Residents, Climate Activists Cite Carbon Emissions, Noise, ‘Militarization’

Some residents of Seattle, Washington, it seems, are not happy that the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Team will be performing their routine at the city’s Seafair Air Show on August 1-3, in addition to their two practice runs the day before on July 31.

As a symbol of their displeasure, the group calling themselves The Airshow Climate Action coalition of organizations installed a billboard on Rainier Avenue South, in the heart of Blue Angels territory just west of Lake Washington where the weekend air show happens.

In case you were wondering whether this is a new phenomenon, no it isn’t. The group has been protesting the Blues for many years and often picketed outside the Seafair grounds. It is, however, the first time they put up a billboard. They hope to spread their dubious claim of harm the jets cause to residents who live nearby.

They say the Blue Angels are causing harm to the environment, people’s health, and traumatizing victims of war. Dr. Breck Lebegue, a retired Air Force public health physician, says jets can damage one’s health. “Because the burning of fossil fuel hurts health,” he said.

One wonders if the Airshow Climate Action folks think about how much pollution they are exposed to annually from the cars, trucks, and other vehicles they are in proximity to pretty much every day. Compared with the air show’s four days (including practice day) with the flight demos running once per day for about two hours. One weekend a year.

As for the noise, yes it’s loud but that’s a large part of the attraction that brings the crowds to see them. They probably figure it’s not an excessive amount of exposure to noise or pollution. Besides, there are actually these nifty little things called ‘ear plugs’ that cost less than a buck to soften the noise. But why would you? 

It’s curious that they’re protesting just the Blue Angels when the U.S. Marine Corps F-35B demo team will also be performing, as will a U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter jet and a historic North American Aviation P-51 Mustang from the World War II era. Perhaps they don’t know, or they’re only mad at one type of aircraft?

Wishful thinking would have the Blues decide to do a couple or even three of their ’sneak’ passes 100 feet over the crowd at a speed just this side of Mach 1.

For those planning to attend: Enjoy!

FMI:  www.seafair.org/