Update: Due to a flood of public input, the resolution will not be introduced next week. See end of post.

From an article today in the San Francisco Examiner, a proposal is being worked on by Supervisor Chris Daly to stop the Blue Angels from flying over San Francisco. The popular Navy flying group has flown over the city for the past several years as part of Fleet Week, which will be October 4 to 9 this year.

From the Examiner:

Veterans for Peace takes issue with the pro-military message and the recruiting efforts that come along with the annual visit as well as what it refers to as the “noise pollution.” The group calls the event a public safety risk, pointing to the April crash of a Blue Angels plane during an air show in Beaufort, S.C.

What is wrong with a pro-military message? The flyover celebrates the skill and dedication of those serving in the Navy. If safety was truly a concern why was it not brought up years ago?

One anecdote that might illuminate the situation happened to me the other day. I was in a supermarket in Orange County wearing an Air Force related shirt. A gentleman asked if I was in the military and I replied that I was not but my Dad had served in the Army for over 20 years. He then asked me to thank him for his service. In contrast, I have heard comments around Berkeley calling those in uniform murders.

Fancy flying is not the only thing brought to the city. They also receive a healthy infusion of cash.

Fleet Week attracts about 1 million people to The City’s waterfront and sinks about $4 million into The City’s economy, according to Leonard. When the Blue Angels did not fly over San Francisco in 2004, attendance and revenue dropped by more than 50 percent, he said.

Leonard said Fleet Week comes with a variety of benefits, from boosting the local economy to providing people “a chance to say thanks for the people serving in the military now.”

I think a chance to say thanks to those serving in the military is reason enough for the festivities. While I have not been to any of these annual events in San Francisco, I do not see the harm that is being done by these flyovers. If the city really does not want the pro-military presence they can refrain from collecting sales tax during the week to avoid the risk of making money from a military related source.

I don’t know what the board of supervisors will do, but if it was my choice I would say thank you to those who are in service in the military. Then I would buy a crab sandwich and watch the Blue Angels.

Update:The day after the Examiner ran the story they had a follow up:

Supervisor Chris Daly, when asked about the progress of his resolution, told The Examiner on Thursday, “Because of you, I haven’t gotten any work done today, and because of you, I am not going to introduce it on Tuesday.”

I am glad public input is still valued. Check the Examiner for the latest details.