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One does not normally expect to experience subtlety in an Independence Day parade, but it was there in the Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce’s “American Heroes” parade on July 4, 2013.
Take a close look at the picture. The two distinguished gentlemen were each riding a Segway Personal Transporter. They were on the leading edge of Coeur d’Alene mayoral candidate Mary Souza‘s supporters marching in the parade. It is subtle but appropriate that a Segway would symbolically lead a movement to segue Coeur d’Alene into an era of genuine progress and trust.
There’s more.
For those who didn’t notice, the two distinguished gentlemen on the Segway PTs are Bill Whittle and Burt Rutan.
Bill Whittle is a nationally recognized conservative political and motivational speaker. He is a writer, pilot, and television editor who lives and works in Los Angeles.
Burt Rutan is the founder and Chairman Emeritus of Scaled Composites, a way-out-in-front-of-the-leading-edge aerospace and specialty composites development company located in Mojave, California. He designed the legendary Voyager 76, the first aircraft to circle the world non-stop, without refueling. He now lives here in north Idaho.
I tried to ride a Segway. Once. I was terrified. Supposedly it’s easy, but they force you to first watch this “YOU WILL BE INJURED” video. Then, at least at the place I went, they put me on the thing in this narrow alley. There was a big hole and I had to steer around it. Then the alley ended and became — according to my perception — steep as hell. So I hopped off and fled.
Comment by Dan Gookin — July 6, 2013 @ 6:38 pm
Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, what did you think of the Theatre?
Comment by Bill — July 6, 2013 @ 7:04 pm
Impressive background on these two gentlemen. The citizens of CDA should be proud that a woman of Mary’s character has such friends supporting her effort to serve as Mayor.
Comment by Gary Ingram — July 7, 2013 @ 1:48 pm
Gary,
Yes, but my guess is that few in the crowd had the foggiest idea of who they are and what they have accomplished.
Comment by Bill — July 7, 2013 @ 4:15 pm
Probably not – because they need to READ OpenCda, but kid you not, Mary walked the walk as our next Mayor.
Comment by Stebbijo — July 7, 2013 @ 5:47 pm
I walked around the parade setup area and saw Misters Whittle and Rutan. I didn’t recognize them, of course. In fact, I thought Rutan was the Lennox guy.
Comment by Dan Gookin — July 7, 2013 @ 10:16 pm