FAMS Is Sick
WaTimes – Even as the Federal Air Marshal Service takes a step forward it takes two steps back-
The size of the federal air marshal force has been cut in half by on-the-job injuries that have sidelined nearly 2,100 marshals…
The Service is plagued by Marshals who-
develop illnesses related to their heavy flying schedules such as barotrauma, decompression sickness that causes ruptured eardrums and sinus conditions often requiring surgery.
Their plight is compounded by bureauratic inefficiency –
Policies to prevent such injuries or to determine sick leave and light duty for injured marshals are being held up by fights over wording and punctuation, said one air marshal. Others say they were fired for their disability then denied workers’ compensation.
All while the workers comp section hemorrages money –
Last year’s Air Marshals Service budget for workers’ compensation was $3 million and went $3 million over budget. This year’s budget is $6 million, but $7 million has already been spent.
With some very ugly stories to show for it –
Jimmie Bacco was undergoing brain surgery at the Mayo Clinic to stop cerebral spinal fluid from leaking out of his ear when he was fired because he could no longer perform his duty. His disability claim has been denied, and he owes the clinic $80,000.
What Would War Look Like?
Time – Good article that touches on the EBO…
U.S. officials believe that a campaign of several days, involving hundreds or even thousands of sorties, could set back Iran’s nuclear program by two to three years. Hit hard enough, some believe, Iranians might develop second thoughts about their government’s designs as a regional nuclear power. Some U.S. foes of Iran’s regime believe that the crisis of legitimacy that the ruling clerics would face in the wake of a U.S. attack could trigger their downfall, although others are convinced it would unite the population with the government in anti-American rage.
… and the asymmetrical repercussions which include terrorism against Israel to boost popular support, intensive mining of the Persian Gulf to drive oil above $100, and attempts to destabilize the already tenuous situations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Opening Up Router Security
Interesting – a compiled list of the default passwords for hundreds of routers. This kind of transparency should drive changes in mainstream consumer behavior – namely not just plugging and playing with routers.
Trenches As Walls?
CNN – Baghdad has a circumference of about 50 miles.
Digging security trenches around Baghdad could help stop the city’s daily suicide bomb attacks, car bombs, drive-by shootings and sectarian killings, the Iraqi government believes.
A trench network is one of several proposals being discussed to bolster the sprawling capital city’s security, according to Interior Ministry spokesman Brig. Gen. Abdul Karim Khalaf.
The trenches could block roads and entrances into Baghdad;in addition, enforcement would be toughened up at 28 checkpoints.
I doubt the benefits of this wall will be worth the cost of the resources (time, money, lives). Especially since the insurgents will likely just rerout (assuming they allow it to be built).
Grasping At Straws
We are offering members of the public a “goodwill bounty,” or fee, of $1,000 for each Member of Congress, and $250 for each candidate, that they persuade to sign the Punch Clock Agreement, an agreement to put their daily schedules on the Internet.
Its an interesting idea, but one I fear will fall on its face. A variety of candidates may sign on but I can’t see the ingrained members of the DC structure buy in.