If the government trusts them, maybe I could
When one of my friends mentioned that it was Fleet Week in San Francisco, and that the Blue Angels would therefore be coming to town, I immediately got on the highest horse I could locate on such short notice. “It’s unconscionable,” I complained. “Does it make any sense for jet fighters to fly in close formation above a densely-populated city? No, it does not. Can you imagine if an accident happened? I don’t think I could ever watch the Blue Angels. I’d feel horribly guilty.”
By the time I wound up in San Francisco this afternoon, I had forgotten this conversation entirely. So it came as a complete surprise when, as I walked south along the Embarcadero, I heard a thunderous roar overhead. Looking up, I saw four jets arcing through the sky in a diamond formation, maybe a half-wingspan apart; they swung out over the water, then curved around and flew over the Financial District.
I still think it’s completely reckless to conduct an air show above downtown San Francisco. However, I am forced to concede that it is also totally awesome.
7 October 2007 7:08 PM
Comments
And think of the environmental impact! All that fuel that they are using for no good reason. And yet, I have to agree on the awesomeness.
Posted by Elizabeth on 7 October 2007 8:19 PM
From the linked SF Chronicle article: "As far as pollution concerns, the team said its planes use biodegradable, paraffin-based smoke." Well, okay then!
Posted by Jeff on 7 October 2007 8:50 PM
They DO look awesome, but they still terrify me. And it's unfortunate the Blue Angels visit the same weekend the bluegrass festival is held because, inevitably, they will blast overhead just as someone hits a sweet harmony.
Posted by Jenn on 8 October 2007 8:20 AM