Scare Force One: The Flyover Flap -- and We Paid For It!

OK, folks -- the White House decided to release the Air Force One photo-op picture that caused New Yorkers on April 27th. The jet airliner, accompanied by an F-16, screaming overhead brought flashbacks of 9/11 .... go figure. This little venture cost the American taxpayer $328,835 and resulted in the resignation of a White House "aide."

Here's the story from yesterday's The New York Post:

White House Aide Resigns Over Flyover Flap

WASHINGTON -- A top White House aide resigned today for his role in Air Force One's $328,835 photo-op flyover above New York City that sparked panic and flashbacks to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. His resignation was made public at the same time the photo of the flyover was released by the White House.

Louis Caldera said the controversy had made it impossible for him to effectively lead the White House Military Office. "Moreover, it has become a distraction in the important work you are doing as president," Caldera said in his resignation letter to President Barack Obama.

The sight of the huge passenger jet and an F-16 fighter plane flying past the Statue of Liberty and the lower Manhattan financial district sent panicked office workers streaming into the streets on April 27. Obama said it would not happen again.

Caldera's office approved the photo-op, which cost $35,000 in fuel alone for the plane and two jet fighter escorts. The Air Force estimated the photo shoot cost taxpayers $328,835.

White House officials said the flight was designed to update the official photo of the plane, known as Air Force One when the president is aboard. The White House released a photo of the blue-and-white plane high above the Statue of Liberty, with New Jersey in the background ...

Sheer genius, guys! Sheer genius!