http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx From NBC's Mike ViqueiraAn aide to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says that it is up to the Air Force to decide what type and size of plane will be required to ferry her back and forth to her San Francisco district. Republicans in the House have been raisingen-USCommunityServer 2.0 (Build: 60608.1)http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#51838Wed, 07 Feb 2007 18:21:28 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:51838Lynette, NYCDid the GOP forget that HAstert had use of a plane? Its absurd to even try to say that she asked for a plane with a " sleeping chamber". That statement is the proof its all spin and lies. That being said, how do other members of the house and senate get back and forth? Since they are going to DC to work, if they fly commercial im sure the taxpayers pick up the bill. Is it cheaper for Pelosi and staff to fly commercial or have use of a plane. Cheaper for us I mean? http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#51843Wed, 07 Feb 2007 18:27:11 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:51843JJ in NJDoes it matter what the truth is, as long as the spinmeisters can make it look like Pelosi is demanding something untoward? Just keep repeating the GOP talking point, and it won't take long until the American Idiots (TM Green Day) believe it to be Gospel Truth.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#51845Wed, 07 Feb 2007 18:27:13 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:51845Tom, Boston MAI will reiterate my support for what the air force is doing. The air force is constitutionally bound to make sure that there are resources available to protect CONUS from aggression, resources which most of the time will not be used to capacity. Even more important, I think all senators, congressmen, and even certain staffers and aides should have free access across the country to help them do their jobs. The US is far too big to assume that all of our lawmakers can just hop a bus and get home in time for dinner. And as to those who think it is a waste of taxpayer money, Congress is putting in a record work schedule for this session, which means they'll need better access to their home districts in order to keep in touch. Unless one wants to be arrogant and shortsighted enough to believe that only the wealthy should govern this country, we need to make sure that our everyday lawmakers, the former schoolteachers, can be a presence in their home state as well.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#51865Wed, 07 Feb 2007 18:35:59 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:51865Marilee Herries, La Jolla, CAI wish the news media would zero in on the cost of this war to the taxpayers and how this happened and why we can not stop this ego maniac, Bush. Instead we must hear about what kind of plane Nancy Pelosi will be flying on back and forth to the White House. I'm wondering how we save this country before we go under. The media because of its ownership is no help to the people. I wish our forefathers could come back and give us a speech about "Freedom of Speech!"http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#51882Wed, 07 Feb 2007 18:48:39 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:51882!"House Minority Whip Roy Blunt says that he hears she wants a plane large enough for a sleeping chamber, or "Lincoln bedroom" aboard her "Air Force III." Roy Blunt is one of the biggest morons in Congress - it's good to know he uses his office to spread vicious rumors. That's about all he uses it for. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#51911Wed, 07 Feb 2007 19:02:51 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:51911SandyLou Dobbs and Chris Mathews both fell for the talking points and repeated them verbatium. Must be nice to have such gullable "journalists" you can feed your lies to without question. Sheesh!http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#51913Wed, 07 Feb 2007 19:03:01 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:51913DesmondRep. Blunt should know. He was one of the Republicans "on duty" when Mark Foley roamed the halls.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#51933Wed, 07 Feb 2007 19:22:55 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:51933Carrie, NW IowaI agree with Tom. This is no different than a company footing the bill for business-related travels in the private sector. And even if it was different, so what? People are always talking about how much money members of Congress make, but when you compare it to the sort of money made by top business people, athletes and other entertainers, it is next to nothing. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#51945Wed, 07 Feb 2007 19:32:25 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:51945Drew Poorhouse, AmericaHow about they fly on an ordinary airline.. Like the rest of us.. I'm so sick of "rich" polititians being pampered even more.. They are public servants, they are suposed to serve the public.. Not suck them dry.. If they get a plane to take them back and forth.. then cut thier pay in half.. They can more then afford to charter a plane let alone fly on a regular flight.. These shmucks (and they are all shmucks and crooks)get paid to damn much and get too much for benifits anyways.. Along with their 4 day work week.. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#51951Wed, 07 Feb 2007 19:39:06 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:51951MMThe fact is...if Nancy was a republican this wouldn't even be an issue.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#51954Wed, 07 Feb 2007 19:42:20 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:51954Dorothy"There's a lady who knows..all that glitters is gold...and she's buying the staircase to heaven...."http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#51979Wed, 07 Feb 2007 19:57:36 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:51979Dawn, somewhere in KansasWhen will all the Republicans in Congress grow up and start acting like adults? Ever since the November elections they have acted like little children, pouting and throwing temper tantrums when they don't get their way. They seem to have conveniently forgotten that for six years they did to the Democrats what they are now crying foul about. Grow up Republicans, start acting like adults and get to work on the people's work. Not the party's work, but the work of the people of the United States, the people that put you in Washington in the first place and who pay your salaries. And if you don't want to do the people's work, come November 2008, we'll gladly send you home.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#51991Wed, 07 Feb 2007 20:04:53 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:51991Connie, Louisville, TnWay to go Nancy! If we are going to protect Bush and his cronies, then surely Pelosi can returm home safely.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#52006Wed, 07 Feb 2007 20:10:50 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:52006Amy B Portland, MEIf it flys non-stop why would she need a "sleeping chamber"? Is she going to park it in the backyard and use it for slumber parties? This story is dumb. More interesting is the story about the pallets of cash shipped to Iraq after the invasion, of which 8 billion is unaccounted for. And some Repugs say the Democrats are investigating this matter for political reasons! http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#52031Wed, 07 Feb 2007 20:27:33 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:52031SandyLou Dobbs and Chris Mathews both fell for the talking points and repeated them verbatium. Must be nice to have such gullable "journalists" you can feed your lies to without question. Sheesh!http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#52034Wed, 07 Feb 2007 20:32:52 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:52034Bob. Lipsett Sr. North Attleboro, MA. 02760-4388I personally think the use of our military planes is a good idea. There are planes that are just sitting in the Desert that could be dispatched to say Washington D.C. sometime around quiting time on Friday (if we can get them to work during the week),and board these free loader, who waste time on amendants to everything from the min. wage, the war and what color shorts should be worn in congressional session, on to those planes and fly them to the closest base to their home state and charge the per mileage rate to travel the rest of the distance to their home. That my friends would force the Air Line Industry to provide cheap travel to any one of us who can't write off our junkets for the tax payers expense on our income tax filing. Isn't it funny that Roy Blunt and others from the "RIVER BOAT" states hijacked money from the strengthening of the 9th ward just to build 5 additional locks on the Mississippi river to "get this now" eliminate the possible influx of barge traffic on the river in 2026 while New Orleans was begging for help to strenghtening the levees in New Orleans. No wonder Mayor Roy Negan referred to the WTC as still a hole in the ground after 5 years, what he didn't say wasn't said they can't decide who will make the most money out of ground zero. Bob. Lipsett Sr North Attleboro, MA.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#52076Wed, 07 Feb 2007 21:05:43 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:52076JohnIt's "Stairway to Heaven", Dorothy ;)http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#52094Wed, 07 Feb 2007 21:19:12 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:52094Bob. Lipsett Sr. North Attleboro, MA. 02760-4388Sandy, maybe Lou Dobbs was suckered into this debate about the Nancy Pelosi deal, but "NO ONE WILL EVER MENTION ABOUT THE BORDER PATROL SECURITY OFFICER IN PRISON and not one Democrat in the house has even attempted to reach the president on this matter that and Lou Dobb has also said that 75 Republican Senators have attempted to get the president to hear what they have to say. Lou Dobbs has crusaded for this, for 10 months. As a matter of fact Ramos was severly beaten in a Mississippi prison this past Saturday Feb. 3, 2007 by drug dealers who he help put behind bars. I wonder what kind of deal this Texas two gun cowboy made with the chillie bellied fox to keep them in prison. "Hardball" with Chris Mathews, I watch and we, my wife and I, can notice the change in his heart when the figures are out after slightly before and after the '06 elections, about the dead military and expenses, we would rather laugh at Ed Rodgers take on the political news of the Republicans. Should we not fund the increase of 21,500 troops even though things would progressively get worst, we again would be call traitors for not wanting that "EMPIRE IN THE MIDDLE EAST" who our troops are paying for a very heavy, price. Only two who we pay attention to is CNN Lou Dobbs at 6;00 PM our time (EST) and Keith OLbermann on "Countdown" after Chris. Go to MSNBC.com and look at Keith Olbermann condemming statedment about this president and our conduct in this civil war. Who else has told you about the priviledge U.S. Chamber of Commerce with our Sectary of Commerce in Mexico establishing and secretly promoting behind even our own congrss back to erase all borders and combine the three governments into the UNITED STATES OF NORTH AMERICA. and that exposing corporate corruption and exposing fruad and waste in our government. That is news that doesn't hit the newspapers and the other chicken hearted news agencies. I believe that Lou Dobbs was the first to endorse Paul Hacket for the the Senate seat that Sherrod Brown now hold in the Senate for Ohio. Just keep watching the FOX NOISE channel and then listen to them distort the real stories. Once again the old retired truckdriver comlaining about how this country, that many of us help build be given away to foreign nation and not protecting our own. Bob. Lipsett Sr.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#52103Wed, 07 Feb 2007 21:25:36 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:52103Steve Turner Cedar Falls IowaIn the interest of National Security, Nancy should be given the keys to a brand new B-2 Stealth Bomber.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#52107Wed, 07 Feb 2007 21:31:43 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:52107Carrie, NW IowaDrew - A lot of them have already taken a pay cut so that they can serve their country in Congress. You don't think Edwards was making more as an attorney than he did as Senator? Hillary could make more money just being Hillary than she ever will in Congress. Go right down the list, and the same will be true for a large number of members of Congress.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#52117Wed, 07 Feb 2007 21:36:44 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:52117mikeeg,abdn,wago to VoteVets.orghttp://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#52167Wed, 07 Feb 2007 22:15:40 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:52167Dorothy"Oops, I did it again...!"http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#52190Wed, 07 Feb 2007 22:39:31 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:52190Robert Catalano, Salem, ORWell, if she's third in line for the presidency she should have access to a plane. It only makes sense. Hastert's plane had to fly shorter distances but it had a lot more wieght to carry. This is a non-issue. I think Matthews and Dobbs have better things to talk about.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#52232Wed, 07 Feb 2007 23:16:58 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:52232Steve Turner Cedar Falls IowaUnnamed sources report the White House has ordered the Air Force to give Nancy a plane "...without a left wing." - Independent Party News Servicehttp://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#52260Wed, 07 Feb 2007 23:42:33 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:52260MikeSteve, "..Nancy should be given the keys to a brand new B-2 Stealth bomber..." But that isn't very secure. You kow, don't you, that a gang of Indian "guest workers", here on H1B visa's stole and sold the plans for the B-2 bomber to Russia? Oh, and they also stole and sold *all* of our stealth technology. And, of every ten "new" jobs announced last year, 3 went to a foreign guest worker; Nine out of every ten new engineers hired were foreign citizens (53% Inidan and 32% Chinese). And your idiot president and the Congress issued more than half a million new H1B visa's while Amercian engineers were experiencing an all time high of unemployment and layoffs. Oh, and more than half of the engineering students in our public univesities are either from Indian or China. (And, those univesities turned down qualified U.S. students for those spots!) You see, it's cheaper for their countries to send them to a U.S. university than to educate them at home and U.S. colleges get three times the tuition and fees.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#52279Wed, 07 Feb 2007 23:56:17 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:52279Baxter,Greensboro,North Carolina Just another limo liberal who wants the working "middle class" to march to the beat of their global warming fundamentalist"we are all going to die" crowed. The military has many other aircraft that can transport Pelosi that do not cost around $22,000 dollars an hour. If you are really serious about pollution,Co2 and all the other ways we are destroying the Earth,why would you even consider this"Hummer" in the sky. This extravagant need for protection is silly coming from someone who's city she represents despises the military so much that they have kicked the ROTC programs out their schools,tried to kick recruiters out of the schools and Universities, vandalize recruiting stations and got their panties all in a bunch because a battleship that helped secure the freedoms they enjoy wants to set anchor in San Fran Bay. Pelosi and her activist friends only care about the military and the protection they provide when it suits their agenda. If carrying protest signs and making bumper stickers is so much "smarter" than the people in our military, than her activist friends should be the ones to cart her around and provide her protection. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#52371Thu, 08 Feb 2007 01:49:19 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:52371Jim, Santa CruzHey I got an idea - let's move the Capitol to San Francisco or LA. Time for a change. West coast is the best coast.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#52543Thu, 08 Feb 2007 13:39:44 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:52543Hard-working DemocratYes, Carrie, Edwards would take a pay cut if he ceases chasing ambulances and peeing on their tires. Only how in the name of southern smirk would he and his tribe ever be comfortable in the cramped living quarters of the White House given than his new home is a more commodious 29,000 square feet...minus the one foot in each mouth of his two faces? As well, Nancy-O might need a second C-17 flying in close formatiion to haul her designer clothes to and from her hate America west coast base. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#52546Thu, 08 Feb 2007 13:51:17 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:52546Got Wings?Steve, could that plane sans wing actually be one of the newest secret developments that is void a RIGHT wing (specifically designed for Pelosi) and ostensibly able to counteract the Coriolus Effect in the Northern Hemisphere? Of course that would screw her right...er, left into the ground as sweet justice. As Judge Roy West of the Pecos (JRWOP)was fond of (not Fonda) saying..."when the heavy hand of justice falls on your sorry head."http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#52575Thu, 08 Feb 2007 14:48:43 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:52575Carrie, NW IowaFYI - so-called ambulance chasing is strictly prohibited by the bar in most states. But Hard-Working, if you want to keep spewing ignorance, go right ahead. Edwards earned his money - he was not born into it. Sure, he earned it by being a lawyer, but lawyers are no less hardworking than anyone else as a class of people. There are some who are lazy and unethical, but the same is true of ANY profession. No matter the occupation, there will always be someone slacking and someone trying to cut corners. As far as I know, Edwards was not such a lawyer.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#52595Thu, 08 Feb 2007 15:07:49 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:52595mikeeg,abdn,waI see the right wing hate machine swift boat liars are comming out in full force, I enjoy a good laugh at them.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#52679Thu, 08 Feb 2007 16:47:18 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:52679OccamsAftershave, WIHilarious. Laura Bush has used and can request a C-32, the plane in question, anytime she wants. Where's the right wing outrage? Pathetic hypocrites. Reminds me of Bill Maher's satiric commercial for the drug Feign-Feign - "suppresses your central bulls**t system making it receptive to the talking points."http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#52755Thu, 08 Feb 2007 18:21:40 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:52755Steve Turner Cedar Falls IowaUnnamed sources report that the Bush twins make frequent use of a USAF Sikorsky H-53 Helicopter, equipped with a wet-bar, hot tub, Tivo, and laser guided 'Stud Finder'.. -Independent Party News Service.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#52808Thu, 08 Feb 2007 19:19:56 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:52808you know whoyeah, but what about Scooter????? Libby, Libby,Libby,Libbylibby,libbylibbylibbylibbylibby.................. nothing is as important as convicting SCOOTER LIBBY, and getting the vice-Prez. Not nothing, nothing,nothingnothingnothingnothingnothing........ Its so much fun being a liberal: I can forget about the Islamofascists, and concentrate on convicting Libby, and defend Pelosi. I guess we're not in Kansas anymore, toto http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#52824Thu, 08 Feb 2007 19:34:20 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:52824Gary DuTeau- Augusta, GeorgiaThe obvious solution, and one that would likely have occurred naturally, is for the congresspeople and senators from California to hope a ride on the California Express, and do some conferencing while they get a nice ride home. Air America can schedule flights all over the country for our representatives. Here in Augusta, Georgia military planes fly over all day long, usually in groups of three tandem. I can't believe that Nancy will be the only one going home to California on the weekends. I am a 58yr.old veteran and independent voter. Let the 757 fly but let all interested and welcome members of congress and their staff ride too. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#52851Thu, 08 Feb 2007 20:12:09 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:52851Minda Lillie, La Follette, TNHow the republicans miss the power and the perks. Projection: seeing in others what is actually in oneself. That is the real tragic joke. They sure do miss the power and wish for it back daily. If they keep up this nonsense they will find themselves in a permanent minority. This is such obvious spin and so small of these "representatives".http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#52852Thu, 08 Feb 2007 20:13:15 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:52852NoneFacts: Nancy's humungous plane costs $22,000 an hour. Hastert's cost $900 an hour. Not sure where the discrepancy is here...http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#52858Thu, 08 Feb 2007 20:23:14 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:52858Cato, Rome, The EmpireA modified 757? That isn't excessive? A G4 will make the flight non-stop and is 1/4 the size. If she is asking for a 757 IT IS GROSSLY EXCESSIVE.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#52861Thu, 08 Feb 2007 20:27:42 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:52861Cato, Rome, The EmpireA modified 757? That isn't excessive? A G4 will make the flight non-stop and is 1/4 the size. If she is asking for a 757 IT IS GROSSLY EXCESSIVE.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#52895Thu, 08 Feb 2007 21:09:30 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:52895Carrie, NW IowaFrom what it sounds like, all Pelosi asked was whether she could have a plane that would enable her to fly non-stop. Even if she did inquire about other people flying with her, etc. who cares? She was told she has to fly on a military plane for security reasons, and she is trying to find out the parameters of this policy. Wouldn't you? http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#52913Thu, 08 Feb 2007 21:46:01 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:52913Joe, Memphis, TNI don't think any politician should have free use of government planes. They should at least pay for the fuel. I estimate fuel for a trip from D.C. to Calif at about $27,000. If she or any other politician wants to pay, Go for it.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#52918Thu, 08 Feb 2007 21:53:42 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:52918Thomas Jefferson, Rolling In My Grave, USAThis is typical Washington arrogance. The politicians believe that the people's money is theirs to spend as they wish. It's a disease that they've nearly all been infected with. Note Hillary Clinton's recent comments about her "taking the profits of the oil companies...” Who is she to take anybody's profits? Who is Pelosi or any other politician to fly around the country like a King or Queen on the people's dime? We've lost our Republic.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#52961Thu, 08 Feb 2007 22:54:12 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:52961Seattle SueNone==I had heard the $22,000 per hour cost for this plane. I have heard $56,000 per hour cost for Air Force One. But I have not heard of $900 per hour cost for the plane Hasert was using. Please let me know where you got that information.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#52968Thu, 08 Feb 2007 23:09:52 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:52968Seattle SueThomas Jefferson==Are you including Bush in your post. Maybe it's my immagination but it seem as though Bush if flying somewhere quite often. I realize Bush has to go sometimes. But 40 to 50 times to Florida, about that many times to Pennsylvania and Ohio. One fund raiser after another and throw in at least one birthday party for John McCain. Oh I had forgot the many trips to Crawford for vacations. Now if what I have heard about the cost of operating Air Force One is true, $56,000 per hour Mr Bush has racked up a considerable amount of money flying. My goodness I forgot his supprise Thanksgiving Day trip to Iraq. That last example,if it made the troops feel better, I guess it's ok. But I still think it was a photo-ops trip.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#52979Thu, 08 Feb 2007 23:39:14 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:52979Ken Giurlando, Lancaster ,PAThe plane that Nancy Pelosi currently has is a military version of the C-20 Gulfstream. It has a range of 4,715 miles (that's more than enough to get from D.C. to San Francisco). It can carry 14 passengers, with a crew of 5. Cost: $22.2 million per copy. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#52983Thu, 08 Feb 2007 23:55:25 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:52983CIcero, Suddenly, AZWhat are all these security issues Pelosi refers to that warrant an upgraded luxury appointed military aircraft? Is she being pursued by plastic surgeons for unpaid face lift bills? She actually wanted this plane to fly her from D.C. to Williamsburg, Virginia. Why is it the Global Warming alarmists, like Gore and Pelosi, who manage to contribute more to destroying the ozone layer than the companies they rail against? Remember when Bill Clinton kept planes stacked up on the runway because he had to get a $600 haircut on Air Force One. Nothing new here regarding the latest exploits of licentious, lascivious, lackadaisical, loony Liberals. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#53022Fri, 09 Feb 2007 01:17:26 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53022Steve Turner Cedar Falls IowaCicero. Leave us not forget Reagan's plane, also sitting on the runway, much to the consternation of Donald Regan, while Nancy ordered it to wait for the time of take-off specified by her Guru, Madame Quigley.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#53042Fri, 09 Feb 2007 02:05:55 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53042Facts are KeyLet's here the facts... the majority of post here have no clue about military transport or the regulations. Bottom line: Haster used a modified Gulfstream III there is no reason why Pelosi can not use the same! The 757 in the AF Fleet are used primarily for overseas and the VP and alternate for the President. Before all of the liberals and uniformed above make a statement, please get the facts straight.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#53044Fri, 09 Feb 2007 02:06:33 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53044Facts are KeyLet's here the facts... the majority of post here have no clue about military transport or the regulations. Bottom line: Haster used a modified Gulfstream III there is no reason why Pelosi can not use the same! The 757 in the AF Fleet are used primarily for overseas and the VP and alternate for the President. Before all of the liberals and uniformed above make a statement, please get the facts straight.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#53072Fri, 09 Feb 2007 03:04:52 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53072Amy B Portand, MaineInteresting , Facts are Key, how you fail to entertain any facts that do not support the reality this is a manufactured controversy to swift boat the Madame Democratic Speaker. The really sickening thing is we have much more important facts to consider than what model plane the Speaker flies to California in. For instance, when does Cheney resign for his role in outing a CIA agent in order to smear an administration critic? What the hell happened to 8 billion dollars in cash shipped to Iraq? Why don't you apply your expertise to these questions?http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#53073Fri, 09 Feb 2007 03:07:57 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53073chrismWhat is the security issue if she has to refuel? Hmm the plane will land at an Air Force base. If she is not safe there then we have bigger problems!!!! If she flies commercial she should be at the airport 2 hrs before flight so even with the refuel would be faster than going commercial. So much for the most ethical congress ever what she has been in charge for a monthhttp://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#53078Fri, 09 Feb 2007 03:18:44 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53078chrs m, lorton vaLets stick her butt on the cargo net in the back of a KC 135 where she has to wear her paraka because it so dang cold and don't forget the headphones. It would keep her safe and would not need to be refuled. And could refuel some fighters over Nebraska on the way. She gets a big safe plane and we (the tax payers) are not paying to fly this pig across the countryhttp://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#53089Fri, 09 Feb 2007 03:48:40 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53089Tom C. South Jordan, UTShe doen't need a larger plane to fly non-stop from DC to SF. She could use a UC-35 (military version of a Cessna Citation). It's actually smaller than the plane Hassert used, seats 8 pax, cruises at over 500mph, and can fly non-stop from New York to London in less than 4 hours and from NY to SF in less than 3 hours. But, it's not big enough for a bed...http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#53092Fri, 09 Feb 2007 04:00:24 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53092Steve Turner Cedar Falls IowaFacts. I've got a clue. A C-130 Hercules can fly from California to Hawaii, to Wake Island, to Japan, to Okinawa, to Vietnam, for about fifty bucks. Make the Whole Government fly on them. If he wants, the President can have the Gunship version. If you don't know what they are, watch Charlie Sheen get out of one in 'Platoon'.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#53098Fri, 09 Feb 2007 04:29:24 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53098Marcus Chalfant, Mt. Pleasant, SCFacts are key is right. The G3 has a range of 3900 miles. Plenty enough to make it from coast to coast...which is 2500 miles. She lied about needing the range so she could get the same plane the VP and cabinet use for trans-atlantic flights so she can take her kids and grand kids on trips.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#53100Fri, 09 Feb 2007 04:36:37 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53100CiceroSteve Turner, It seems you are fond of this apocryphal story as you referred to it back on December 11. 2006. Don Regan and Joan Quigley's accounts should be taken with a grain of salt considering he was dismissed as chief of staff by Reagan and she was dismissed as "chief astrologer" by Nancy. The fact that no press story made any reference to Reagan's Air Force One holding up air port traffic, do to any problem, real or imagined, during his administration, it is easily eclipsed in comparison to Clinton's and now Pelosi's air travel hubris. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#53101Fri, 09 Feb 2007 04:49:53 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53101Voice of ReasonCan we remember the person who ordered this, Bill Livengood (the Sergent at Arms), was a Republican appointee from from the 104th Congress???http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#53116Fri, 09 Feb 2007 06:34:52 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53116ted, texasLet her clan ride Greyhound and give her a Cessna. Elitist pompous effete Liberals should ride coach...http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#53142Fri, 09 Feb 2007 13:56:21 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53142Learjet Pilot, Andrews AFB, MDTo set the record straight: Hastert flew on a military Lear 35, not the Gulfstream III. The Lear is an 8 seat airplane on paper, really only sits 5 comfortably, 6 with 2 folks stressed. The Lear does not have the capability to fly coast-to-coast unrefueled. There are several other aircraft on the ramp at Andrews that could support her; however, the Lear is controlled by one organization (JOSAC) and the larger jets are controlled by WHMO, the White House Military Office. They are generally for the use of cabinet members and senior congressional officials on a prioritized basis.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#53237Fri, 09 Feb 2007 15:44:57 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53237Learjet Pilot, Andrews AFB, MDPer the most current Air Force statistics (for Feb 07): Cost to fly a C-21 (LJ35): $1850/hr Cost to fly a Gulfstream: $5060/hr Cost to fly a C-40 (737): $17,633/hr Cost to fly a C-32 (757): $17,436/hr AF One is $55,019/hr. These come from AFI 65-503 Table 15.1.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#53246Fri, 09 Feb 2007 15:54:51 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53246Former Learjet Pilot, Abilene, TXThat is correct, what Learjet Pilot said. I flew Learjets a couple years ago from Maxwell AFB. The C-21 (a Learjet 35) cannot make the trip from DC to CA. HOWEVER, the C-20 (Gulfstream III/IV) and the C-37 (Gulfstream V) CAN. Those aircraft are smaller and cheaper to operate than the C-32 (757). The C-32 has a range of around 5500 miles. The C-37 has about the same range. The C-20 can fly between 3000-4000 miles, depending on the version (C-20H is a Gulfstream IV and has longer range than the III). I have no problem if key leadership personnel wish to use government aircraft for OFFICIAL travel (ie, for work, not campaigning or personal reasons). But they need to use the most affordable option that can satisfy their requirements. I think this is a case of people thinking "small airplane=short range", when in actuality the C-37 is a GLOBAL business jet.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#53311Fri, 09 Feb 2007 16:52:18 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:53311Mrs. CHey, all of you who support Nancy Pelosi's extravagant plane demands.... just remember that it will cost taxpayers $300,000 for each round trip that she makes to the coast......you and i will be footing that bill !! I have no problem with her having a secure plane...but let's be reasonable !!! http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#58163Fri, 16 Feb 2007 17:10:08 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:58163EJHow about we just shoot her out of a cannon. I'll buy the used helmet from the cirus.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#58717Sat, 17 Feb 2007 03:49:37 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:58717Mary, MinnesotaPelosis's in a short amount of time became Speaker of the House for the Democratic party and at the top of her list of plans she insisted to be flown back an forth from Washington to her home state. The Democrat's never fired back when our tax payer dollars made this possible for her. But on the other hand dollars needed for our troops in Iraq sounds off a bell by Democrat's that feel they can sit around and stall as long as they want. My the smile on Pelosi's face after the house passed their vote to avoid more troops going to Iraq said it all. She and the other Democrat's only care about stopping everything so this war is a failure. When the terrorist come and invade the US again what will there plan be....or are they just going to sit around and hope this goes away by it self. In planning ahead their more concerned about inner US's problems being resolved instead of making sure this battle with Terrorist remains over there. What is there next plan? There has been plenty of talk going around that Our President didn't have a good plan to go to war. Now that Iran is a question mark? Which way will the Democratic Party lean if much more solid evidence's is found in Iran? Plans require much more then hiding them under the rug! Mistakes or no mistakes!http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#98982Fri, 23 Mar 2007 01:12:23 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:98982R. HoeppnerGee, I wonder what Al Gore would say about all that extra greenhouse gas emitted by the 757? I think she should be given a Harley. See America first! http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#113242Thu, 05 Apr 2007 18:32:45 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:113242Bob Guest Nancy's home of California is twice as far as the previous speaker's home of Chicago from Wash., D.C.. If you need to fly non-stop, from D.C. to California, she has to have a larger plane to make the trip without refueling. Does this make sense?http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#115228Sun, 08 Apr 2007 14:50:59 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:115228Air Force CharlieNo, it doesn't. You only need more fuel. We fly nonstop coast to coast on Continental's 737's; the same plane that goes to Chicago from NY. The C-40B VIP version would do just fine for Nan. Plenty of capacity for communications, office equipment and staff.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/02/07/51817.aspx#168996Thu, 26 Apr 2007 11:33:05 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:168996Charles D, Day Miller,NebraskaI would still like to know , in our time of fuel shortage and high prices, WHY the President insists on taking AIR FORCE ONE just to fly a short distance to make a speech to elementary schools. they know not what he is saying.And in closing i would like someone in the government to tell me how much the fuel bill is for those flights.