Bill's Message For Randy and Others

[Bill Greenwood]

I. I did not mean to insult Randy. He seems like a pretty straight guy, so it is especially regretful that my post was taken the wrong way. I wrote it in a hurry in between flight lessons in a C152. As you can imagine, I was deeply preoccupied with the complex nature of this beast, and not thinking to edit my words so they would be spin proof to most readers. I wasn't really joking except the last line about the Osprey, just wanted to ask a question related to a TV news story. Liberals on WIX are a little like a passing quarterback, we should never forget to protect our blind side.
II. I appreciate all the support, especaily those who may not agree with me often, but who believe in free speech. As to those who don't agree with free speech, you should not have right for yourself that you would deny others. Not much more basic American democracy than that.
III. Randy's second post showed a great deal of class, greatly appreciated.
IV. The TV interview referred to civilan deaths. Neither it, nor Pres. Karzai, nor certainly not myself were blaming Randy or any aircrew. These were not "friendly fire" type mistakes, as I understood the article, rather whoever was doing the targeting was getting it wrong.
IV In this post I did NOT use the terms baby killers or blood orgy or anything similar. This was not My Lai. I will offer $1000 to anyone that finds those words in the original post written by me. People read and interpret things with their own bias or that they think the writer(me) has.
V Those who don't like me or what I believe, often hide behind the Bogey Man of "POLITICS". Baloney!!!!! There was no election invoved here, no candidates running for office, not even a ballot issue. The only elected position at all was the Pres of Afghan, and he was serving, not campaigning. For those who don't think it is ok to discuss bomb mistakes or unfortunate deaths from them, or even Randy; then be fair enough to go back on WIX to Aug. 24 and read all the comments. No complaints then even about my post there.
VI It is not much fun to sit for 3 days while people take shots at you with no chance to respond. But is Scott's site, not mine. You do get a clear view who is where.
VII Finally, one of negative parts is most folks, even those voting for me, think either I was joking with Randy, or my attack on him was within the bounds of free speech. Most did not see that it wasn't intended to be either. I have written many opinions on many topics on WIX, some mild, some intended as humorous, and some very serious. However I have always tried to not make it personal. Months ago I got a PM from Scott in which he agreed that I had not made personal attacks. For people to so redily believe that was what I meant doesn't speak well as to fairness.

[mlenoch]

Bill:
Thank you for the post & hope to read more 'Spit' stories!!
Vlado

[Bill Greenwood]

Thanks Vlado. For awhile I felt like a Stuka pilot with a Spit on my left, a Hurricane on my right, a Mustang on my six, and a Jug coming head on! When are you going skiing? It is warm and sunny today in Boulder, but a few of the higher areas are open.

[muddyboots]

hey, there was at least one Emil out there
You should hit the Cork and have a steak! Raise your fork to those of us who have come to appreciate you so much that we would risk our VERY EXISTENCE here amongst all the rattlesnakes and prarie dogs to come to yrou aid!

[Dan Newcomb]

I don’t always agree with you Bill but at least you don’t hide from people. I respect that. You use your real name and we all know where to find you. People like you and Randy and Ryan and Gary and several others refuse anonymity. Many of the most controversial WIXERS choose the anonymous path. I think I know why.

Dan

[bipe215]

Good to have you back Bill. Now get back out there and learn to fly that 152.

Steve G

[Jack Cook]

OK Bill now I'm deeply disturbed.
What the heck are you doing in a 152

[Matt Gunsch]

Bill has found the Spit to be too easy to fly and needed to learn to fly a more challenging plane.

WB Bill

I can't see where anything we say here makes any difference, the deed is done. It's called war. The problem is the news is everywhere, we get info fast and can react to it in real time. If WW 2 was covered with modern internet communications we would still be be there second quessing every move fighting it.

The only way to fight a war is not to start. people die, it is a sad fact nothing we do here, can stop what is happening. I don't think the people who can stop it, can or even care to.



Steve

[Bill Greenwood]

Guys, my airplanes are out of service, the Spitfire in annual with Ray the mad Brit up to his elbows in the innards. The Bonanza is having the engine replaced. The poor liitle 152 looked lonely sitting out there on the ramp. One thing about it, it is parked in the Spitfire, spot so the nose tire certainly isn't going to rust. I needed to deliver some parts so figured the 152 would beat driving, and the FBO needs the suport. Also they don't have a Bearcat for rent, not even a Chipmunk. They require a checkout. Best glide speed took a little adjustment, at 60knots is slower than touchdown speed in the Spit. The ailerons aren't too bad, once you take up about 15* of slack in the middle. And first time I was ever overtaken by a helicopter in while in cruise. It is good practice to try different airplanes, makes you a better pilot.

[muddyboots]

I don’t always agree with you Bill but at least you don’t hide from people. I respect that. You use your real name and we all know where to find you. People like you and Randy and Ryan and Gary and several others refuse anonymity. Many of the most controversial WIXERS choose the anonymous path. I think I know why.

Dan

You're right.
Flip flops or muddy boots I don't mind people knowing who I am.

[Sabremech]

Bill,
Welcome back. While I don't know you that well and have only met you once I'm puzzled as to what your post had to do with the thread topic of "F-15 fleet grounded" other than "F-15" in your post and then your thoughts that didn't discuss the problem with the plane?
I enjoy your thoughts and insight with your Spit and tend to disregard the Liberal- Conservative BS that crops up time to time.
David

[Bill Greenwood]

Sabre, perhaps a little off topic. However I think the story I saw may have been on a F-15, and in any event when Karzai ask U S airpower to stand down, it is F-15s that have done much of the bombing. So how do they operate now? Do they cease totally, do they go only to purely military targets, do they ignore the Afghan president and contnue to bomb as before? I am not really asking just about the 15, however Randy is a WIX member and has written about his missions in the land of sand and poppies in the F-15.

[Bluedharma]

Welcome back Bill.
Regards,

[SPANNERmkV]

Lest we forget...
The MIGHTY CESSNA 152 (or were they 150s?) have stopped DC in its tracks twice!!!
(ADIZ incursions)



Don Price
aka SPANNER

PS I've lost 10 pounds towards trying to make that 175 lb limit Bill!