanding resignations, impeachments, investigations, et cetera.

That is not to say it was bad judgment to not inform the cityfolk. Were the feds afraid that someone was stockpiling stinger missiles in their Manhatten loft and would shoot it down?

The bad judgment on one side, and the exaggerated outrage on the other, makes this one of those incidents that can make one embarrassed on behalf of one’s country.