Escorting president is risky business

[RamboLiberal]

http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061129/NEWS01/611290374/1001

They look glamorous from the curb, exciting and powerful as they race through a city with lights flashing, sirens blaring and a very, very important person waving from inside an armored limousine.

But presidential motorcades can be dangerous. The most recent reminder: the death this week of Honolulu motorcycle officer Steve Favela, who was injured while escorting President Bush during a brief stop en route home from Asia.

And accidents and injuries happen more often than most people realize.

First are the motorcycle officers, usually local police who block intersections along the route.

Once the motorcade passes them, they race ahead to block another intersection up the road. Rushing at speeds up to 85 mph or more, even well-trained riders can have trouble on wet pavement or curves.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

1. The death of the motorcycle cop was so sad, and so wasted.

I can't imagine risking a hangnail for Il Douche.

[damntexdem]

2. Think that's bad? Just imagine escourting ...

the daughters in Argentina!

[spillthebeans]

3. that kind of escort nt