The Grand Illusion
Another stunning Department of Homeland Security revelation surfaced this week. Last year, Corey Lewandowski, one of DHS Secretary Noem’s top aides, entered the cockpit of a government jet uninvited during the post-take-off period, when entry to the cockpit is legally restricted, complaining because Secretary Noem’s blanket had been left behind when the crew and passengers, including Secretary Noem, had to switch aircraft for mechanical reasons.
The crew notified Lewandowski that he could not remain in the cockpit during climb-out, and Lewandowski left. Later in the flight, Lewandowski asked who should be fired because Noem’s blanket had been left behind, and the pilot in command took the responsibility. Lewandoski fired him, but the agency had to reinstate the pilot because, at Noem’s destination, there was no one qualified to fly the aircraft back to Washington, D.C.
So, not only did Noem’s people try to fire a pilot for leaving a blanket behind, but no one apparently considered the ramifications.
Apparently, Kristi Noem can’t even hang on to her own blanket and then had an aide break federal aviation rules to complain before going on to fire someone else for either her forgetfulness or that of her staff.
Over a blanket, yet?
And this is the woman in charge of the Department of Homeland Security?
I have this image of Kristi Noem as Linus from the comic strip Peanuts. Unfortunately, Linus would have made a better DHS Secretary
Well, since Noem’s boss is a spoiled baby, I suppose she’s only following the example of her superior officer.
Security blanket like in the Peanuts?
Bunch of ICEholes
This is totally off topic, but I read that Patrick Nielsen Haydon from Tor retired; I think I recall you mentioning him in the notes of The One-Eyed Man both positively, & as being very influential in that book’s creation especially. If I’m correct, I hope he left a good substitute editor for you.
While Patrick and Teresa Neilsen Hayden were both very supportive for years, David Hartwell was my editor from the beginning until his death in 2016, when David’s assistant, Jen Gunnels, became my editor and has remained so.
A recent news story suggested that a blanket was not the issue, but rather a bag of “toys” that was left behind.
Linus would be shocked!
How low can they go?????
Wait, don’t answer that…
A blanket! A blanket! My kingdom for a blanket!
The Peter Principle is when people rise to their level of incompetence.
What is it called when people rise several steps beyond that? Apparently, the current administration.