Republican Paladin is loosing it!

Here in the Last Frontier many of us hang our hat on the fence-post of aviation.

Many a homestead is supplied mail, food, building supplies, appliances and even returning college-age offspring through the wonders of commercial and Bush aviation.

Of course there are those who would love to over-tax this frail thread that tethers us last true Americans to the outside world.

So the politicians dreamed up a $25-per-flight air traffic control user fee—disguised as a "surcharge" in the Senate's latest FAA funding bill.   Although at the same time they cut a fuel tax for the major heavy airlines, (we wonder who greased who on this account?)

Of course the general aviation community rose up in protest, but apparently not quite enough, (or maybe the airlines have a larger wallet) because the amendment that would have deleted the $25 per- flight tax was defeated by ONE VOTE, A vote which came from the least expected place, TED STEVENS.

From the AOPA web site.

“Even Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), who cast the tie-breaking vote to keep user fees in the bill, did so with hesitation. Referring to the effect of user fees on aircraft flying in Alaska, he said he thought there was "a bit of unfairness" in the bill, but he wanted to send it to the Senate floor……”

We here on the homestead noted that the only other Republican who voted to tax every flight was none other than John McCann, who is really much more of a Democrat than most registered Democrats.

So how did our Alaskan Paladin, a former WWII fighter Pilot, decide to vote against the interest of Alaskan Airmen?  Is he finally loosing his grip?  We here on the homestead certainly hope not.  Of course the recent allegations concerning his State Senator son have us wondering about that old adage concerning the apple tree and just how far the apple falls.

All in all, a dark day for those of us who are considered conservative Republicans here in the Last Frontier.

We are a more Cranky Sourdough today.