tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15489764.post6150108640941164407..comments2023-09-28T05:59:22.788-07:00Comments on The Independent Report: Broken Government: Failure Is Rewarded & Taxpayer Money Wasted, Even As Debt SwellsThe Independent Reporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18267883671131606244noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15489764.post-48813316250780109882011-02-11T06:53:29.395-08:002011-02-11T06:53:29.395-08:00Ok...so let's pick your 'comments' apa...Ok...so let's pick your 'comments' apart, piece by piece.<br />1) "The radar system had trouble distinguishing between vegetation and people in windy weather." <br />FACT - The radar used was specified by the DHS, so any failure here is not a failure of technology, the contractor, or "the military-industrial complex" Additionally, radar detection (ANY radar) is based on the transmission and return of radio waves. It does not and cannot determine what object caused the reflection. Hence, the need for human operators to interpret the sensor data. <br /><br />2) "Cameras moved too slowly and satellite communications also were slow." <br />FACT - Ok, in your defense, this was not adequately explained in MSNBC so you probably don't know about it...but...satellites are not used in the current SBInet system. This was used in the original P28 system and the problem was noted and fixed. Also, since satellites are not used as the primary communication for the system, camera response is at almost real time. (i.e. Not too slow...)<br /><br />3) "Taxpayers ended up footing the bill for just 53 miles of operational “virtual fence” in Arizona at a cost of at least $15 million a mile"<br />FACT - Any new technological development has a high initial cost. Why don't you go as Verizon how much they spent to turn on their first LTE site. (Or group of sites.) Now ask them if they expect to incur that same cost per site as they continue to roll out LTE to additional sites. (Hint...the answer is 'No') The cost of Research and Development, per unit, is significantly reduced as you deploy more and more units. Now, (here's the part that going to sting...) since DHS decided to 'scrap the program' (actually, they're not going to scrap the program, they're just putting it up for rebid and implementing multiple forms of technology instead of just fixed tower sites.) they are going to have to re-fund the higher R&D up front costs instead of using technology that is already been developed.<br /><br />Just for good measure, I feel the need to enlighten you about the “military-industrial complex.” If it weren’t for this industry and the money it spends on research and development, the world would be a much different place. Here are some every day technologies that you and I take for granted every day that were developed thanks to the military industrial complex: modern day computers, GPS and the Internet; only to name a few. The fact that you post your comments on the internet shows that you benefit from the products developed by the military-industrial complex.<br /><br />As I said in my earlier post, do some research and learn your facts and don’t just swallow what the liberal media feeds you. You say I defend the status quo, yet you are unwilling look past your DirecTV to seek the truth. BTW…Satellite TV is also based on military industrial complex research and development. <br /><br />Also, what is a shill??Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15489764.post-58485827017337228042011-02-07T16:27:02.878-08:002011-02-07T16:27:02.878-08:00The system was such a failure that it was scrapped...The system was such a failure that it was scrapped. It epitomized the term "white elephant."<br /><br />The radar system had trouble distinguishing between vegetation and people in windy weather. Cameras moved too slowly and satellite communications also were slow. <br /><br />And for this system that you praise, taxpayers ended up footing the bill for just 53 miles of operational “virtual fence” in Arizona at a cost of at least $15 million a mile, according to testimony in previous congressional hearings.<br /><br />I'll bet you work for the defense industry, the military-industrial complex or some lobbying firm.<br /><br />What's pathetic is that you defend the failed status quo. You're a shill.The Independent Reporthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18267883671131606244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15489764.post-9633922773484401582011-02-05T00:43:33.114-08:002011-02-05T00:43:33.114-08:00I cannot believe such inaccurate information is al...I cannot believe such inaccurate information is allowed to be posted and actually presented as truth. The comments you make in this post are not only inaccurate but just flat out wrong! Comments such as "recover the taxpayer money wasted on this utterly failed system" Are you kidding me?? The two systems in Arizona have been credited with the apprehension of thousands of illegal crossers and, more importantly, hundreds of thousand of pounds of illegal drugs. And this has been while the system has only been in partial operation. I suggest you check your facts before forming such strong opinions about something you obviously know nothing about. Don't just swallow the drivel that the main stream media feeds you.<br />It's time people knew the truth! The virtual fence has been a political failure, but definitely not a technological one. The BP agents, as a whole, love the system and the capabilities it gives them. It targets their efforts to secure the border and makes their job safer. Don't buy the hype. The system works and it works well, despite what the current administration and main stream media would have you believe!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com