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Interesting question. The commentator asks several good questions. Lets debate them here.
Here is the link and the entire editorial.
http://www.tbsource.com/Editorials/index.asp?cid=76820
Here is the link and the entire editorial.
http://www.tbsource.com/Editorials/index.asp?cid=76820
Editorials
One Man's Opinion - Snowbirds
Rick Smith
Web Posted: 8/25/2005 1:58:50 PM
In 1972, Snowbird Capt. Lloyd Waterer died during an air show in Trenton. He was 25. In 1978, Capt. Gordon deJong, 32 years old, died during an air show in Grande Prairie, Alberta. In 1989, 24 year old Capt. Shane Antaya died during an air show in Toronto. In 1998, Capt. Michael VanderBos, 29, died while rehearsing for a show. In 2004, Capt. Miles Selby died in a fiery collision while training for a show. During that same time there were five other Snowbird collisions that resulted in minor injuries or were injury free. Thunder Bay's incident makes it six and, to our profound relief, we can put this on an injury-free list.
But a young man was perhaps seconds away from death and his Tutor jet was yards away from slamming into someone's home â “ for what? To entertain. And, yes, there are some manoeuvres the Snowbirds go through during their shows that could be considered training for combat flying but the bottom line is â “ it's Showbiz, Entertainment, and an important part of their recruitment drive.
Once more the question will be asked â “ Should our military continue to risk the lives of these fine young men and the potential loss of the lives of many on the ground â “ for the purpose of amusing an audience? The folks in Thunder Bay have a special reason to participate in the debate.
This is Rick Smith and That's One Man's Opinion