OK, I don't use these pages to dwell much on politics and current affairs since most folks don't really care what I think and I'm not out to change the hearts and minds of America. However, I will use these pages to highlight egregious errors or omissions, and the controversy around Pelosi One is just such an instance.
As I understand it, Nancy Pelosi (or her security detail) is claiming that she needs a larger plane than her predecessor because she can not get to San Francisco non-stop, and fueling stops are a security risk to the person who's second in line to the Presidency. The alternative plane seems to be a Boeing 737 outfitted with a full-time staff of 16, a shower, a game room, a bedroom, a conference room, full Internet connectivity, etc.
I have two objections to this. First, since when did a fuel stop at a military base (remember, this is a military plane so it isn't going to be stopping at your local general aviation airport en route to its destination) become a security risk? It has to be one of the safest places in the world to land a plane and have it serviced. So, this argument is specious.
Second, her predecessor used a C-20, also known as a Gulfstream III, business jet. This jet has a listed range of 4,050 statute miles. To be fair, this is probably a maximum range, and fully loaded with fuel and passengers the range will diminish a bit. However, the distance between Reagan National (DCA) and San Francisco International (SFO) is only 2,442 statute miles—well within the range and fuel safety margin of a fully-loaded C-20. So, again, this argument is specious as the plane in question can easily handle the demands of non-stop coast-to-coast travel.
To be clear, I don't object to her desire to fly non-stop—I have the same desire for all the business flying I do, too. But to couch the argument in false pretenses insults the intelligence of America and further diminishes her claims towards running the most honest House in history.
If the reporting on the aircraft type has been correct, then Pelosi's desire for a larger plane is nothing more than an ego-trip at taxpayer expense. San Francisco (and America) deserve better.
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