The graphic (website) version of this newsletter can be accessed at:
http://pages.prodigy.net/rockaway/newsletter401.htm
Quote of the Week: "Where was the Congressman when the issue began in
2001,
seven meetings were held, only one in Delaware County."
Democrat Pennsylvania candidate for congress, Joe Sestak, talking about
Republican in***bent U.S. Rep. Curt Weldon (R., Pa.) who "says" he is
strongly against the Airspace Redesign Plan for Philadelphia Air****t.
Weldon
re****tedly is behind.
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Aviation Conspiracy Newsletter
#401.........................................................................November
5, 2006 Past newsletters can be accessed at:
http://pages.prodigy.net/rockaway/ACNewsmenu.htm
The PASSUR air****t
flight
tracking system at many major U.S. air****ts
http://www.passur.com/sites.htm
(you must have Java installed to view it). If you want to get the
newsletter
sent to you every week, sign up to AviationWatch. Bill Mulcahy
rockaway@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Out Aviation Sup****ters On Tuesday!!!
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As Bill Sees It: (Editorial) Election Tuesday Is Time To Throw Out
Scoundrels: The people of Delaware County in Pennsylvania are discovering
what many other communities have discovered, and that is that the FAA
lies
about air****t noise impacts. No doubt some of the politicians at the
meeting
(Rep. Weldon Rep. PA) pictured on left and Rep. Mica below) were running
for
reelection and trying to appear to be on the doomed communities side
before
the election. Just watch the speed that the politicians who have sold them
out turn on them once election day is over. Air****t Noise Law Site Is
Back:
When it comes to controlling air****t noise the hypocrisy of lying
politicians becomes more apparent. Even though the Noise Control Act of
1972
states that "The Congress declares that it is the policy of the United
States to promote an environment for all Americans free from noise that
jeopardizes their health or welfare," NOISE CONTROL ACT of 1972
http://home.netvista.net/hpb/
See How Your Senator Voted On The Airspace Redesign Scheme: This scheme
was
hidden in the FAA reauthorization H.R. 2115 (Aviation Investment and
Revitalization Vision Act ). You can see how your Senator voted by going
to
this site. Don't vote for anyone who has sold your quality of life and
health out to the aviation industry!
FAA Diversion: Using Runway Near Collisions To Push For Runway "Safety"
Extensions: Leave it to the FAA to never miss a trick to extend runways so
they can accommodate larger, noisier planes. In response to recent major
incidents at air****ts where planes nearly collided the FAA diverts
attention
away from their screw-ups by news releases about the need for 1,000 foot
safety extensions on air****t runways!!! Something that has nothing to do
with runway plane collisions. I believe these "soft concrete" safety
extensions are just a prelude to hard concrete and longer runways for
larger
planes. The FAA, like their victims, never sleeps.
Delaware: Congressman Heckled At Airspace Redesign Oct. 18th Meeting:
RIDLEY
PARK - Angry residents fought against protocol at an official meeting of
the
House Subcommittee of Aviation, chaired by Rep. John Mica (R-Fl.), on the
proposed FAA airspace redesign plan. Mica repeatedly called for order
while
around 150 residents from across Delaware County cheered, clapped, heckled
and demanded answers at a public hearing in Ridley Park Oct. 18. Rep. Curt
Weldon (R-Pa.), County Council Chairman Andy Reilly, Rep. Tom Gannon
(R-161), and representatives from FAA and the Philadelphia International
Air****t discussed the proposed plan, which would affect five air****ts in
Northeastern States. Local representatives and residents strongly oppose a
piece of the plan, which would allow low-flying planes to bank directly
over
Delaware County rather than gain altitude over the Delaware River before
turning, as they must do now. The meeting was off to a tense start when
Rep.
Mica began by congratulating Charles Isdell, the director of Aviation at
the
Philadelphia Air****t, on the speed with which the air****t had begun
construction on the controversial Runway 17-35 Project.
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17397928&BRD=1725&PAG=461&dept_id=45529&rfi=6
FAA, NTSB "Investigating" Near Disastrous Recent Runway Errors: A spate of
errors involving commercial jets on runways and taxiways in the past week
have prompted two investigations by U.S. aviation authorities, who say
they
are concerned that such incidents could have deadly consequences. The
mistakes occurred a few months after the August crash of a Comair regional
jet whose pilots tried to take off from the wrong runway at the Lexington,
Ky., air****t. The crash killed 49 people on board. The recent series of
events started Oct. 28, when a Continental Airlines jetliner landed on a
taxiway instead of a runway at Newark Liberty International Air****t. Two
days later, an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 took off from the wrong runway
in
Seattle. On Tuesday, a Lufthansa jumbo jetliner's wing clipped that of an
empty Continental plane on a taxiway, also at Newark International. No one
was injured in the three incidents. Investigators are particularly
concerned
about how a Continental Boeing 757 with 148 passengers landed on a taxiway
instead of a runway at Newark Liberty International Air****t about 6:30
p.m.
Oct. 28. The pilots had been instructed to use an electronic beam from one
runway to guide them on their descent toward another runway for landing,
the
officials said.
http://www.wa****ngtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/11/03/AR2006110301586.html
FAA Push For Runway "Safety" Extensions: More than half of U.S. commercial
air****ts don't have a 1,000-foot margin at the end of a runway, an overrun
area the federal government says is needed as a safety zone, according to
a
new re****t. Some of the busiest air****ts in the country -- including Los
Angeles International Air****t, Chicago's O'Hare International Air****t --
have more than one runway that doesn't meet safety standards, according to
statistics supplied by the Federal Aviation Administration. Miami
International Air****t, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Air****t,
Key
West International Air****t and Palm Beach International Air****t each have
one runway that is deficient in the length of its runway safety areas, FAA
spokeswoman Kathleen Bergen told The Miami Herald. For Fort
Lauderdale-Hollywood, Key West and Palm Beach, an environmental impact
study
is underway to come up with alternative ways to meet the 1,000-foot
requirements, Bergen said.
http://www.dailybreeze.com/news/nationworld/articles/4566211.html
@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Aviation News Stories This Week
Iraq And Philadelphia Air****t Involved In Delaware Congressional Race
Curt Weldon, Joe Sestak face off at Drexelbrook debate
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17323856&BRD=1725&PAG=461&dept_id=45529&rfi=6
By Dan Russo, STAFF WRITER 10/13/2006 Email to a friendPost a
CommentPrinter-friendly UPPER DARBY - As Curt Weldon and Joe Sestak were
about to take the stage at Friday's debate, the excitement surrounding the
political face-off at the Drexelbrook Banquet Hall mirrored the football
frenzy that came two days later when the Eagles and Cowboys collided on
the
field.
Hundreds of people waited in line for several hours to get into the packed
space. Weldon, a Republican who has been in office about 20 years, began
wrangling over the issues with Sestak, a Democrat who is running for
office
for the first time.
CBS-3 anchor Larry Mendte moderated the debate which lasted about an hour
and a half. Both candidates were given time for opening statements. They
then fielded eight questions from a panel of local journalists, followed
by
a closing statement.
Opening statements
Sestak emphasized his time spent growing up in Delaware County with six
sisters and brothers. The former vice admiral was accepted into the U.S.
Naval Academy in 1969.
"I'm an O'Hara boy, son of an immigrant," said Sestak.
Calling the invasion a "misadventure," the candidate was critical of
Weldon's vote to sup****t the Iraq war, and other votes to sup****t
presidential policies, including spending bills which created "nine
trillion
in debt from a surplus."
"That's what's at stake in this election a new direction," said Sestak.
Weldon referenced his own childhood growing up in Marcus Hook, where he
volunteered with the fire company and eventually became mayor.
Weldon talked about his role helping to expel motorcycle gangs and other
criminal elements from his town. He also spoke about his work helping
Sacred
Heart Hospital in Chester with programs for the poor.
Weldon also mentioned his work to promote jobs growth, and touched on the
fact that his opponent has only recently returned to the congressional
district after over 30 years in the military.
"I know this county like a glove," said Weldon. "I've been aggressive on
your behalf."
Question 1: Iraq
Sestak mentioned his role helping to plan for operations in Afganistan
and
said he did not sup****t President Bush's decision to go into Iraq.
"Iraq was never a clear and present danger," said Sestak. "I never would
have voted for this war."
Sestak said he would sup****t a plan that created a concrete date for
withdrawal of all American forces. Sestak said the tax money being spent
in
Iraq could be used instead to invest at home.
"The trickle down policy of Curt Weldon and the president have affected
our
district," said Sestak.
Weldon discussed his role as vice chairman of the armed services
committee.
He recounted that the Iraq war was the result of "failed diplomacy."
"There were 19 separate [United Nations] resolutions," said Weldon.
Former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussian refused to allow weapons inspectors
into
the country, Weldon said, making the situation a potential threat
internationally.
Weldon criticized Sestak for coming out against the war only after he left
the military. He mentioned the case of a U.S. Army general involved in
planning for Iraq that resigned as a way to show his disapproval.
"General Nubar resigned rather than sup****t the war," said Weldon.
Weldon said he believed U.S. forces could eventually leave Iraq when Iraqi
forces took over security duties. He does not sup****t setting a concrete
exit date, saying it would only bolster terrorists.
"To cut and run is a mistake," said Weldon
2. Illegal immigration
Weldon began by saying the current presidential administration has not
done
well regarding its responsibility to regulate immigration, citing the
estimated 11 million illegal immigrants in the United States today.
"I respect the president, but I disagree with him on this," said Weldon.
He also criticized former President Clinton for giving four million
illegal
immigrants citizen****p in 1996, saying this undermined the law.
Weldon said he has sup****ted an immigration reform bill in the house which
has twice failed because of the Senate's lack of sup****t.
Weldon would first sup****t the effort to seal the border to further
illegal
migration, and then afterwards explore policies on how to deal with the
illegal immigrants already here.
"I'm not against a guest worker program," said Weldon. "We are a loving
nation. We want them to come here legally and not reward illegal
behavior."
Sestak criticized congressional attempts to pass a bill which would fund
building a wall across the southern border. He instead advocated using
technology, such as the military's unmanned survelliance planes, to cut
down
on the flow of illegals.
"We've gone from 3.5 million illegal immigrants to 11.5 million now," said
Sestak, who faulted the president for inaction on the issue.
Sestak said he would sup****t the effort to seal the border to illegals,
and
would then want to investigate a possible guest worker program for the
ones
already here.
3. Women at work
Responding to a question about continued unequal pay between men and
women,
Weldon said he sup****ts legislation to deal with the problem.
"We need to move Congress to to a women's fairness in pay act," said
Weldon.
Sestak criticized his opponent, saying he voted against bills which would
increase funding for health programs for uninsured children. He also said
Weldon has not done enough to keep the region's economy strong.
"We have 1,600 people every year not filing with the IRS because they're
leaving the district," said Sestak.
Weldon vigorously challenged Sestak's critical claims about his voting
record. Weldon said he sup****ted the Family and Medical Leave Act, and has
worked with Cheney and Villanova University to increase educational
op****tunities for people, particularly African Americans and women.
"When he says I've voted against progress for women, that's hog wash,"
said
Weldon.
The in***bent then stated his opinion that since Sestak hasn't lived in
the
area for many years, he does not know key people or information.
4. Trans****tation
Weldon decried earlier highway building efforts, such as the design of
the
Blue Route in the 1970s
"We had a former [Democratic congressman] who allowed a bottle neck on the
blue route because he caved to Swathmore," said Weldon."
The in***bent said he has served on a trans****tation bill panel, and
sup****ts greater federal funding to area roads, and public trans****tation.
"The bottom line is we need a mass trans****tation system," said Weldon.
"As
long as I'm in Congress, I will make sure that Amtrak [and other mass
transit networks] receives funding."
Sestak cited the failure of a proposal for a rail line connecting
Philadelphia and Reading as evidence that not enough has been done on
roads
and transit issues.
"You have been there for 20 years Mr. Weldon," said Sestak. "What have you
done to fix that? We need accountability in Congress."
Sestak said if elected he would establish both short term and long term
energy plans. He also vowed to get funding for SEPTA and other transit
agencies.
5. Roots in the district
Sestak addressed Weldon's past criticism that he maintains residency
outside the state, and said his ties to region are strong even though he
was
away for a long time.
"Through absentee ballots, I voted here," said Sestak. "Do I have a home
in
Virginia? Yes. I bought it when I worked at the Pentagon. I use it for my
daughter's medical care."
The challenger discussed values he learned in the military, and his pride
in
serving.
Weldon emphasized his dedication to the region. He told the story of his
part in fighting an oil tanker fire on the Corinthos in 1975.
"I put my body between the refinery and the ****p with hundreds of other
volunteers," said Weldon.
The in***bent said he was taught to give back to the community and wasn't
using his office for anything other than public service.
"When it comes to helping the poor, I went to Congress poor and I'll die
poor," said Weldon. "I don't own a share of stock and I never will. This
district is who I am. I know the people."
6. The Air****t
Weldon said he was fighting the Federal Aviation Administrations plans
for
the Philadelphia Air****t which have increased noise and air traffic over
Delaware County.
"We're going to fight the FAA," said Weldon "You'll have the toughest
fighter in America on your side. I'm sure we'll have good news for you
hopefully before the election."
Weldon mentioned his successful effort to keep the V22 Ospery program
running at Delaware County's Boeing plant.
Weldon also mentioned that the day of the debate, Oct. 6, the Marine Corps
was mandated to improve its helmets by installing an insert that he pushed
for.
Sestak said Weldon was too late in trying to do something about the
air****t's plans. The challenger said Weldon should have done something
much
sooner.
"Where was the Congressman when the issue began in 2001," said Sestak.
"Seven meetings were held, only one in Delaware County."
Sestak said he also had a role in the development of the V-22 Ospery
Program
while working for the Clinton Whitehouse on Navy related issues.
7. Education
Sestak said the sweeping federal education bill known as No Child Left
Behind has left a burden on local schools.
"I liked the idea, admittedly, but they under-funded it by 40 billion,"
said
Sestak. "I want to go to Wa****ngton and vote different."
The candidates also sparred over college funding, with Sestak accusing
Weldon of voting for a law that cut federal aid to college students
through
low interest loans. Sestak said more education costs should be taken on by
the federal government.
Weldon disputed the attack on his education record, and said he had a
habit
of sup****ting bills to help education.
"In six years, I increased federal education spending by 45 percent," said
Weldon
8. Immigration part two
A panelist cited recently enacted laws in several small towns including
Hazelton, Pa. to penalize landlords and employers who rent or hire illegal
immigrants.
The candidates were asked whether local municipalities should be able to
take actions like this to stop the quality of life issues caused by
unchecked immigration.
"I really believe it's a federal issue," said Weldon. "I believe it's an
issue where our president is dead wrong."
Weldon said he hoped people would help get the immigration bill he
sup****ts
passed.
"I would encourage the towns to use their influence in convincing the
Senate," said Weldon.
Sestak echoed his opponent's view that immigration regulation should be
left
to the federal government. He sharply criticized the president for not
also
targeting the employers of illegal immigrants.
Sestak said that since the beginning of Bush's time in office only four
companies have been penalized for hiring illegal immigrants.
Closing
Sestak claimed that Weldon only voted to increase the federal minimum
wage
until after it was tied to a tax cut for the wealthy. He said he wanted to
be elected so he could institute a positive change.
"We need leader****p that is not rubber stamped or super glued to the
president," said Sestak.
Weldon said he has had a good track record of helping workers. He cited
his
recent role in helping to avoid a strike at Boeing during union contract
negotiations.
"What I've done by my career is bring people together," said Weldon. "I'm
bullish on this district. I'm bullish on this county and I'm bullish on
America."
Sestak and Weldon mingled with a mix of volunteers, voters, and fellow
candidates in other races before parting.
The debate was televised on PCN and Comcast. Viewers can still see the
debate tonight at 8 p.m. It is also available through Comcast On Demand.
Both campaigns have since released written releases disputing statistics
cited or statements made during this debate.
ŠNews of Delaware County 2006
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