A sort of media-days for the military training exercises currently taking place in the Gateway city turned into a rather familiar scene. Not surprisingly, mayor Salinas again took the opportunity to remind everyone that Laredo "is not a war zone" while, as La Sanbe correctly pointed out, standing in front of an "Apache Helicopter" and several US military personel in full garb. Naturally, the mayor took what could have been said in about 15 seconds and stretched far beyond that.
In the meantime, councilman Vera continued a pattern: In this case, he chastised Laredoans for daring to complain about the noise which the various helicopters have been creating as they go about their business. I, for one, have heard the helicopters daily and nightly and have wondered aloud what they are "really" doing in town. I have heard others mention the same thing; not once have I heard anyone complain about the noise. It seems that for the most part, Laredoans are bothered by the lack of information surrounding these events.
And, if people want to complain- it's their right to do so without having an elected official berating them about making any commotion. On La Sanbe's vaunted blog, Keyrose features a video clip in which the councilman tells the commanding military officer something like " You don't worry about anyone complaining about the noise. You go ahead and train and do what you have to do. Your missions comes first and the people..... (unitelligable)".
The military is going to do what they have to do no matter who complains- or doesn't complain. Of course, they would much rather have the support of the community- and they have. There is no need to put on a show for the media.
Overall, it looks like Mr. Vera is learning fast from the mayor about how to make almost any photo op about himself. During a recent, park-cleaning, volunteer weekend, the councilman held up some sort of drug paraphenelia he found strewn about and chided Laredoans as he muttered something to the effect of "If you want your kids to be around this sort of thing (drugs), then fine, don't volunteer but if you want to make a difference, you need to get out here and help cleanup this place". During his tantrum, Vera yells to a nearby kid in an apparently angry tone "get over here" as he tries to get the kid in the camera shot for effect.
It's clear that it's an election year and the councilman is up for re-election.
OPPORUNITY is looking Laredo in the FACE! Try to look at this as a revitilization project for Laredo. Laredo died after the Air Force Base closed down in the 70's. Laredo had culture then...Identity. Think of the job creation that would come from a military presence in Laredo.
ReplyDeleteI've thought of that actually and it makes sense in this era of homeland security and border protection but I haven't heard ol' Henry even mention it. Not that he would necessarily stand a chance of anybody backing him up on it but he hasn't mentioned it.
ReplyDeletePlus the defense budget is about to be cut- according to the way things are scheduled up in Washington at the moment.
I just found out the Helicopters flying around Laredo are here to test a new "Combat-Read" Target Acquisition and Designation Sights, Pilot Night Vision System. The new (TADS/PNVS) system is designed by AeroDynamix Corp and is scheduled for deployment to the Middle East in October.
ReplyDeleteLaredo, texas is a "choice" sight because of Homeland Security concerns and most other suitable places on the border are already too crowded with aircraft.