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August 21, 2005

Morons

Morons.

San Francisco Shuns Retired USS Iowa

The USS Iowa joined in battles from World War II to Korea to the Persian Gulf. It carried President Franklin Roosevelt home from the Teheran conference of allied leaders, and four decades later, suffered one of the nation's most deadly military accidents.

Veterans groups and history buffs had hoped that tourists in San Francisco could walk the same teak decks where sailors dodged Japanese machine-gun fire and fired 16-inch guns that helped win battles across the South Pacific...

...Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., a former San Francisco mayor, helped secure $3 million to tow the Iowa from Rhode Island to the Bay Area in 2001 in hopes of making touristy Fisherman's Wharf its new home.

But city supervisors voted 8-3 last month to oppose taking in the ship, citing local opposition to the Iraq war and the military's stance on gays, among other things...


If I remember correctly, the Iowa is a big part of the reason San Franciscans still speak English (Or whatever language that is they speak on the Planet SF.), instead of Japanese.

...Officials in Stockton couldn't be happier. They've offered a dock on the river, a 90,000-square-foot waterfront building and a parking area, and hope to attract at least 125,000 annual visitors...

...San Francisco's rejection of such a storied battleship is a slap in the nation's face, said Douglass Wilhoit, head of Stockton's Chamber of Commerce.

"We're lucky our men and women have sacrificed their lives ... to protect our freedom," Wilhoit said. "Wherever you stand on the war in Iraq ... you shouldn't make a decision based on philosophy."


What he said.

Posted by tree hugging sister at August 21, 2005 10:47 AM

Comments

I can't wait until we get to declare the entire city of Frisco an enemy of humanity and send in the bombers.

Posted by: Ken Summers at August 21, 2005 10:53 AM

I saw this last night. Amazing.

I think we ought to ban falafel carts, 'cos, y'know, makes me think of the middle east and iraq and all that.

And don't get me started on bagels.

Posted by: Mr. Bingley at August 21, 2005 11:01 AM

Pffft. They'll wish they had a battleship then!

Honestly tho, what kind of morons would turn down something so fabulous? We got dragged down to Wilmington, N.C. as children (NOT a fun trip from NJ in the 60's mind you) and the highlight was always getting to climb all over the North Carolina. First thing I did when we moved to Jacksonville was drag Major Dad and Ebola down to climb all over the North Carolina (who, by the way, got herself a very spiffy new camouflage paint job just before we moved). Then Crusader and family came to visit and we all drive down to Wilmington to climb all over the...you get it. Add to that my in-laws and several bucket-loads of friends and their children. It's self perpetuating! (And costs money every single trip. What does the Intrepid museum do $$ wise for New York? The Alabama at Battleship Park for Mobile ~ and God knows they need the help?)

They're just un-American.

Posted by: tree hugging sister at August 21, 2005 11:08 AM

Sis, we're talking about a city that provides a shitload of public funds for a gay pride parade but practically nothing for memorial day.

Posted by: Ken Summers at August 21, 2005 11:23 AM

I love going to the Intrepid in NYC. Heard then-Mayor Guiliani speak there on Memorial Day 2001. Saw a demonstration of martial technique from our Marines - professional and polite young men.

Never will forget that. I hope Ahnold yells at SF for fun, and makes a point of attending the opening ceremonies in Stockton.

Posted by: Nightfly at August 21, 2005 03:44 PM

You and me both, Nightfly.

Posted by: Ken Summers at August 21, 2005 05:51 PM

I propose we get the Iowa into battle shape, sail her out to the Pacific, and use San Fran for target practice.

Posted by: nobrainer at August 21, 2005 07:58 PM

nobrainer, it would be more effective just to cut off all of their federal and state funds. Then the idjits running FriscoLand would learn what economics is all about.

Posted by: The Real JeffS at August 22, 2005 03:52 AM

Dopes. The CAG cringes whenI mention going to look at a warship, as she knows she won't see me for most of the day, or if she walks with me, will get dragged around for longer than she cares for. I remember the last time I was on the Intrepid was after the Falklands War, with the Hermes moored next to her. What a treat I will never forget. I need to get back out to the North Carolina one of these days. You can never have enough battleships.....

Posted by: Crusader at August 22, 2005 08:47 AM