Arrogance & Elitism

Canada is understandably concerned about the recent revelations of a Trident-IV getting damaged while being removed from the USS Georgia a few months back. That's fine. I am concerned also. I can understand why the Navy did not come out and announce the event, but someone in the Department of Defense should have. Especially since no one was ever really put at risk by the accident. It would have avoided the current fallout from the unexpected and heretofore unknown revelation. Had it been announced, there would not be the discussions of a possible coverup floating around like they currently are.

Now I understand that Canada is out ally and that they had a right to know about the issue, just like all Americans had a right to know also. But it really pisses me off when they attempt to lecture us:

"The whole issue of transparency in government is fundamental to our democratic system. I think when something is covered up it is pretty outrageous." (Libby Davies, Canadian Parliamentarian from Vancouver East)

I'm sorry, but that just sounds extremely smug and elitist. You can be upset and searching for answers, but the tone implied in that comment is offensive. Canada's government is no more perfect than ours and Mrs. Davies needs to get off her high horse and realize that.

After this incident is investigated and concluded, Mrs. Davies needs to made a persona non grata on US military bases. In the past she has led citizen inspection teams; that needs to stop. US officials hostile to the United States military have a right to inspect bases as they see fit. That's part of their oversight duty. Foreign officials that are even seemingly hostile to the US military should not be allowed on our bases. The US base at Bangor may affect Mrs. Davies constituents, but that does not automatically confer upon her some right to visit the base.

But in the meantime, I would like to know how in the hell someone managed to leave a ladder in the tube and how it was missed until the missile hit it. I know that I don't have all the details, but that seems like a gross oversight to me.

I too, would like answers. I just don't see the need for arrogance in my demanding them.