SAM 324

Found this touching contribution to Short Final on AVWeb:

The fallen Betty Ford was returning to Grand Rapids for the last time. Her remains were abord a beautiful United States Presidential airplane painted blue and white. The airport was closed to all other traffic for 30 minutes. Airliners waited patientally on the ground and some in a hold over the GRR VOR. As Ms. Ford's plane, SAM 324, landed, they were cleared to taxi all the way to the end, in front of a thousand people. The tower frequency was absolutely silent.

One unknown airline pilot, in a low, respectful voice, said, "Rest in peace, Mrs. Ford."

After a short pause and in a slow, measured response, the Presidential plane's pilot identified himself:
 

"SAM 324."

This really choked me up and had to share.

The Debt Ceiling

We live in scary times where the dumbest of the dumb appear to be the ones in control and the intelligent and informed are shouted down. Made up history, made up facts, made up laws, made up constitutional wording, have all become facts to the lemmings who are too stupid or too young or both to recall history as it really happened.

The profoundly stupid things being said by the Republicans about the debt ceiling is extremely scary so I'd like to remind them of what their hero said about the debt ceiling:

Congress consistently brings the Government to the edge of default before facing its responsibility. This brinkmanship threatens the holders of government bonds and those who rely on Social Security and veterans benefits. Interest rates would skyrocket, instability would occur in financial markets, and the Federal deficit would soar. The United States has a special responsibility to itself and the world to meet its obligations. It means we have a well-earned reputation for reliability and credibility – two things that set us apart from much of the world.

If they allow the United States to fail to pay its bills by not raising the debt ceiling our economy will make will look so bad the Great Depression will be viewed as good times.

What a Solemn Day

Last night I lost my Aunt Lu.

She was always a joy to be around. A warm, funny, quick witted, light up a room sort of woman. She and her husband, my Uncle Syl, are always in the happiest of my memories. (Even if ya did burn me with a cigar Uncle Syl. LOL. OK, I kinda walked into it.) This is when it sucks being 3,000 miles away from family. Family I would love to be with right now to share and listen to stories of the life and the lives this amazing person touched.

I love you Aunt Lu. I'll miss you.
Rest in Peace Lucille Helen Zabrouski-Sammartine