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US accused of annexing airport as squabbling hinders aid effort in Haiti
Quote:
The US military's takeover of emergency operations in Haiti has triggered a diplomatic row with countries and aid agencies furious at having flights redirected.
Brazil and France lodged an official *protest with Washington after US military aircraft were given priority at Port-au-Prince's congested airport, forcing many non-US flights to divert to the Dominican Republic.
Who do you think has controlled this government for decades? This morning on CNN Clinton and Bush were together when Clinton made a faux pas and said "WE" when referring to "changes" that will result from the earthquake in Haiti. Instead of referring to Haiti directly and saying "THEY" will have to change some things, he instead said "WE are going to have to change some things", just like we changed Presidents there under Clinton.
This should be no surprise that the U.S. is treating this like the invasion of Iraq, its how this country does things.
Here's a possible solution to this crisis, this whining and moaning, and nobody would like it. The U.S. halts all flights in, and pulls all equipment and personnel out to say, GITMO, for a couple of days. Let the Frogs and the Brazilians move their own equipment and personnel in, let them do the heavy lifting for a change. Turn the Carl Vinson around, carry the choppers away. Turn the hospital ship around, too. Then let's see how long the damned bickering would last.
I was going to make a more elaborate comment, then I noticed the Haitian government gave control of the airport to the US military;
Quote:
Originally Posted by Guardian
The Haitian government, paralyzed by the destruction of the presidential palace and ministries, signed a memorandum of understanding formally transferring control of Toussaint L'Ouverture airport to the US.
Still, the military has trained soldiers that specialize in building airports and roads, and most of our military aircraft were designed to land on short and crappy (i.e. dirt) runways. I suspect the same of European countries, since they use most of the same model aircraft. Build a couple of temp runways..
Here's a possible solution to this crisis, this whining and moaning, and nobody would like it. The U.S. halts all flights in, and pulls all equipment and personnel out to say, GITMO, for a couple of days. Let the Frogs and the Brazilians move their own equipment and personnel in, let them do the heavy lifting for a change. Turn the Carl Vinson around, carry the choppers away. Turn the hospital ship around, too. Then let's see how long the damned bickering would last.
Its humans just as it was in the in fight after Katrina. If we pulled put what point would it make other than we are terrible at proving a point on the deaths of people that needlessly died. Why so worried about what desperate epople or some nut cases are saying.UI guess we could stop unemployemnt to see if that makes people stop whinign too;but I doubt it.I call stupid suggestion.
There's a very good reason why we have to send the military into situations like this, they have the technology and wherewithal to install self sufficient systems and protect them.
I'm not sure how many such outfits they currently have but the Air Force used to have 5 Mobile Communications Groups, now called Combat Communications Groups. I know a bit about this because I spent 5 years in the 2nd MCG.
These units have; complete air traffic control equipment, including control towers, instrument landing systems etc, secure voice and data systems, command and control systems as well as portable generators to power them. All of this gear is mounted on trucks and trailers and, along with the trained personnel to set up and operate them are ready to get on C-130s or other appropriately sized aircraft to deploy on very short notice.
In any type of situation like this maintaining, or if necessary supplanting, civil authority is very necessary to prevent looting, rape, murder and other crimes that often accompany a complete breakdown in civl authority.
BTW, anyone who "invests" in gold as a "hedge against a complete breakdown in our society" need only look at this situation, or NO after Katrina to see that gold is not nearly as valuable as bottled water, emergency food supplies and some way to defend yourself and your loved ones.
Hillary Clinton was there a day or two ago and signed an agreement with whatever government official is still there giving our military control for an "indefinite time."
I think the real reason this gets publicity is that some newsies or celebrities got diverted so that aid flights could land. Why are so many news people going there, clogging up the airport, adding more mouths that have to be fed, housed and provided water? At least GHWB and BC haven't gone there yet with their entourages to clutter things up even more.
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