More Evidence Govt Out of Control

[RickH]

From Aero News today:

Three Fighter Cockpits Found In Private Hands F-14, F/A-18 Stripped Of Wiring, "Fully Demilitarized"

The theft of scrap metal is a growing problem across the
country, but this is a little over-the-top. Investigators are
trying to figure out how three jet fighter cockpits got diverted
from their normal demilitarization process, and wound up in private
hands.

The Asbury Park Press in New Jersey reports the US Navy showed
up on Apple Farm Road in Middletown with a forklift, a flatbed
truck and about 20 troops from Naval Weapons Station Earle, where
Special Agent Terry O'Connor of the Naval Criminal Investigative
Service told the paper they'll be held as evidence.

Investigators did not identify who had the two F-14 cockpits,
and one belonging to an F/A-18. They didn't give the exact address
where the military machinery was found, either.

O'Connor downplayed the military value of the cockpits, saying
they were "fully demilitarized" and no longer contained weapons
control systems or other technically sensitive material. "Even
their wiring had been removed," he added.

"These are items that could be sold as scrap or even used as
displays or simulators. They were removed somewhere along the
way...and we're trying to determine when and how that
happened."

O'Connor said the cockpits weigh between 2,000 and 4,000 pounds
each. So far, no one's been charged with a crime.
FMI: www.navy.mil

[Jiggersfromsphilly]

PARANOIA WILL DESTROYA!

[RickH]

I find it interesting that they showed up to sieze the property but no charges have been filed.

[vg-photo]

I find it interesting that they showed up to sieze the property but no charges have been filed.

Agreed. If they are confiscating the cockpits and not filing any charges, shouldn't the owner be charging the government with theft? Geez, what gives here?

[tom d. friedman]

the navy is acting like brats, they don't want anyone playing with their toys

[F3A-1]

RickH,

You are on point! If Federal statutes were violated charges should follow, (at least in theory) however as in my case, if none were, they can take the possition that "Naval policies" were violated. Now that they have siezed the articles the individuale has virtually no recourse, unless they choose to sue the Federal Goverment. The Navy has taken the liberty to bypass any dispute.

I have so much to say about my experience , yet bite my lip. America is at war, yet resources are not directed as most Americans would agree to be valuable to that effort. I do strongly support our troops here and abroad, yet the bureucrats can put the interest of their jobs and department ahead of America with absolute impunity.

Pirate Lex
http://www.BrewsterCorsair.com

[RickH]

Lex, if this stands and the owner had a legal bill of sale then the Navy has violated the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution.

http://www.gpoaccess.gov/constitution/html/amdt4.html

This goes to the heart of the Demil Legislation that was killed 3 times. The language, if passed would have given the DoD the right to sieze (without compensation ) any formerly owned DoD equipment, without due process, that they deemed to be significant. This proposed law was tied directly to the International Arms Agreement. This is the same agreement that the State Dept is using to block the export of former military aircraft, regardless of age, and the import of former US made military equipment.

Don't be fooled, this is not limited to aircraft, this applies to ANY formerly owned, legally acquired commodity without regard to age.

Apparently someone within DoD, DLA has decided that legislative law is not necessary, after all.

[Mudge]

I'm pretty sure you've all heard of USAF Gen. "Chappy" James.

He had a little saying that described situations like this.

"What good's a little power, if you can't abuse it?"

Mudge the powerless

[n5151ts]

TEA PARTY.

[Tigercat]

TEA PARTY.

Right on........ I agree 100%!!

[n5151ts]

TEA PARTY.

Right on........ I agree 100%!!

what the founding fathers of the U. S. would say about our current political condition...they are probably all spinning in their graves!

[RickH]

A few letters and emails to your respective Senators and Representatives mean more than you think. By calling attention to what's going on raises abuses by the system on their radar screens. Sooner or later this will catch up to the abusers, especially if a pattern is seen developing.

Do you think that the Philadelphia authorities would have reacted so quickly to the apparent recent police abuses if there wasn't graphic video showing those actions?

The current Naval siezures are wrapped in the patriotic, "see how we're protecting you', just like the US Marshalls were protecting the US public when they siezed the dangerous F-14s from Yanks. Nothing but grandstanding, Lex is right, there are more serious threats in this day and age. Why are these folks waisting taxpayer money on such an obvious nonthreat ?

[n5151ts]

A few letters and emails to your respective Senators and Representatives mean more than you think. By calling attention to what's going on raises abuses by the system on their radar screens. Sooner or later this will catch up to the abusers, especially if a pattern is seen developing.

Do you think that the Philadelphia authorities would have reacted so quickly to the apparent recent police abuses if there wasn't graphic video showing those actions?

The current Naval siezures are wrapped in the patriotic, "see how we're protecting you', just like the US Marshalls were protecting the US public when they siezed the dangerous F-14s from Yanks. Nothing but grandstanding, Lex is right, there are more serious threats in this day and age. Why are these folks waisting taxpayer money on such an obvious nonthreat ?

call me "quaint" but I DO NOT BELIEVE we are living under a "government OF THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE and FOR THE PEOPLE"

[PinecastleAAF]

America is at war, yet resources are not directed as most Americans would agree to be valuable to that effort. I do strongly support our troops here and abroad, yet the bureucrats can put the interest of their jobs and department ahead of America with absolute impunity.

Very well said I believe. Interesting that it is the Navy doing this.

I'll bet the guy with the civy F-18 is not real happy. Hope he has a good legal team too.

I wonder when they will start coming after Wildcats and Corsairs? There is an A-7 on a pole near me, it looks dangerous. I hope they can protect me from it. I can barely sleep at night worried that some terrorist might get it.

[mustangdriver]

I would really say to hold up until you get the full story. I agree that what the government has done with the F-14's is out of control. Instead of bashing the government for doing all of this now to prevent the enemy from getting F-14 parts, why not bash the government that thought it to be a good idea to sell some one else F-14's.