Chesley Burnett “Sully” Sullenberger III, pilot of the ill-fated US Airways Flight 1549 on January 15, 2009, has had an interesting year. On January 1st, 2009, what could have been going through his mind? There he was, with a successful, though unassuming career, minding his own business. Was he thinking, “Is that all there is?” I doubt that his plans for next New Year’s Day included being Grand Marshal in the Tournament of Roses Parade. Or was it?
Some people are born to greatness. Some people achieve greatness. But, some people have Canadian Geese thrust upon them.
Two weeks later, Captain Sullenberger was getting ready to take-off from La Guardia Airport. Ground crews were busy clearing snow from the runways. Little did he know that he was about to encounter Canadian avian eco-terrorism.
Since 9/11, our Homeland Security has been focused on Al Qaeda. But it should have been focused on the enemy just north of our borders…Canada. Every year, their avian flu came south into our lands. Not swine, but avian. In many areas, it has established itself, just waiting for the right time to strike. It should have been no surprise that New York City would again be the target. This time, terrorism would lose. Sully would save us. Our hero.
But even heroes are not perfect. Comedian Jeffrey Ross noticed that although Sullenberger may love our country, he’s not so fond of New Jersey. Following are actual, though redacted, transcripts from the last moments of Flight 1549. You decide if they are out of context.
Sully: …”hit birds, we lost thrust in both engines…”
Air Traffic Control: …which runway would you like at Teterboro?”
Sully: “We’re gonna be in the Hudson.”
Now, maybe he may have an excuse for avoiding New Jersey. Perhaps he wanted to land on the USS Intrepid. His plane did come to rest abeam of this historic carrier in the Hudson. Perhaps if Homeland Security had kept the flight deck clear he might have had that choice. But, instead, he chose the Hudson…over New Jersey.
Now, that the Rose Parade is finished, and the anniversary of his fateful trip approaches, what now for Chesley Sullenberger. In this shortsighted country, it is always, “What have you done for us lately?” World peace? Cure cancer, or the common cold?
We’re waiting.
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