Staff Reports
In the Garden State of New Jersey, a mystery is soaring through the skies, and it’s not just the usual winter birds. The state recently found itself buzzing with reports of large drones, stirring up a storm of concern among its officials. Among those raising eyebrows at the situation is Assemblyman Brian Bergen, a former military helicopter pilot who left a recent meeting feeling more puzzled than enlightened. Rather than calming his nerves, the sit-down seemed like a lackluster circus that left attendees yearning for real leadership, as the assemblyman dramatically declared the entire affair a “waste of time.”
Dozens of sightings of these uninvited flying machines have taken place, and instead of investigating, Governor Murphy seems to be passing the buck to the federal government. Bergen minced no words when he pointed out that New Jersey has resources available. He highlighted the state police, who, bizarrely enough, had a helicopter hovering over one of these drones but did not follow it back to where it originated. It’s like watching a cat stare at a laser pointer without ever trying to catch it. The former pilot believes that if state resources are not utilized effectively, it could leave residents feeling more anxious than ever.
Compounding the situation is the presence of federal authorities, who, according to spokesperson John Kirby, maintain that the reported sightings are likely just “manned aircraft operating lawfully.” This kind of dismissive rhetoric isn’t sitting well with Assemblyman Bergen, who has the credentials to speak from experience. He called out federal representatives as “fools” for their lack of awareness about what’s really happening in New Jersey’s skies. One can almost imagine Bergen donning a superhero cape, bravely defending the truth from the lofty heights of his Apache helicopter piloting days.
Frustration isn’t just limited to Bergen; it has reached the highest echelons of government. Senator Cory Booker expressed his own ire regarding the transparency surrounding these incidents, emphasizing the urgent need for the public to be informed. It seems like every player in this ongoing drama is calling for someone—anyone—to step up and lead. With critical national security issues simmering beneath the surface, one would think that after recent aerial incidents, officials would have ramped up their vigilance. Yet calls for action appear to fall on deaf ears as the drama unfolds.
What’s most intriguing—if not a bit amusing—about this whole situation is the notion that tracking hundreds of drones isn’t necessary. According to Bergen, “We only need to track one.” Such a simple solution would save a lot of headaches if only officials would take the initiative to implement the technology at their disposal. Although new detection technologies promised by the Department of Homeland Security are supposedly just two days away, any reasonable person might wonder why they aren’t already installed. After all, nobody has ever spotted a bird with blinking lights, and this sounds more and more like a cartoon plot every day.
As the mystery deepens and calls for action echo through the corridors of power, one has to wonder: will the leadership of New Jersey rise to the occasion and tackle these drone dilemmas head-on? Or will residents continue looking up at the skies and scratching their heads while wondering who’s really in charge? Only time will tell, but the Garden State is certainly in need of a few brave souls willing to take control of this out-of-control situation. Funny, isn’t it? Only in New Jersey could a drone invasion become the next big political circus.
