Political Quotes

“In 1959, the City of Mesa, AZ wrote the Navy asking for an aircraft to display at one of its parks. In 1965, the aircraft, a Navy Panther, was donated for static display to Mesa Parks and Recreation from the Naval Air Station at Litchfield Park. The aircraft was used as a centerpiece for a children's playground. In 1994, the City of Mesa auctioned off the relic as surplus equipment to Richard Oldham for $100. The City of Mesa sold the aircraft to Mr. Oldham in an open bidding process, and he has temporarily lodged it at the USS Hornet Museum in California. He intends for it to be transferred to the Women's Airforce Service Pilots, (W.A.S.P.), Museum in Quartzite, AZ. According to the Naval Historical Center, it is a common for the Navy to conditionally donate aircraft, in what amounts to a long-term loan, to municipalities and museums. Donation of aircraft to city parks is conditional upon Congressional termination of title. Absent evidence of the U.S. Government's intent to make the donation unconditional, (a permanent transfer), the Navy would still hold title to the aircraft. Under section 3, article 4 of the United States Constitution, only Congress can make laws pertaining to the disposal of Federal property.”