I was always told in my social studies classes to "connect the dots" Air Traffic Controllers always want the dots to remain separated. I tried to imagine how I would feel if I were driving a car and the sun blinded me for 90 seconds...the stark terror that would induce. Now, think about a dozen planes with hundreds and hundreds of souls on them and you are responsible for their safe landing. All of a sudden you can not see them or communicate with them at all for 90 seconds, in a congested air space. Think you might need some down time after that? The good think about what just happened is that the self interested pricks in the congress will now appropriate funds to upgrade the air control systems. The not so good news is that it will take years and years to do that. Anyone interested in taking the train across the country? Not that that would actually be possible or realistic for business travelers. Luckily, one can lease or buy a plane for oneself. Maybe not.
The more I think about it, the FAA really is an interesting case study of the limits of neoliberalism. It’s an absolutely critical non-defense agency, so can neither be privatized nor wholly starved of funds in the way of other government programs.
Dear Dr. Small Talk,
I was always told in my social studies classes to "connect the dots" Air Traffic Controllers always want the dots to remain separated. I tried to imagine how I would feel if I were driving a car and the sun blinded me for 90 seconds...the stark terror that would induce. Now, think about a dozen planes with hundreds and hundreds of souls on them and you are responsible for their safe landing. All of a sudden you can not see them or communicate with them at all for 90 seconds, in a congested air space. Think you might need some down time after that? The good think about what just happened is that the self interested pricks in the congress will now appropriate funds to upgrade the air control systems. The not so good news is that it will take years and years to do that. Anyone interested in taking the train across the country? Not that that would actually be possible or realistic for business travelers. Luckily, one can lease or buy a plane for oneself. Maybe not.
The more I think about it, the FAA really is an interesting case study of the limits of neoliberalism. It’s an absolutely critical non-defense agency, so can neither be privatized nor wholly starved of funds in the way of other government programs.