Do we get a free 8x10 with that package?

[Msaural]

The $328,835 Photo

 

Friday, May 08, 2009 at 5:47 p.m. WASHINGTON (AP) —

A top White House aide resigned Friday for his role in Air Force One's $328,835 photo-op flyover above New York City that sparked panic and flashbacks to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Louis Caldera said the controversy had made it impossible for him to effectively lead the White House Military Office.

"Moreover, it has become a distraction in the important work you are doing as president," Caldera said in his resignation letter to President Barack Obama. The sight of the huge passenger jet and an F-16 fighter plane flying past the Statue of Liberty and the lower Manhattan financial district sent panicked office workers streaming into the streets on April 27.

Obama said it would not happen again. Caldera's office approved the photo-op, which cost $35,000 in fuel alone for the plane and two jet fighter escorts. The Air Force estimated the photo shoot cost taxpayers $328,835. White House officials said the flight was designed to update the official photo of the plane, known as Air Force One when the president is aboard. The White House released a photo of the blue-and-white plane high above the Statue of Liberty, with New Jersey in the background.

The White House released the report late Friday afternoon via e-mail, with a short written statement from White House press secretary Robert Gibbs. There was no statement about the matter from Obama, who last month declared the embarrassment a "mistake" and vowed it would not be repeated. Gibbs said Obama has ordered a review of how the White House Military Office is set up, and how it reports to the White House and the Air Force. That review, to be conducted by Deputy Chief of Staff Jim Messina and Defense Secretary Robert Gates, will also offer recommendations to Obama designed to ensure that such an incident will not happen again, Gibbs said. Caldera, a former Army secretary, has headed the office that coordinates presidential travel on Air Force jets.

When Obama appointed Caldera to the job during the presidential transition, the then president-elect hailed Caldera as having a resume that was second-to-none. Obama said then: "I know he'll bring to the White House the same dedication and integrity that have earned him the highest praise in every post." His resignation takes effect May 22, but he is done at the White House Military Office now — not just as director, but in any part of the office's work. He said he will use the two weeks of his employment to complete the necessary steps to leave the White House.

Now ladies, please feel free to request your free 8x10 full color photograph. Go to:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/

Dear President Obama,

I am a U.S. taxpayer and as such I helped to pay for the photograph of the replica Air Force One over the Statue of Liberty and New York City. I am, therefore, requesting that I be provided with a copy of said photograph. I intend to frame it and place it on my fireplace mantel so it can be a constant reminder of the fact that while so many U.S. citizens are suffering right now, the Government saw fit to spend $328,835 on a public relations photo. If it isn't too much trouble, could you please ask Louis Caldera to autograph the photo? Who knows, someday it just might be worth $328,835.

Sincerely,

U.S. Taxpayer

AND, YES, I REALLY DID WRITE THAT AND SEND IT!   EVERYONE SHOULD ASK FOR ONE TO SEND A MESSAGE AND MAKE A POINT!  I'll be sure to let you know if I really do get one.

[Lb128f]

May. 8, 2009 at 7:37 PM

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

[BrknWingAngel]

May. 8, 2009 at 8:05 PM

Dumbasses

[brancoj]

May. 9, 2009 at 2:40 AM

They could have photoshopped that and saved $328,830

[Msaural]

May. 9, 2009 at 11:19 AM

I have no doubt that it probably was photoshopped since they have the capabilty and experience using it. Do they really expect us to believe that stunt over NYC was for a photo-op? 

(Original Poster)