Open Letter To Rep Pelosi: Re: Military Transportation Request

[Robson]

Open Letter To Nancy Pelosi....

We depend on you to make more of a difference not more of the same. OK I don't know all the circumstances here. I do know that the media (CSPAN & CNN) is beginning to make an issue over your request for regular military transportation between DC and California for you and your family. Perception becomes reality, and perception of elitism is not good even by the Speaker.

One thing that all elected representatives must understand is that you work for us, and need to experience the same problems that we all experience. Commercial air transportation is a big pain in the butt for most of us and you need to experience it to understand just how we are treated as cattle. You need to have contact with real people on these planes who can make face to face comments. Worst of all for American democracy is isolation of its lawmakers. Those willing to run for office must understand that there will be heavy demands. For those who can't take the heat of the commute, then get out of the fire.

I hope that you reconsider this request for military transportation as it will only undermine and deflect from Democratic intiatives. With all due respect I fully understand and empathize with your request. Now you need to understand how millions of American road warriors who deal with this problem weekly view it.

[matt819]

1. Excellent

Send it to the papers, to her office, etc. Your points are all well taken and very sensible.

[babylonsister]

2. I just googled Pelosi + military transport and got all these r/w hits!

Is there a valid source for this info? I also heard this on CSPAN this a.m., but am just wondering how truthful that is. It'd be suicidal for her to even suggest it; I can't believe she doesn't realize that.

http://news.google.com/nwshp?ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&tab=wn&q=Pelosi%20%2B%20military%20transport

[bluerum]

3. I cannot believe that she would just pull this out of her hat one morning.

My guess is that she has received some kind of threat and is taking precautions.

[Robson]

5. Security is a consideration

I had that same thought also. If true it should be made public in a way to defuse this. However the perception that the request is from elitism and convenience of Congresspeople and their staff and families is not good for America or for the Party.

The perception of elitism is what I heard from both sources today. (Lou Dobbs and CSPAN Washington Journal). Both said that they thought it was foolish of her to have requested this.

[VP505]

4. Really bad idea

I can understand the justification for having this travel option available, but there is no way that this can be done that it won't backfire,look bad and cause Pelosi more grief than it's worth in so many ways. Sometimes it's better to deal with inconvenience and maintain your integrity, I agree that this is definitely one of them.

[wain]

6. Amen

Something happens when a pol gets power in DC. They're in a world of their own - not ours. If you're not a millionaire when you get there you will be when you leave...

:-(

[Alamom]

7. CNN: Since 911, the Speaker has been given extra security,

particularly in flying due to being 2nd in line for the presidency. They said Hastert used the priviledge of military flights ONLY for government business... :eyes: No personal use.


I don't have a link and this report seemed a little short on facts.
I heard it once.

It makes sense to me to provide military flights & security for the Speaker when she travels on government business & if these trips are public knowledge. I would be surprised if Madame Pelosi asked for more unless there have been threats.

The reporter said the Speaker's safety is considered as important as the top two. :evilgrin: :evilfrown:


edsp

[The Wielding Truth]

8. Here ya go......

http://www.washtimes.com/national/20070201-122225-1157r.htm

Mrs. Pelosi's request is not new for a speaker, who is second-in-line in presidential succession. A defense source said the speaker's regular access to a military plane began after the September 11, 2001, attacks. Rep. J. Dennis Hastert, Illinois Republican, who was speaker at the time, started using U.S. Air Force planes for domestic travel to and from his district for security reasons. A former Hastert aide said the congressman did not use military planes for political trips or regularly transport his family.
The defense source said Mr. Hastert requested a plane with good communications so he could conduct legislative business. The military flights increased to the point the speaker used a military plane for many, if not all, flights to his Illinois district, the former aide said.
Sources said Mrs. Pelosi's request goes beyond what Mr. Hastert received. The speaker's legal counsel is spearheading the talks.
An aide to Mrs. Pelosi, who asked not to be named, confirmed yesterday that discussions are ongoing with the administration. "It would be done for security reasons," said the aide, adding that the speaker has used military aircraft for at least one trip back to San Francisco.
The aide asserted that the administration was using a Washington Times reporter, in effect, to negotiate with the speaker's office by leaking information about Mrs. Pelosi's request. Asked if the speaker was seeking increased access to military planes, the aide took the question, but did not call back.
A Pentagon spokesman referred questions to Mrs. Pelosi's office. A White House spokeswoman said last night she had no information on the request.
The rules for congressional travel on military aircraft are contained in Defense Department Directive 4515.12.
Congressional access to military passenger jets is generally restricted to official trips abroad, or for domestic flights to military bases or events to which the Pentagon invited the lawmaker. Al Qaeda attacks on the U.S. changed the procedure in the case of the speaker.
U.S. Air Force travel for VIPs such as members of Congress is first-rate. The planes are staffed with stewards

[DURHAM D]

9. I think national elected officials have always flown on

military flights. They have always been able to catch a ride if the flights were already going somewhere they wanted or needed to go. This is not a big deal.

How do you think all of the Senators and Congresspeople get to Iraq, etc.

And, for security reasons and because Pelosi is number #3 I don't think she should ever fly commercial. How else should she get home - train?

[Alamom]

11. You are correct. This has been done for decades, DOD Support for Travel,

I couldn't find anything official changing the rules for the Speaker after 911, but obviously, it was done and accepted for Hastert. I also agree, Speaker Pelosi's safety is of the upmost importance. I guess we'll hear more if she is asking for extended priviledges not covered in the 1964 DOD rules.



SUBJECT: Department of Defense Support for Travel of Members and Employees of the CongressReferences: (a) DoD Directive 5148.5, "Assistant to the Secretary of Defense (Legislative Affairs)", November 13, 1961(b) DoD Instruction 4515.3, "Reimbursable and Nonreimbursable Travel by Military Aircraft," October 11, 1954



It is the policy of the Department of Defense that support for approved travel of members and employees of the Congress shall be provided on an economical basis (1) upon request of the Congress pursuant to law or (2) where necessary to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the Department of Defense. The DoD support for travel of members and employees of the Congress shall be based upon consideration of the following factors:4.1. The necessity for the presentation to the Congress of the legislative program of the Department of Defense and for responding to inquiries from and cooperation in investigations by the Congress with respect to the Department of Defense.4.2. The contribution that Department of Defense support for travel of members and employees of the Congress may make to the Defense effort and to the exercise by the Congress of its responsibilities in connection therewith.4.3. Prudent utilization of Department of Defense transportation resources.4.4. Ensuring that travel of members and employees of the Congress is sponsored by the Department of Defense only where the purpose of the travel is of primary interest to, and bears a substantial relationship to programs or activities of the DODD 4515.12, Dec. 12, 1964
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
Non-Official Passengers

5.5.1. DoD policy prohibiting accompanying travel of dependents of Department of Defense personnel on military carriers is equally applicable to travel of dependents of members and employees of the Congress. Exceptions to this policy may be made in the case of dependents of members and employees of the Congress (a) by the Secretary of a Military Department in the case of travel authorized under subparagraph 5.2.3., above, and (b) by the Secretary of Defense in all other cases, to permit dependents to accompany their principals with or without reimbursement on either sponsored or nonsponsored travel when essential to the proper accomplishment of the mission, desirable because of diplomatic or public relations, or necessary for the health of the individuals concerned. Reimbursement, when appropriate, will be made at the same rate applicable to the principal.5.5.2. Dec. 12, 1964

[salin]

10. was Hastert refered to as "representative"?

Small quibble - but shouldn't this be addressed to "Speaker Pelosi"? As it would have been to in passed times to Speaker Hastert, Speaker Gingrich, Speaker Foley, Speaker Wright, and my fav of my political awareness Speaker O'Niell?

[Robson]

12. You are correct

Speaker Pelosi is the official title. On the other hand she and her peers each are our representatives in Congress. They aren't royalty with special royal titles.

We all should remind them of that little fact at every opportunity. Sitting next to her or her peers in an airport or airplane is a good time to do that. They need to be kept grounded in the real world with which we each must deal every day, and the trend in this regard is not our friend. They are increasingly becoming more isolated from our world.

There was a time not that long ago when Secretary of States and Supreme Court Justices drove themself and then walked to their office. Now they are treated as royalty and surrounded by security. I see the need for security as vicious cycle that becomes an excuse to isolate us from them. You may disagree.

[salin]

13. I get the grounded part,

but there is something so significant in the role that she plays (second in line to succeed the presidency) - and the first time a woman has risen to a very high place of poower - that even in a serious objection - one shouldn't dismiss the significance of her role - lest one wants to unintentionally suggest that it is easier to dismiss a woman in such an imp role than it is a man in that role.

I do not question your challenge (indeed I started my post with "a little quibble") - but just the address of Pelosi.

This has nothing to do with other 'perks and priveledges' - but a point of respect that has been traditionally (not just recently) given to this position and shouldn't be ignored now that the Speaker is a woman - even if that isn't the reason the address is ignored.

Btw - 20 years ago when i worked in DC it was common for SC Justices to be shuttled around town in limos. Granted two decades, in the spector of history is a 'time not that long ago' - but it isn't a recent phenom. Even back then it wasn't considered new, so I guess that it has gone back awhile. However I don't think that is as much priveledge as it is security in the post 60s assassinations of the Kennedys and the attempt on Ford and Reagan in the 70s and 80s. A very sad commentary as to the why of the seperation - but nonetheless it DOES have the affect of isolation from the general public a you suggest.

[DURHAM D]

14. You started this thread and continue to beat a dead horse.

Using military flights has gone on for decades. If our congresspeople could do use these flights they would not be able to get back to their districts and meet with the folk. Your issues are bogus - what else you got to trash Dems with?

[Robson]

15. Sorry - that's my view

I explained my opinion on it. Unless the request is explained to Americans in a credible manner under the light of public scrutiny day it will discredit the efforts of the Democratic Party. If you disagree, obviously that is your prerogative.

[partylessinOhio]

16. Pelosi continues to act as if she is some sort of royalty. She is setting a

bad example. What is the difference between free military flights and free private corporate jets?

Her cozy behavior with * this weekend was beyond sickening. I will no longer even give her the benefit of the doubt.