GA under fire

[Swass]

Here's the story:

http://www.msnbc.com/news/993760.asp?0cv=CB10


I emailed the author letting him know how I feel about it, being a small and medium aircaft owner. I hope everybody here does the same. His email is [email protected].

 

[Swass]

Here's Meeks' reply

"Not my call to say what the threat is. My job is to report. And that's what I did. And along with the GAO's comment I made sure to include those from the AOPA saying basically that the threat from GA is NOT THERE.



Both sides of the story. I didn't make up the GAO quotes, I just report them."

Pretty cut and dried. Although he did give an AOPA quote the glut of the story seemed to me to be anti-GA, or maybe that's what I get from years of mistrusting the media and their bias.

 

[Timebuilder]

I sent him some mail, too.

I sent a copy to a friend at AOPA.

I can't wait for his reply to my mail.

 

[fr0g]

and in related news from MSNBC:
"Strollers pose a serious National Security Risk"
While every airline passenger goes through a "ridiculous, useless, and humiliating" security screening before boarding a commercial flight, "over 5 million infants ride in strollers every day without proper security screening" according to TSA security advisor Civil L. Iberties. "This is a glaring loophole in an otherwise totalitarian .. er total security system." "Infants can be especially unpredictable", since they lack the higher developed brain functions that you and I posses, states TSA psychologist Fatta S. "They can be very easily swayed by terrorist groups such as Al-Kidda," a well known child-terrorist organization.
"Over 5 million children riding in dangerous vehicles such as strollers." This risk is "unimaginable" according to a congressional oversight committee. "Some baby strollers are built with some of the highest technology available in the child transportation market - such as carbon fiber wheels, and incredibly tough polymer structures." "It would be very dangerous if one of these strollers fell into the wrong hands." according to industry security experts. "Some even come in multiple infant configurations, carrying as many as 4 possible terrorists."
TSA memos make several recommendations for improving stroller security:
"Don't allow more than one stroller on any particular street at any time" says TSA security officer Harrold B. Alls - "It would prevent a concentration of terrorist activity". Also, "removing the wheels from strollers would make them less maneuverable should they fall into the wrong hands." TSA has developed a StrolTrak software system, that installed on a stroller, would hinder it immobile after the proper commands were sent to it wirelessly over a secure, government controlled satellite link. The installation cost is estimated at $850,000 per stroller, however, "that is the price to pay for living in a society free of infant terror." "Another glaring security omission is the stroller operator." According to TSA memos, less than 1/2 of 1 percent of stroller operators are security screened. "We need a sure way to screen the adults that operate strollers". Suggestions include 10 year background checks, and mobile SekurStroller units that would drive around towns and conduct random stroller searches, while cheking for compliance of the StrolTrak units. "This would prevent any loopholes in stroller security." "We will leave it to stroller industry groups to come up with the best recommendation to stroller security, but if they don't fall within our strict measure, we will be forced to take over and come up with an expensive, burdensome solution. After all, stroller security is nothing to joke about" says Harrold


ahhh.. feel much better now