Did I hear the news correctly? "Cheney thought HIS shoot down order

[keithyboy]

had been followed?" WTF is that all about. Why was Cheney giving a "shoot down order" instead of Bush during the 9/11 attacks? Is it me or does this really suck? I haven't heard anyone bring this up as an issue. But then, I have been away in LA where there is no news except piss on the Lakers.

[mountainvue]

1. Yep.

The president's cell phone was busy.

[merh]

4. Damned cell phones, you can never find a tower when you need one. nt

[BattyDem]

2. I thought ...

the pResident was the only person who was legally allowed to order the military to shoot down a civilian plane. I know that the word "legal" doesn't mean a thing to this crowd ... I'm just saying ... :shrug:

[nose pin]

7. Actually

There are several generals and a full bird colonel or two at NORAD who are authorized to order a shootdown.

You're thinking nukes.

added on edit: Also the SecDef or higher (meaning the VP), and whoever is the senior officer on duty of Northern Command at any given moment.

[BattyDem]

10. Thanks for the info ...

I thought it was civilian aircraft as well. Not sure where I heard that ... :shrug:

[tabasco]

16. Actually, there are TWO generals that have this authority ...

and only if there is not enough time to contact the President. Only two USAF generals have this authority.

[Peak_Oil]

19. I think it was totally legal for Cheney to give the order.

I wish he would have shot down all four, personally. It would have saved thousands of lives.

Don't like the guy, but I still wish he would have gotten all of them.

[PragMantisT]

3. Someone had to give the order.

* was cowering in the Air Force 1 toilet.

[lanparty]

5. Yeah, apparantly ...

All the super secret secure lines were down as well. Thats what they would have us believe!!!!

[Slickriddles]

6. Article 2 and Ammendment 25.

I came onto DU tonight because I was completely stunned by this and by the fact that, at least in one tape I heard, the pilot seemed to be willing to follow the VP's order. I guess the military doesn't think it important to follow the chain of command. I do hope that by tomorrow morning somewhere further up the food chain this'll get some play. Should I write my Senators? They're both DEMS.

[cally]

8. Yes and welcome

Write your Senators because this is outrageous. Welcome to DU.

[thebigmansentme]

9. shoot down order?

you mean when cheney ordered to have shoot down of airforce one?...

[mountainvue]

12. Well

I guess this is proof positive that Cheney really is president.

[newyawker99]

17. Hi Slickriddles!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[carpetbagger]

11. Yes. Welcome to South Park.

Bush reminded me of the mayor of South Park. Aliens, volcanos, monsters, and all he and his groupies can think about is sticking their snouts in front of the TV cameras.

As much of a scumbag I consider Cheney, at least he showed up for work.

[mountainvue]

13. They also

completely bypassed Rummy.

[merh]

14. Not only did Chaingang order the shoot down - he actually believed

that they had shot down a couple of planes. UFB

Rumsfeld: "OK. Let me ask the question here. Has that directive been transmitted to the aircraft?"

Cheney: "Yes, it has."

Rumsfeld: "So we've got a couple of aircraft up there that have those instructions at the present time?"

Cheney: "That is correct. And it's my understanding they've already taken a couple of the aircraft (hijacked airliners) out."

http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=5449156

[LizW]

15. Didn't we already know this?

I may be crazy, but I think I remember Cheney saying in some interview a long time ago that he was the one who gave the order.

Today is the first time I've ever heard it hinted that anyone even tried to get in touch with Bush for any type of decision-making.

In Richard Clarke's book, he says he reported directly to Cheney when he got to the WH. Nobody seemed to be concerned with calling Bush up and asking for his input.

[nostamj]

18. the 'Cheney shoot down order' was in that Showtime

movie about brave commander bunnypants on 9/11...

I guess nobody saw it...