Silent Drill Platoon

An elite unit of U.S. Marines performed in New York’s Times Square this morning and filmed part of a recruitment commercial during the start of rush hour.  That’s something they were not able to do in San Francisco on the anniversary of 9/11. Depending on whom you believe, the Marines were slighted because of liberal politics or it was just an issue of traffic control.  We explored the issues in tonight’s I-Team report.

I remember watching the Silent Drill Platoon as a kid growing up in a Washington, D.C. suburb.  The memories of those twirling rifles and the precision march came back strong when I started researching this story.  The unit’s been popular since it began in 1948, so we wanted to stream our raw footage of their filming in Times Square.  It may be interesting, no matter what your political viewpoint.

Here’s the Silent Drill Platoon’s website and the U.S. Marines’ write-up on the new commercial, the concept and the production plan.

Comments

[Krista Silveria]

How can it NOT be political. As stated in the article - they allow protests, critical mass (no traffic worries there, huh?), parades, anything but Military representation. I hope they enjoy their freedoms - They weren't free.

[Krista Silveria]

How can it NOT be political. As stated in the article - they allow protests, critical mass (no traffic worries there, huh?), parades, anything but Military representation. I hope they enjoy their freedoms - They weren't free.

[Michael Lyons]

The thin, transparent tissue of LIES as spouted by our representative is another display of arrogance in office. I was privileged to be on hand at Kirby Cove and Battery Spencer to witness these dedicated Marines go through their paces, shake their hands, and lend what small encouragement I could to them and their mission. It is a shame that more of the Bay Area's citizens COULD not share this experience because of ONE individual - a Tyrant in fact if not in job description. OORAH NY City.
theirangels.org

[joe]

Incredible how tainted this city has become. I am sure if the commercial was backed a Steven Spielberg paycheck to the "traffic commission" Ms. Coyote wouldn't have mind shutting down ONE lane of traffic.

pathetic...

[Bob]

So much for the fig leaf of "we support the troops, even though we oppose the war". Everybody with sense knew that was a lie from the start, but now it's unavoidable: San Francisco is bigoted against our military!

The only remaining question is what to do about it.

[Roger Johnson]

I hope Stefanie Coyote enjoys her freedom. Appearently she forgot where that freedom came from.

[musicityrn]

This is outrageous! Maybe the person who made this decision should go back to Iran with "what's his name" without the "military" to protect them!

[Michele Burkett]

I can't believe shooting of a commercial would be that much of a hindrance to the city traffic as was the excuse by the film commission. If anything, the Silent Drill Platoon would have been an incredible site to see and I'm sure they would have gained much respect from anyone witnessing the event, especially on 9/11. It's absolutely disgraceful and an insult to the soldiers that defend our country. I may have my views not fully supporting the war but I sure support and respect those who are fighting it. They are doing their jobs and serving our county and the fact that the city turned them away from shooting their commercial sickens me. The city of San Francisco should be honored to have the Marines use the city's most recognizable monuments set as the background.

[JackFoley]

I am a former U.S. Marine and 20 year resident of Marin County that served in Viet Nam in 1965-66. The decision of the film board of San Francisco is, unfortunately, typical of those that say "we support the troops, but....Not in my back yard" or perhaps any where within our area.

For a city that prides itself on "free speech"and "diversity",I believe the board's action is a mockery and a sham! Without the selflessness of our young volunteers, how may one expect to maintain our freedom? To deny the Marines an opportunity to deliver their message (and one that many would espouse) is wrong.

Jack Foley

[Marta Porter]

Our daughter is one of the few, the proud, a Marine. When 9ll happened she was in high school, yet she still joined the JROTC. She wanted to make a difference for our country. This woman should think of all the men and women who defend our country and make all these freedoms possible.

[truthseeker]

The politicians and bureaucrats of San Francisco are getting stupider by the minute. So is Ms. what's her name, appointee of Fratboy mayor, a follower of Stupidoval?

What a mess! Is there anyone running this town?

[Samuel Cadelinia]

As a native and resident of San Francisco, I am deeply saddened and disappointed with Stefanie Coyote's and the film commission's recent decision denying the filming of the Marines. I have always reveled in the great diversity and tolerance our great city has demonstrated throughout the years but this action is an embarrassement to our City and it's citizens. What kind of message are we sending to the people who serve in our military and their families? It reminds me of the way our veterans were treated when they returned home from Vietnam. I can't believe the reasons for the commission's decision;with insensitivity and intolorance. Who are they kidding? Do they think we are stupid? And who the heck hired Stefanie Coyote anyway?

[Linda]

Ms. Coyote will be one of the first to holler where is the National Guard and any branch of Military that should be called into help in emergencies if the City should ever need them. I would not blame anyone who sat back and didn't respond to her calls for help, But, I can say, that would not happen with our Military, because they stand in ready to help all citizens of this county, no matter how badly someone back stabbed and two faces them. City officals in SF need to wake up and relize in the world we live in today and natural disasters happening also, these same people you denied in your city, Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines may one day be pulling you out of the raging sea or off a roof top, giving you freash water or medical care. Wake up folks these men and women are about much more then only wars!

[msg6531]

I am a former Marine and had lived in the Bay Area for 35 years and now live in Florida. Yes Florida has its voting issues but I have to say when I moved I did not leave my heart in San Francisco. I became embarrassed to say I lived or am from the San Francisco Bay Area when it comes to support for the military. I was a member of the Marine Corps League in SF and we always had to fight with the city to participate/conduct events on Memorial Day or anything military related. The fact that they have been trying to stop the Blue Angeles from coming to town and now the Marine Corps Silent Drill team only demonstrates that the city has lost its heart and soul of its past. San Francisco was built on military pride and power and it is a shame that they have so quickly forgot where it came from. I only hope that one day San Francisco will find its heart and soul and share itself with a group that has supported them in the past. I feel sorry if San Francisco ever has a need to dial 911 and ask for the Marine support on its shores.

[Tony Soule]

I am appalled at this total snub of our military, including the Blue Angels. I am a third generation San Franciscan and a 37 year member of the Fire Department, Where is our Mayor on this subject and how come He is not involved. The City is run by a bunch of Carpetbaggers from all over the country who come to this beautiful City with their weird sense of values and impose them on all the masses. Shame on all of them.

[Sally]

Want to hear fromt he mayor? Wait til everyone starts talking, then he will emerge. Wonder if Coyote submitted her resignation to the mayor. Shame on her! God Bless our Troops!

[Rob Jackson]

This is a gross insult to all Marines past and present. The lovely city where I spent my childhood now shows little class and has become a soul less cesspool -visually and politically.
Semper Fidelis, Marines...

[Capt. Marsh]

Let me guess; a democrat, never served; doen't know anyone who served; and will always serve her self first and foremost. She should be a front runner for Hillary's VP.

[James Gregg]

So much for freedom of speech. I guess that only applies if you agree with the far left views. These Marines would defend Ms. Coyote's freedom if required despite her leftist politics. This is more than an insult. I would like to see the federal government just cut off all funding to San Francisco. Let's see how their tune changes then. Ms. Coyote should be fired for this.

[Mike Colonna]

What a disgrace!! As a donor to moveon.org, there's absolutely no question that this woman is bringing her personal feelings about the military to her position with the city. Traffic considerations....what an outright lie. I'm not a SF resident but used to enjoy visiting your city regularly. Not any more. Don't know who's electing the politicians there, but it's as if the city is not part of the United States any more.

[Bluecat]

I don't believe it. Noooo, not in SF? She actually denied permision for our Marines to be on that street? I'm sure if it was Cindy Sheehan's group or some transgender group Ms. Coyote would have fallen all over herself to make sure it would happen. She would probably even had the city pay for the police to block the street. I'm disgusted at the way our military is treated. God Bless the USMC!

[SF is not LA]

This was not political. This was Los Angeles coming into San Francisco with no idea how filming in our city works and how the traffic concerns are major. They could have done this on a weekend, but waited until the last possible moment and they were rightly denied. Better yet, they would have been able to get the job done with local people planning the job!

[Jason Barton]

Please! Please! After you read these blog entries send an email or call Ms. Coyote explaining your grievance with her decision. Her contact information is below:

Stefanie Coyote, Executive Director
San Francisco Film Commission
(415) 554-6241
stefanie.coyote@sfgov.org

[Jason Barton]

I called Ms. Coyote's office and finally got through to a staff person.

The staff person stated that the Marines were not provided a permit during the heavy traffic hours, but were issued a permit for the following weekend. She said the i-team did not accurately cover the story. She also stated the marines were more than welcome to be filmed on the street, but it was their decision to not use the marines during the weekend filming.

I am not sure who is telling the truth. I have seen many journalist extent the truth to make a story more "juicy"...

*** Note from Dan Noyes: Thanks for doing a little digging, Jason. To clarify, the Marines Silent Drill Platoon has a very tight schedule on their national tour, during which they're filming the commercial. The platoon was only available Tuesday morning, the anniversary of 9/11. To offer a weekend shoot was a moot point. Captain Corrales told us on the record and others confirmed off camera that the Film Commission often approves shoots during rush hour. It is Corrales' opinion and others involved in the process that the Marines were not afforded the same opportunity as other production crews. ***

[M VINCE TURNER, SSGT USAF 1962-1966]

A retired Marine Major who is a close friend, and who lives in San Francisco sent the news of this Marine “Blackout” by the City of San Francisco to me.

This action is reprehensible and deplorable. WHO will the City of San Francisco look to for Military protection if or when that might become necessary? WHO has protected this nation along both coasts and along its borders throughout this nation's history? WHO has gone out to fight, to give of life or limb for this nation's values?

My family has served this great nation militarily since The American Revolution. The Commission's action is downright disgusting, a slap in the face to all the branches of our US Armed Forces. How dare you! How dare you, San Francisco!

And to think how many of my Marine friends sign their messages with S/F, meaning Semper Fidelis. Well, there is NO S/F in San Francisco, with small letter or capitalized. Think about the men and women in uniform the next time you find your shores threatened or fear they may be. SHAME ON YOU, SAN FRANCISCO! SHAME ON YOU!

And, PLEASE! Do not use your rush hour as the scapegoat. You simply treat the US Military and the US Marine Corps as anathema, as the enemy. I hope you remember that when your worst or best needs are fulfilled by our Military who will come to your aid despite your asinine attitudes.

M. Vince Turner
Boston MA