Navy tells SF to Stuff it - YEAH

[Rustler]

I can't believe the government actually did this... I'm impressed!!

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/state/20061202-1237-ca-navywarship.html

SAN FRANCISCO – The U.S. Navy has rejected plans to commission its newest and most powerful warship in San Francisco because of concerns that the city doesn't support the military.

Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter vetoed plans this week for a commissioning ceremony for the Makin Island in San Francisco, said retired Marine Corps Maj. Gen. J. Michael Myatt, chairman of the citizens' commissioning committee.

Instead, San Diego will host the ceremony in which the crew formally takes charge of the ship, Myatt said. Navy leaders were concerned about San Francisco's refusal to offer a homeport for the retired battleship Iowa, which would be turned into a museum, as well as the school board's decision to abolish junior ROTC training in city high schools, Myatt said.

Some city politicians also have publicly criticized the Pentagon. In one instance, Supervisor Gerardo Sandoval said national defense should be left to “the cops and the Coast Guard.”

Myatt said the Navy had mistaken the views of some political leaders for the views of the majority of Bay Area citizens.

The last ship to be commissioned in San Francisco was the frigate McCampbell in the summer of 2002.

 

[Henry Bowman]

You could also look at it as SF got their way and intimidated the Navy.

 

[Durruti]

Yeah, I mean that is what San Francisco wanted. I wish I could order government agencies around like that.

 

[MatthewVanitas]

In one instance, Supervisor Gerardo Sandoval said national defense should be left to “the cops and the Coast Guard.”

Bet we could find a lot of Libertarians on the board who would back that...

-MV

 

[CAPTAIN MIKE]

What OTHER Govt Agencies Could Say "No Thanks" ?

I like it -- the Navy says "stuff it" to San Francisco.

Let's see.....What OTHER agencies and arms of Government might be willing to leave the high real estate prices, high cost-of-living, cold weather and pathetic local politics of San Francisco???

 

[High Planes Drifter]

I dont think the powers-that-be in SF are really all that broke up about this news, if you get my drift. For the most part, the population of SF is living in its own world.

 

[Kali Endgame]

IMO the only time the US Military should be in SF is during Fleet Week when they spray mind control gas through the contrails.

kidding

 

[50 Freak]

I live in SF and I for one am pretty sad about this. There are a lot of ex-military people here. The street I live on are littered with old geezers that are WWII and Korean vets. I don't think their too happy about this. Can't blame the Navy though.

My Dad is pretty pissed that they stopped ROTC. He says that was a big factor in his life when he grew up in SF. Said it did wonders for him.

 

[cbsbyte]

Its more likley that SF council told the Military to Stuff it. The Navy backed off on having their commissioning in SF fearing a reprisal by SF.

 

[Car Knocker]

Its more likley that SF council told the Military to Stuff it.

Apparantly not:

The Navy recommendation for the Makin Island went up the chain of command early this fall, only to be rejected earlier this week by Winter's office. The secretary's office did not return calls Friday seeking comment, but other military sources indicated that the Navy had in fact vetoed San Francisco as a venue for commissioning the Makin Island.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/12/02/BAGE2MNTQK1.DTL

 

[Aguila Blanca]

Myatt said the Navy had mistaken the views of some political leaders for the views of the majority of Bay Area citizens.

Last time I checked, the political leaders were the candidates who received the most votes. If the political leaders in SF don't represent the views of the majority of Bay Area citizens, how did they get in office and why are they still there?

 

[cbsbyte]

The majority of people in SF don't care for the military. That was proven when the city council banned ROTC in the city. Not too many people protested the action.

 

[ryoushi]

I was up in San Francisco in October for the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival in Golden Gate Park. It was also Fleet Week that weekend. The concert crowd was typical Bay Area Gentry and every time the Blue Angles would buzz the park all these middle aged hippies would shake their fists or worse at the streaking FA-18s prompting many of the performers to whip the crowd up with an anti Chimpy McHaliburton rant. They won't miss the Navy a bit.

A pox on that beautiful, self absorbed, over indulgent, frivolous city.

San Diego on the other hand is a fine city. So many military people have settled in that area they really have become a huge part of the culture of the area. They will give that new ship and her crew the reception they deserve.

 

[orionengnr]

Aguila, did you not get the part where about 40% of the population votes?

So it is not what the majority thinks, it is what the majority of those that vote think...unfortunately :banghead:

 

[Thefabulousfink]

orionengnr,

If they can't be bothered to vote, then I doubt they care what the Navy does or dosn't do in their city.

 

[pcosmar]

I wonder how much it will cost them. Plenty I think.
While living in the Keys, I enjoyed the Bike show every year. Some folks didn't like the noise and crowds, they almost shut down the event one year. I cost the city several $$K, They welcome the bikers now.

 

[otasan]

SF

My first trip to San Francisco was in early October 1975. My ship was returning from an extended deployment in Japan, and we parked at Fisherman's Wharf.

It was the first time that I had seen a part of the lower 48 in 10 months, and the city was magical. I remember the street cars, Chinatown, Russian Hill, TI, Alcatraz, AuGate, the pyramid, Kezar Stadium, etc.

It used to be a great city. I recall a friend telling me how crowds would stop and admire the Big E as she sailed out of the bay.

Now, I wouldn't go there unarmed. The city has poisoned itself.

Such a shame.

 

[Art Eatman]

Interesting. Justified. OT. Take it to APS.

Art