General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsJosh Marshall: Doesn't Add Up (chartered flight to Martha's Vineyard)
https://talkingpointsmemo.com/edblog/doesnt-add-upMost of the news discussion about the DeSantis/Marthas Vineyard saga appears to have moved on to chin-scratching pieces about what it all means and how the politics might shake out. Thats premature. The fact that DeSantis would pull a stunt like this is entirely unsurprising if also morally obscene. But if it was his work why did he fly migrants from Texas? Theres been no clear or really any explanation for why this would be the case. DeSantis wont discuss it. It seems clear that this wasnt arranged by actual government employees. At a minimum it was delegated to private parties who quite possibly broke a few laws to do it. The woman Perla seems to have disappeared and gave one migrant a card with only her first name and a phone number. Thats not a government employee, at least not one working on the books.
Somethings amiss here. An independent publication called San Antonio Report has been publishing some of the clearest and most relevant detail about the story. A new piece from a few hours ago explains some details about the charter jet that ferried the migrants. It brings up another odd detail. The charter company is a luxury private jet company that normally caters to corporate executives and sports teams. Why that company? One possible clue is provided by the San Antonio Report article: Ultimate Air Shuttle flies frequently to Marthas Vineyard. The planes used usually work the east coast, not Texas.
This afternoon a number of publications reported that a week ago Florida hired a Florida-based aviation company called Vertol Systems Company Inc to run its immigrant relocation program, making an initial payment of $615,000. Most of these publications have assumed that company ran the flights to Marthas Vineyard. But thats not the case. It was Ultimate Air, as we noted above. Its possible that Vertol subcontracted the flights to Ultimate Air. But why? It has its own fleet of planes and Ultimate Air doesnt usually operate those specific planes in Texas. And if its subcontracting, why would it do so to a company for high-end executive air travel?
Basically nothing about this story adds up. The details dont make any sense. It looks like an off the books operation possibly funded by the state of Florida but maybe not? I cant explain DeSantis would say if its his operation if it werent. And Im not saying its not. But really, none of this adds up.
*the end*
Solly Mack
(90,798 posts)tanyev
(42,663 posts)Hard to believe Abbott would help DeSantis out-stunt his own stunts.
hamsterjill
(15,224 posts)I dug a little yesterday and it looks like Ultimate Air is out of Ohio. I cant find a listing for this specific company (even for an out of state business) with the Comptroller of Public Accounts in Texas, so I wonder if they used an Ohio based company for a reason.
Heres the companys about us information. I didnt recognize any of the leadership team as being well know Republicans (who Abbott might swing business to), but who knows.
https://flyuj.com/about-us/
All speculation on my part at this point. No way of knowing if this is the actual company but it fits.
Nevilledog
(51,268 posts)hamsterjill
(15,224 posts)I understand DeSantis part in this. But Abbott has some connection because of the fact that the migrants were in Texas, not Florida, and the plane left from San Antonio.
My opinion for what its worth
Nevilledog
(51,268 posts)But he's a lying POS so who knows.
hamsterjill
(15,224 posts)Typical Republican tactic.
Heres a link to a local story on this. This may have already been posted as I know it was referenced.
https://sanantonioreport.org/kelly-field-san-antonio-ron-desantis-migrants-flight-marthas-vineyard/?amp
Laura PourMeADrink
(42,770 posts)Wonder if they were chosen because 1) airlines needed income so agreed to do it for low fee and who cares about migrants comfort and security 2) Airlines is definitely a one-off outfit which offered some degree of down low.
hamsterjill
(15,224 posts)But I think we all DO know that there is a lot more to this than what Abbott and DeSantis are saying.
And theres some financial aspect to it. There always is with a Republican.
RockRaven
(15,062 posts)how would that change the analysis of whether or not a crime was committed? Would it make a difference?
Historic NY
(37,458 posts)Here is a Link probably from the flight logs
[link:https://www.mvtimes.com/2022/09/15/know-flights-refugees-took/|]
[link:https://www.mvtimes.com/2022/09/15/know-flights-refugees-took/|]
rubbersole
(6,749 posts)Inflation.
Brother Buzz
(36,490 posts)as your private slush fund.
rubbersole
(6,749 posts)Says every repub governor. (Or volleyball stadiums.)
Baitball Blogger
(46,775 posts)trying to make any legal sense of what a Florida Republican governor is doing.
Hint: Nothing they do will make legal sense. The question is, will someone hold them accountable. The FBI usually looks the other way, which is why the Florida corruption is now spreading to other states.