Judicial Watch has uncovered documents that show how often Speaker Pelosi requests access to military travel to shuttle her family and her where ever she would like to go. Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton remarks that she uses the Air Force so often that she "treats the Air Force like her personal airline."
- In response to a series of requests for military aircraft, one Defense Department official wrote, "Any chance of politely querying [Pelosi's team] if they really intend to do all of these or are they just picking every weekend?...[T]here's no need to block every weekend 'just in case'..." The email also notes that Pelosi's office had, "a history of canceling many of their past requests."
- One DOD official complained about the "hidden costs" associated with the speaker's last minute changes and cancellations. "We have...folks prepping the jets and crews driving in (not a short drive for some), cooking meals and preflighting the jets etc."
- The documents include a discussion of House Ethics rules and Defense Department policies as they apply to the speaker's requests for staff, spouses and extended family to accompany her on military aircraft. In May 2008, for example, Pelosi requested that her husband join her on a Congressional Delegation (CODEL) into Iraq. The DOD explained to Pelosi that the agency has a written policy prohibiting spouses from joining CODEL's into combat zones.
- Documents obtained from the U.S. Army include correspondence from Speaker Pelosi's office requesting an Army escort and three military planes to transport Pelosi and other members of Congress to Cleveland, Ohio, for the funeral services of the late Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones. Pelosi noted in her letter of August 22, 2008, that such a request, labeled "Operation Tribute" was an "exception to standard policy."
- The documents also detail correspondence from intermediaries for Speaker Pelosi issuing demands for certain aircraft and expressing outrage when requested military planes were not available. "It is my understanding there are no G5s available for the House during the Memorial Day recess. This is totally unacceptable...The speaker will want to know where the planes are..." wrote Kay King, Director of the House Office of Interparliamentary Affairs. In a separate email, when told a certain type of aircraft would not be available, King writes, "This is not good news, and we will have some very disappointed folks, as well as a very upset [s]peaker."
- During another email exchange DOD staff advised Kay King that one Pelosi military aircraft request could not be met because of "crew rest requirements" and offered to help secure commercial travel. Kay King responded: "We appreciate the efforts to help the codel [sic] fly commercially but you know the problem that creates with spouses. If we can find another way to assist with military assets, we would like to do that."
Her sense of entitlement to the Air Force is shocking to say the least, but not surprising. Two years ago I criticized the Speaker for this kind of excess when I said she was drunk with power. Looks like she's still partying while the rest of America tightens its belt during this economic downturn.
She expects the military to be at her beck and call. One of the documents alludes to her booking aircraft numerous times just to cancel at the last minute, wasting taxpayer money. Another email tells us that if the Speaker didn't get what she wanted, she would throw a hissy fit, essentially.
Where's the media on this? As is typical regarding the Democrats the media are AWOL. The only outlet reporting on this so far is Fox News.
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Nancy Pelosi
Comments (32)
Who broke her broom?... (Below threshold)1. Posted by Korla Pundit | March 10, 2009 8:33 PM | Score: 9 (9 votes cast)
Who broke her broom?
1. Posted by Korla Pundit | March 10, 2009 8:33 PM |
Score: 9 (9 votes cast)
Posted on March 10, 2009 20:33
2. Posted by Stan25 | March 10, 2009 8:49 PM | Score: 6 (6 votes cast)
It is in the shop for repairs. She crashed it on takeoff when she went to the White House to bow before the "Messiah"
2. Posted by Stan25 | March 10, 2009 8:49 PM |
Score: 6 (6 votes cast)
Posted on March 10, 2009 20:49
3. Posted by Rolf | March 10, 2009 8:49 PM | Score: 2 (4 votes cast)
Shocking....What the....Oh never mind.
Bear Stearns is fine.
3. Posted by Rolf | March 10, 2009 8:49 PM |
Score: 2 (4 votes cast)
Posted on March 10, 2009 20:49
4. Posted by GarandFan | March 10, 2009 8:55 PM | Score: 4 (4 votes cast)
When Her Majesty commands, we must obey.
4. Posted by GarandFan | March 10, 2009 8:55 PM |
Score: 4 (4 votes cast)
Posted on March 10, 2009 20:55
5. Posted by glenn | March 10, 2009 8:57 PM | Score: 5 (5 votes cast)
All you folks who are surprised at this raise your hand.
5. Posted by glenn | March 10, 2009 8:57 PM |
Score: 5 (5 votes cast)
Posted on March 10, 2009 20:57
6. Posted by DaveD | March 10, 2009 9:01 PM | Score: 4 (4 votes cast)
"Who broke her broom?"
That's a good one. Wish I had thought of that.
6. Posted by DaveD | March 10, 2009 9:01 PM |
Score: 4 (4 votes cast)
Posted on March 10, 2009 21:01
7. Posted by glenn | March 10, 2009 9:01 PM | Score: 7 (7 votes cast)
And post comments on every newspaper website you can find. Especially the ones in blue states. Really gets 'em going.
7. Posted by glenn | March 10, 2009 9:01 PM |
Score: 7 (7 votes cast)
Posted on March 10, 2009 21:01
8. Posted by retired military | March 10, 2009 9:03 PM | Score: 6 (6 votes cast)
"All you folks who are surprised at this raise your hand."
Come on Glenn, is that fair?
Okay all you folks who are suprised at anything Pelosi, Reid and Obama do that makes them look drunk with power, raise your hand.
8. Posted by retired military | March 10, 2009 9:03 PM |
Score: 6 (6 votes cast)
Posted on March 10, 2009 21:03
9. Posted by glenn | March 10, 2009 9:11 PM | Score: 6 (6 votes cast)
Was calling President Bush Chimpy fair? Have I said anything negative about Queen Nancy? Do I care?
9. Posted by glenn | March 10, 2009 9:11 PM |
Score: 6 (6 votes cast)
Posted on March 10, 2009 21:11
10. Posted by Trump | March 10, 2009 9:23 PM | Score: 9 (9 votes cast)
It's a tribute to our military that they stand for this sh*t...
10. Posted by Trump | March 10, 2009 9:23 PM |
Score: 9 (9 votes cast)
Posted on March 10, 2009 21:23
11. Posted by JLawson | March 10, 2009 9:45 PM | Score: 13 (13 votes cast)
Heck, we'll have a plane ready for you at all times, Madame Speaker!
How about a C-130J, with TWO box lunches per person! And paratroop seating - if it's good enough for them, it's good enough for you!
Better dress warmly, though - the heating's better than on the H-models, but usually it's kept a bit chilly, since if you're shivering you're less likely to get airsick...
Toss in free earplugs, and you're good to go.
Have her do cross-country flights in a C-130 a couple of times, and she'll be GLAD to go commercial!
-------------
Why do I get the feeling she (and her staff, apparently) do not see themselves as public servants, but as rulers?
11. Posted by JLawson | March 10, 2009 9:45 PM |
Score: 13 (13 votes cast)
Posted on March 10, 2009 21:45
12. Posted by ODA315 | March 10, 2009 9:49 PM | Score: 6 (10 votes cast)
I got an idea.
Load the bitch into a C123, strap a T10 on her, then kick her ass out one of them lil' side doors at 10K over western Kansas.
Poor peeps on the ground will start looking for the flying monkeys to land as well.
12. Posted by ODA315 | March 10, 2009 9:49 PM |
Score: 6 (10 votes cast)
Posted on March 10, 2009 21:49
13. Posted by ODA315 | March 10, 2009 9:51 PM | Score: 6 (6 votes cast)
Lawson, a 123 makes ANY 130 look like a G5. Nancy only deserves the best we can afford.
13. Posted by ODA315 | March 10, 2009 9:51 PM |
Score: 6 (6 votes cast)
Posted on March 10, 2009 21:51
14. Posted by ODA315 | March 10, 2009 9:53 PM | Score: 7 (7 votes cast)
Ohhhhhh, better yet. How about giving her the green light at 900ft during spring weather conditions.
Hopefully her aids bring along a gross of puke sacks.
14. Posted by ODA315 | March 10, 2009 9:53 PM |
Score: 7 (7 votes cast)
Posted on March 10, 2009 21:53
15. Posted by Korla Pundit | March 10, 2009 10:11 PM | Score: 4 (6 votes cast)
Strap her to a JDAM and fire it at Hollywood.
Fast enough for you, Stretch?
15. Posted by Korla Pundit | March 10, 2009 10:11 PM |
Score: 4 (6 votes cast)
Posted on March 10, 2009 22:11
16. Posted by Brian | March 10, 2009 10:27 PM | Score: -12 (14 votes cast)
>Who broke her broom?
It is in the shop for repairs. She crashed it on takeoff when she went to the White House to bow before the "Messiah"
Stan, when someone says something funny, you're supposed to say, "that's funny." Not try to one-up them (and fail).
16. Posted by Brian | March 10, 2009 10:27 PM |
Score: -12 (14 votes cast)
Posted on March 10, 2009 22:27
17. Posted by JLawson | March 10, 2009 10:28 PM | Score: 5 (5 votes cast)
The C-123's no longer in use. Maybe they should dig one out of the Boneyard for Nancy's Personal Plane!
200 ft low level practice - across the country.
"Look outside, ma'am - we're flying through the Gateway Arch!"
She'd be pukin' before they're midway through Virginia.
17. Posted by JLawson | March 10, 2009 10:28 PM |
Score: 5 (5 votes cast)
Posted on March 10, 2009 22:28
18. Posted by Korla Pundit | March 10, 2009 10:29 PM | Score: 2 (6 votes cast)
You know, if you stretch some leather hide tautly enough over a thin, brittle frame, it would make a perfectly good glider.
An ugly glider.
An ugly, anti-Ameican, communist glider, to be precise.
18. Posted by Korla Pundit | March 10, 2009 10:29 PM |
Score: 2 (6 votes cast)
Posted on March 10, 2009 22:29
19. Posted by davidt | March 10, 2009 10:38 PM | Score: 4 (4 votes cast)
Didn't she get her own 'Air Force Three' when she became Speaker?
19. Posted by davidt | March 10, 2009 10:38 PM |
Score: 4 (4 votes cast)
Posted on March 10, 2009 22:38
20. Posted by Dov | March 10, 2009 11:08 PM | Score: 5 (5 votes cast)
And this is news ?
Pelosi has been trying to get this special plane for her "adoring constituents" for years. Ferry the Party from DC to Moonbat land and back at the expense of the taxpayers.
She's important. She deserves it
/sarc off
20. Posted by Dov | March 10, 2009 11:08 PM |
Score: 5 (5 votes cast)
Posted on March 10, 2009 23:08
21. Posted by Korla Pundit | March 10, 2009 11:11 PM | Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
Can we get her that plane from Airport '79?
Or maybe this:
21. Posted by Korla Pundit | March 10, 2009 11:11 PM |
Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
Posted on March 10, 2009 23:11
22. Posted by Korla Pundit | March 10, 2009 11:12 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
...ooh, that didn't work.
22. Posted by Korla Pundit | March 10, 2009 11:12 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on March 10, 2009 23:12
23. Posted by epador | March 10, 2009 11:36 PM | Score: 5 (5 votes cast)
I wouldn't want to waste her on a good 130 crew. I think she should switch over to the Army. I'm sure there are a few CWO's who would love to have her on board for a few hours in a C-12 or-23.
23. Posted by epador | March 10, 2009 11:36 PM |
Score: 5 (5 votes cast)
Posted on March 10, 2009 23:36
24. Posted by James Cloninger | March 11, 2009 2:04 AM | Score: 5 (5 votes cast)
Isn't she rich? Why doesn't she just buy/charter her own Learjet and crew herself, and save some tax dollars? If it's good enough for the Auto execs...
24. Posted by James Cloninger | March 11, 2009 2:04 AM |
Score: 5 (5 votes cast)
Posted on March 11, 2009 02:04
25. Posted by ODA315 | March 11, 2009 3:51 AM | Score: 7 (7 votes cast)
No no no James. Libs NEVER want to spend THEIR money, just ours.
25. Posted by ODA315 | March 11, 2009 3:51 AM |
Score: 7 (7 votes cast)
Posted on March 11, 2009 03:51
26. Posted by Oyster | March 11, 2009 6:08 AM | Score: 4 (6 votes cast)
This is a whole different ball game from her smug remarks last year about how she'd rather fly commercially because she didn't like "all the security" and preferred her "freedom". Even Tony Snow defended her at the time. But that was then and this is now and she's fully discovered her new-found power.
Did you read through those emails? What a mess.
26. Posted by Oyster | March 11, 2009 6:08 AM |
Score: 4 (6 votes cast)
Posted on March 11, 2009 06:08
27. Posted by TOhio | March 11, 2009 9:07 AM | Score: 4 (4 votes cast)
All this talk about CEOs and private jets, while Pelosi flies around in more expensive Air Force Jets!
Why hasn't the mainstream media exposed this? Ooooh...I fogot. They (CNN,MSNBC, ABC,CBS, NBC) are on Pelosi's side and would never, ever say or do anything to harm her or any other Democrat.
27. Posted by TOhio | March 11, 2009 9:07 AM |
Score: 4 (4 votes cast)
Posted on March 11, 2009 09:07
28. Posted by DSL | March 11, 2009 12:07 PM | Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
Here we go again! Memory lapse....do as I say not as I do.
I could have sworn only a few weeks ago the car companies were ridiculed over their private jets and wasteful spending.
28. Posted by DSL | March 11, 2009 12:07 PM |
Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
Posted on March 11, 2009 12:07
29. Posted by Travel Blog | March 11, 2009 2:10 PM | Score: 0 (2 votes cast)
Hahaha.. This is more like it, I mean how could the speaker request such things..? When in fact it is the taxpayer's money in the first place. Boohoohoo... This is more like it!
29. Posted by Travel Blog | March 11, 2009 2:10 PM |
Score: 0 (2 votes cast)
Posted on March 11, 2009 14:10
30. Posted by 2klbofun | March 11, 2009 3:48 PM | Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
Most. Ethical. Congress. Ever.
30. Posted by 2klbofun | March 11, 2009 3:48 PM |
Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
Posted on March 11, 2009 15:48
31. Posted by 914 | March 11, 2009 5:54 PM | Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
Burn Her at the stake.
31. Posted by 914 | March 11, 2009 5:54 PM |
Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
Posted on March 11, 2009 17:54
32. Posted by Jack Flannigan | March 15, 2009 7:34 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
A real news flash isn't it. Her highness Pelosi once again contradicts herself by scorning private jet use by execs. and yet she uses the military as a taxi service. She just does not get it - her hypocricy is like drool spewing from her mouth. Frankly, she should be invited to her own tar & feather party and afterward be feed to the vultures.(If even they would have any part with her)
32. Posted by Jack Flannigan | March 15, 2009 7:34 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on March 15, 2009 07:34