Hey, That Extravagance of Power Was Different!

Nancy Pelosi wants a military plane provided to her for use as a state transport plane while traveling around the country (and presumably, world) in her duties as Speaker of the House. What's her request? A C-32 aircraft from Boeing (757). Why in one nation's name would she want that beast?

Simple. She needs a plane that can accomodate herself and ten guests (specifically related to her duties, or family), and that can fly cross country (Washington to California) without refueling. Based on the reasoning for providing former Speaker Hastert the same accomodations (Sept. 11th, and successor to the President and Vice President), this hardly seems unreasonable. Not the C-32, mind you, but an aircraft that meets these requirements. If the only one that fits the bill is the C-32, then what is the issue?

We all know that Bush mysteriously disappeared on Sept. 11th leaving us to cry for our lost (some would say fortunately), but the overall point is that we were without a leader when our nation needed one most. In order to prevent that from happening on a more long term basis, it only makes sense to protect Ms. Pelosi in whatever manner is deemed necessary in a worst-case scenario.

Naturally though, the Republicans are bawking. It's not necessary to protect the Speaker, especially in this modern age. I mean, seriously, what's the worst that could happen? It's not like there are terrorists running around everywhere killing people randomly.

Wait... What's that you say, Fox News? There ARE!?! Aww crap. There goes that one, I guess. But then, maybe Fox is just one of those liberal media stations. That must be the answer.

The problem is not that Ms. Pelosi doesn't need the aircraft. Honestly, I can't say for sure whether or not she does. I'd need to have detailed specs on the array of eligible military aircraft, and the actual stated requirements from Ms. Pelosi's camp. But who are the Republicans to claim foul on a tradition they established, being the party of "Extravagance of Power." Oh, that's right, they're Republicans.