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Real Name: Chico Esquela Address: 23543 Avenue 56, Ducor, CA Biggest Butler Bldg=>TeePee Ducor, CA 93218 Cell: (esc)uch-enes Date of Birth: December 14, 1945 Member Since: July 31, 2007 Last Signed In: November 17, 2009 Profile Views: 2771 Blog Views: 24328 Are you Eloi or Morlock? 65 MPG Ford -- We Won't See It Here? Know Why? Gustavo -- Is God telling us to ignore the Republican Convention? Could it be a woman will show us the way? Vets for Freedom Ad -- One of the best I've seen....... Who will McCain choose? I just watched the Obama-McCain Saddleback Forum and......... The Obamasiuhhhh........... 10 reasons not to vote for him...... It really IS as simple as THIS............... Swimming & Drooling............ You Gotta LOVE This Dog! July 07 August 07 September 07 October 07 November 07 December 07 January 08 February 08 March 08 April 08 May 08 June 08 July 08 August 08 September 08 October 08 November 08 December 08 January 09 February 09 March 09 April 09 May 09 June 09 July 09 August 09 September 09 October 09 November 09 http://www.sounddogs.com/pr... 
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This is a disgrace!
Spitting on the Marines [Michael Ledeen]
Here is an e-mail from a Marine chaplain recently returned from Iraq. The story speaks for itself—lousy treatment of our troops at our own airports. He writes about Oakland, and while checking around I find that this is a common experience. I hope that one of our leaders will find a way to put an end to such behavior. Marines and Soldiers Returning from Iraq not allowed into Oakland terminal. On September 27th 204 Marines and soldiers who were returning from Iraq were not allowed into the passenger terminal at Oakland International Airport. Instead they had to deplane about 400 yards away from the terminal where the extra baggage trailers were located. This was the last scheduled stop for fuel and food prior to flying to Hawaii where both were based. The trip started in Kuwait on September 26th with a rigorous search of checked and carry on baggage by US Customs. All baggage was x-rayed with a “backscatter” machine AND each bag was completely emptied and hand searched. After being searched, checked bags were marked and immediately placed in a secure container. Carry on bags were then x rayed again to ensure no contraband items were taken on the plane. While waiting for the bus to the airport, all personnel were in quarantined in a fenced area and were not allowed to leave. The first stop for fuel/food and crew change was in Leipzig Germany. Troops exited the aircraft and took a bus to a reception area in the terminal, where there was a convenience store, phones, Internet and restrooms. As we excited the bus we were given a re-boarding pass. Three troops remained on the plane with the rifles and pistols. There was no ammunition on the plane and the bolts of the rifles had been removed. After about 2 hours troops re-boarded the plane and flew to JFK in NY. At JFK the procedure was similar to Germany, 3 troops stayed on the plane to guard weapons while the rest deplaned. At the gate we were each given a re-boarding pass and spent about 1.5 hours in the terminal, at which time we re-boarded and flew to Oakland. As we came in for the final approach to Oakland a Lieutenant who served in Afghanistan with the same unit in 2006 mentioned how when they landed in Oakland they were not allowed in the terminal. He said, “they made us get out by the FED EX building and we had to sit out there for 3 hours”. He also indicated he was almost arrested by the TSA for getting belligerent about them not letting the Marines into the terminal. Well the same thing happened again. This time we did not park by the FED EX building, instead we were offloaded near the grass that separates the active runway from the taxi ramp, about 400 yards from the terminal. When we inquired why they wouldn’t allow us in the airport they gave us some lame excuse that we hadn’t been screened by TSA. While true, the screening which we did have was much more thorough than any TSA search and was done by US Customs. Additionally, JFK didn’t seem to have a problem with our entering their terminal, nor did security in Germany. It felt like being spit on. Every Marine and soldier felt the message loud and clear, “YOU ARE NOT WELCOME IN OAKLAND!”
43 comments from 12 users
1
posted by
ChicoEsquela
on Sep 30, 2007 at 04:59 PM
What is this country (this state at least) coming to?
posted by
gsisola
on Sep 30, 2007 at 05:11 PM
That is total BS. These guys and gals are over there laying their lives on the line for "all of our freedom". We should be giving them each a hug and telling them how proud we are of them and most all THANK YOU !! Whether you agree with "the war" or "the administration" or whatever, that doesn't make any difference....... these are our sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, friends etc. They are fighting for *all of us* and we should never forget that, never !
posted by
ProgressivePete2
on Sep 30, 2007 at 05:17 PM
Sounds just like one of those millions of other fake stories carefully crafted for maximum outrage. Snopes.com has it in various forms.
posted by
drilnliftcrude
on Sep 30, 2007 at 05:20 PM
Yeah I read earlier today that the Port of Oakland authorities are blaming the troops and the airline, saying they didn't "communicate properly". Of course, there was no apology to the servicemen either. On the bright side, they didn't try to bus them, unarmed, to one of Oaklands famous bakeries
posted by
ChicoEsquela
on Sep 30, 2007 at 05:23 PM
Well, ProgPete says its all made up anyway, so no worries.....
(I'm sure the good Chaplain just made it all up) posted by
ProgressivePete2
on Sep 30, 2007 at 05:26 PM
Wikipedia has some interesting info about the author of this story. Yeah if this isn't a bogus story, I'll gladly retract what I said, but coming from a guy that was involved in Iran Contra, the Yellowcake forgeries, oh yeah, and he's an expert of fascism.http://en.wikipedia.org/wik... Here's a few quaint quotes from the author of your source (This guy doesn't give a crap about our brave men & women serving)
posted by
sagefever
on Sep 30, 2007 at 05:38 PM
I checked at the Oakland Tribune and could not find any back up for this story.Of course if this happened and happened how it is explained it is sad..however I suppose it's better than being on the runway for 10+ hours. This is all about how one views a situation, if indeed we can trust the source, and having had the "fun" of dealing with airport delays..my view was not so good towards the airport,airline or the TSA..not quite "spit on" but inconvenient at the least.
posted by
drilnliftcrude
on Sep 30, 2007 at 05:39 PM
posted by
sagefever
on Sep 30, 2007 at 05:47 PM
Like wiki~blogs have been known to be in *error*~ heck I've even made a few....*waits for this space to implode because of sarcasm overload*
posted by
ChicoEsquela
on Sep 30, 2007 at 05:48 PM
Of course Pete, if you want to dispute the story you can go to one of your favorites, The Daily Kos. They, of course, say its BS. posted by
ProgressivePete2
on Sep 30, 2007 at 05:52 PM
I never said it was made up, I just questioned whether it was just changing up the facts in a bogus story that has been spread around the internet for years. You'd think something like that would be in the Oakland paper at least. This is just an unreferenced blog post that has been repeated here. Why should I be outraged at shoddy reporting? No actual names and the story came via email. How credible could it possibly be?
posted by
sagefever
on Sep 30, 2007 at 05:54 PM
It's not to dispute so much Chico but you of all people should appreciate"Loose lips sink ships" and what rumor can do to both citizen and service morale. I am just saying wait to get indignant till we know what happened.
posted by
ChicoEsquela
on Sep 30, 2007 at 05:57 PM
From DailyKos, where they've never met a supporter of the troops or our war effort that they haven't tried to discredit:Michael Ledeen has never seen a "spitting on the troops" story he didn't like. In this post, entitled "Spitting on the Marines," [woo hoo!] he tells us about an email he received: Guess what? You Kossacks are going to LOVE this. Ready? I'm going to whisper it, ok? Michelle Malkin obtained the Oakland Airport response and received verification that the story is true. I have also obtained the Port of Oakland’s response about the incident to Captain David Epstein of the Reserve Officers Association. The Port official blames a lack of “clear communication” from the charter airline hired by the military. In other words: it’s the troops’ fault: Thank you so much for sharing with me the information you had regarding the incident at the airport. As you know sometimes the way things appear initially regarding an incident turn out to be different after looking into the details. We checked into this once you had called me and raised your public relations concern, so again thank you. Here is the background information I have about the incident as well as the procedures and policies that affected decision-making that day. In the case of North American Airlines Flight #1777, a military charter flight that arrived at OAK on Thursday, September 27, aircraft parking and passenger service arrangements were coordinated and approved in advance between the ground handling company and Airside Operations. The airport received information that the passengers were not TSA-screened at their originating airport and that weapons were on-board the aircraft. Together with our security partners, the airport made a decision to park this aircraft at a remote location on the tarmac. It is the responsibility of the charter airline that its operation is compliant with TSA screening requirements. Upon landing and parking at OAK, the pilot-in-command advised the ground handling company that the parking and passenger handling provisions did not meet expectations. Upon learning this, Airside Operations and Aviation Security worked with the ground handling company and other law enforcement partners to coordinate a plan that was satisfactory to the pilot and passengers, and which was compliant with all airport safety and security standards. Oakland International Airport (OAK) makes customer service a priority for all its passengers, whether they are traveling on commercial, military or general aviation aircraft. Charter airlines operating at OAK can choose to contract with a number of ground handling companies. Ground handlers coordinate flight services such as passenger handling, and aircraft fueling, cleaning and catering. It is the responsibility of ground handling companies to communicate aircraft and passenger operational needs to OAK’s Airside Operations Office in advance so that special accommodations can be coordinated to ensure that all airport operational, safety and security concerns are addressed. The scheduled arrival and departure time of the flight is set by the aircraft operator. Time is needed to refuel the aircraft, perform maintenance inspections, refresh the catering, and give passengers time to stretch to break-up long travel periods. An analysis of the incident and prior correspondence between OAK’s Airside Operations and the ground handler determined that the airport did not receive clear communication in advance from the charter airline that was hired by the military. I am out of town starting tomorrow for a convention. If you have any further inquiries about this incident and the way it was handled, Rosemary Barnes who is part of our Public Affairs team would be happy to speak with you. You may also call Joanne Holloway, the acting manager of the Port’s Community and Customer Relations Department. Kindest regards, Marilyn Sandifur Port Spokesperson Port of Oakland posted by
ChicoEsquela
on Sep 30, 2007 at 06:00 PM
What happened to our troops in OaklandBy Michelle Malkin • September 30, 2007 10:58 AM
Two days ago, an e-mail about the rude treatment of Marines and soldiers returning from Iraq started making the rounds on the Internet. The brother of one of the mistreated troops who described the incident at Oakland Airport works on the Hill. The brother forwarded his family member’s e-mail around. The e-mail is real, contrary to the Daily Kos nut who dismissed it as “fake” without any evidence whatsoever (can you say p-r-o-j-e-c-t-i-o-n). I contacted the Navy chaplain who serves with the Marines to verify the e-mail on Friday. He confirmed. posted by
ProgressivePete2
on Sep 30, 2007 at 06:01 PM
Hey Chico, I'd trust that site over the one you linked to. They are actually forced by the community to back up their stories by referencing them and are given the boot if they post too many bogus stories or comments. Hadn't read the dkos post about it though. Like I said earlier, if the story had an actual name in it, perhaps it's credibility wouldn't be so easily questioned.
posted by
ChicoEsquela
on Sep 30, 2007 at 06:07 PM
Well, of course you would Pete
posted by
sagefever
on Sep 30, 2007 at 06:09 PM
the verification link is not working..they had a huge role play deal there on the 29th but at the airport site there is no mention of this or in the paper..maybe Jason or somebody at TBC can find out more for us on Monday.
posted by
sagefever
on Sep 30, 2007 at 06:13 PM
"An analysis of the incident and prior correspondence between OAK’s Airside Operations and the ground handler determined that the airport did not receive clear communication in advance from the charter airline that was hired by the military." from your story Chico..well that says it all. Not quite spit on..I'm surprised that you want to make this into an issue. with all due respect,isn't that aiding our enemies?posted by
ChicoEsquela
on Sep 30, 2007 at 06:14 PM
I got the link to work sage. Thats where this came from:
What happened to our troops in OaklandBy Michelle Malkin • September 30, 2007 10:58 AMTwo days ago, an e-mail about the rude treatment of Marines and soldiers returning from Iraq started making the rounds on the Internet. The brother of one of the mistreated troops who described the incident at Oakland Airport works on the Hill. The brother forwarded his family member’s e-mail around. The e-mail is real, contrary to the Daily Kos nut who dismissed it as “fake” without any evidence whatsoever (can you say p-r-o-j-e-c-t-i-o-n). I contacted the Navy chaplain who serves with the Marines to verify the e-mail on Friday. He confirmed. posted by
sagefever
on Sep 30, 2007 at 06:20 PM
humm at the 5:57 post with the word verification in blue..still getting a 404 error..no biggie but thanks Chico. I was stuck on a d*^%$#* plane for only 4 hours..iIwould have loved to get off anywhere..but I undertsand how this must have felt..hopefully the active USO there made up for all the hurt feelings.
posted by
ChicoEsquela
on Sep 30, 2007 at 06:20 PM
I never said they were spit on. That was metaphorical and the author's choice of titles. You are missing the point which is that our troops bore the brunt of the airport's mistake. They were, in essence "blamed" for what happened. If you want spitting stories I can give you some from first person as well as others I know. I could tell you one that is worse that happened to one of my brothers (wounded) when he came back (from VN). The author may have used some poetic license in his choice of titles but the story is true and how in the hell can you construe that my postin it aides our enemies. What are you smokin (drinking?)? posted by
ProgressivePete2
on Sep 30, 2007 at 06:22 PM
i read the entire response, and it sounds like the charter company never informed the airport that there were armed soldiers on the plane. In this day and age, I really don't think it would be such a good idea to treat that situation as a "trust me" type of thing. What if they were armed terrorists dressed like our soldiers. I'm glad you provided a little more backup to this story, but as much as I support the troops and think they deserve a lot better treatment especially by our own government, this sounds more like an unfortunate mixup. Most of the outrage that is generated by this story is overblown, and obviously directed towards liberals rather than whoever makes security decisions at the Airport in Oakland, CA, USA
posted by
ChicoEsquela
on Sep 30, 2007 at 06:23 PM
I had to modify the parameters (last items) of the link to get it to work. If you look at link http://michellemalkin.com/2... change it to http://michellemalkin.com/2... but I printed the salient portion for you anyway posted by
sagefever
on Sep 30, 2007 at 06:30 PM
lol...not enough..it just that from WW2, and before, any rumor spreading is aiding the enemy,further dividing is just not something this country needs..and I said with due respect. ahh there's Mr. Sage back from the alcohol store~let the drinking commence!! I try very hard to post only sober,*eyes the knife wound in my back*..I get enough flack as it is! Pete makes my point Chico..really we are on the same side. I know you'd have my back and believe me I'd cover yours my friend~as I would any American.
posted by
ChicoEsquela
on Sep 30, 2007 at 06:33 PM
I remember coming back from VN and how we were treated. Not just at the airports (Travis, Ft Lewis, etc.) but on the bus going home, etc. One of my brothers (biological) had been wounded and was traveling from SeaTac to an Army Hospital by bus when he sat next to this nice looking young lady. She looked at him with utter disgust (this brother is kind of sensitive - he's the one who felt so bad about the papasan in the "free fire zone"), but at least gave him the benefit of asking him where he had been. When he said Vietnam, she got really pissed, got up and sat across the aisle with some dude with tats all over his neck. My brother could hear them talk and the dude had just gotten out of prison at Walla Walla. She said that was "cool" and wanted to know all about it. I don't see how relating these first hand stories aid our enemies Sage. I really don't. In fact, I think we should not lose track of them. Our WWII vets are all dying off. Soon the Korean ones will. Then VN. We need to hand down these stories like native americans do. At least Pete supports our troops. Sounds to me like he's had a few experiences he knows of where our troops (maybe even him) weren't treated so well....... posted by
Lingtaowoo
on Sep 30, 2007 at 06:58 PM
I remember that..." fire free zone " my @#$....no more talk--actions speak more than words...~Chico~...it does come back around,doesn't it?..I'm still trying to forget the screams--but they don't go away..no matter how many years..always fresh screams..time to cry-again...till tomorrow..Jack Daniel's is calling me
posted by
ChicoEsquela
on Sep 30, 2007 at 07:23 PM
Ling, mi amigo, I cannot watch VN movies and partake of Mr. Daniels. Should I do this, I will cry like a baby. Is this a curse, or is our humanity bubbling to the surface? Maybe both. My wife thinks I'm nuts. But then so do a lot of people on here -- LOL! That little papasan used to wave at bro every day for months. When they went out for body count (one of our McNamera, McGeorge Bundy and Kennedy's Whiz Kids bad war strategies BTW) my bro kicked this little skinny brown body over and it was him - black teeth and all. Its stuck with him to this day, not sure why. I have paid the tab for uniformed military people in restaurants before and just left. I bet you do too. God Bless You. posted by
sagefever
on Sep 30, 2007 at 07:49 PM
I'm imbibing a bit of Mr Daniels cousin,Mr.E. Williams. I hope you two realize how much I appreciate what you two have done for me..I could never be in the Army, am just peacenik at heart, you both have my undying respect and gratitude..
posted by
RoyTullis
on Sep 30, 2007 at 07:55 PM
Who would expect the Oakland Newspaper to print a story such as this. If you think they would I have some beach front property in Nevada I'll sell you cheap.
posted by
ChicoEsquela
on Sep 30, 2007 at 08:02 PM
Hey, I know Evan Williams Sippin' whiskey it is! Know the difference between whiskey and bourbon? (not to get off topic) Point well taken Roy posted by
GotREALITY
on Sep 30, 2007 at 11:38 PM
Another take: http://littlethomsblog.blog... I'm sure Snopes will be able to confirm or deny this soon. posted by
blognroll
on Oct 1, 2007 at 06:57 AM
Sometimes we disrespect the troops, not by our actions, but by our inaction. We act like they don't exist. We act like it's only the Bush administration that's at war. So instead of trying to figure out what we can do to show our support for the troops, we spend all of our time and energy arguing over matters of policy. If they really felt our support, in both tangible and intangible ways, maybe they could finish the job sooner, come home, and make us all happier. Of course there are political problems over there that have to be resolved as well, so we, as a nation, and as citizens of this nation, need to show our support for the newly formed government. Defeatist sentiment is not a very good way of showing support. Not that any of us in this blog community are revealing any such sentiment : )
posted by
ChicoEsquela
on Oct 1, 2007 at 07:45 AM
already been there got reality first thing I did confirms they were delayed but not that it was any "planned" or "programmed" action by anti-troop folks. confirms it was "just a screw up"! so what else is new? blognroll: I think this time we dissed them by inaction! This should not have happened! Whom ever screwed up should be severely reprimanded (charter co., airport security, port authority, whomever) posted by
ChicoEsquela
on Oct 1, 2007 at 07:51 AM
been to little thoms blog too knew you'd go there, did that last night
posted by
sagefever
on Oct 1, 2007 at 10:04 AM
Roy~ that was just what came up in the search I did, several sites that included..I think most newspapers *love* any story now days that will sell papers..
posted by
antiextremism
on Oct 1, 2007 at 08:10 PM
Anybody that messes with the troops is repulsive..... if it actually happened. But never mistake those that oppose the war as being against the troops. Sure, there are just as many liberal nuts as their are conservative ones who can't make the distinction, but it is not representative of liberals, just as wingnuts aren't representative of your everyday conservative. We can't just wash our hands of Iraq now, but that doesn't mean we should have ever gone in, in the first place. Hell, we spend 10,000,000,000 dollars a month there, why don't we increase the bounty on Bin Ladens head to 5 billion. Maybe the Pakistan government will get him then. You remember, the guy who actually perpetrated the crime. We have lost almost twice as many servicemen in this 'road to nowhere' than people killed on 911. Then there's the whole 35,000 or so maimed. This is one giant clusterflock, and I'll believe there is a democracy in Iraq when I see it. In case nobody has noticed, Middle Easterners don't like foreigners coming in and telling them what to do. The Europeans did it to them for centuries, and the culture there remains the same. What makes anyone think that a guy like W could EVER get any traction there? But, it will be the fault of the next administration if it fails because they didn't follow Bush's roadmap to success. Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight. I've got one question about the story. If the servicemen were going to Hawaii from Kuwait, why did they go the long way?
posted by
ChicoEsquela
on Oct 2, 2007 at 07:28 AM
bump I went over to SEA twice (two tours) and one time we went polar route through Alaska (short way) and the other the long way (Phillipines). It made quite a difference. I'm not a flyboy so who knows? Maybe in this current case it was to have a staging point on CONUS before going to HA? Point is, the story is true. Now Airports & TSA are blaming it on Charter Co. for not clearing weapons on manifest. Riiiiiiiight!! posted by
jfrancais
on Oct 2, 2007 at 07:39 AM
"I've got one question about the story. If the servicemen were going to Hawaii from Kuwait, why did they go the long way?" When Troops leave Kuwait on R&R or redeployments, there are preset destinations for refueling and strategic purposes. It may make sense to go one way commercially but for security and strategic reasons the planes fly different routes. posted by
drilnliftcrude
on Oct 3, 2007 at 08:31 PM
Oakland airport officials have finally apologized. Looks like the pressure was kept up on them from the "blogoshere". How many liberal blogs applied pressure? Me thinks none. posted by
ChicoEsquela
on Oct 3, 2007 at 08:40 PM
I was initially told I posted BS!
Hope I am wrong about the schools threat!
posted by
randomfactor
on Oct 3, 2007 at 09:16 PM
So it was a mixup and had absolutely nothing to do with any animosity towards the troops, and especially not with any right-wing mythology about "spitting on" troops. Glad *THAT* got cleared up.
posted by
ChicoEsquela
on Oct 3, 2007 at 09:26 PM
You still don't get it I see
posted by
ChicoEsquela
on Oct 4, 2007 at 07:15 AM
Thats kind of like saying, "well, we set up our divvy 11's and 18's with 7.62 ammo and no 5.56 and they all have 16's, no M-60's" "We sent them into combat that way, but its OK, it was just a mix up!" And this kind of thinking from those who jump all over Rummy because the Humvee was not up-armored (it was never meant to be and they are now experiencing all kinds of tranny, driveline, etc. problems due to incr weight!
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