Glitch renders 'virtual fence' unworkable

[eppur_se_muova]

Source: AP/CNN

TUCSON, Arizona (AP) -- Because of a software glitch, the first high-tech "virtual fence" on the nation's borders remains inoperable, three months after its scheduled debut.

Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said he is withholding further payment to the prime contractor, Boeing Co., until the success of the pilot project stretching 28 miles near the border southwest of Tucson.

Nine 98-foot towers laden with radar, sensors and sophisticated cameras have been built in an area heavily trafficked by illegal immigrant and drug smugglers. The towers, each a few miles apart, are intended to deter or detect border crossers and potential terrorists and enhance the ability of Border Patrol agents to catch them.

More testing is expected by early October, Chertoff told the House Committee on Homeland Security this month in Washington.

Read more: http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/09/20/virtual.fence.ap/ind...

[truthisfreedom]

1. Oh, excellent! Another fine example of our tax dollars at work! $20M worth of electronic junk!

W00t!!!!11!!!!!!!

[WCGreen]

2. Hire more patrols....

DAmn, it's boots on the ground that will do the job...

Everybody wants a Gizmo to do all the work...

[Lone_Star_Dem]

3. We've paid 15 mil for a "fence" that doesn't work

In the end, if this ever works correctly, we'll pay out $67 million for a mere 28 miles of coverage.

Nice work if you can get it.

[rcsl1998]

6. 'The Emperor Has No Fence'

...but all the sycophants tell him and us what wonderful fence the $15,000,000 has bought! Only the finest of everything!!!

[pampango]

4. The wall is a dumb idea. Only repubs and East Germans believe that

walls control the flow of people. (OK, the Chinese tried it, too, long ago.) The East Germans knew that a wall wouldn't stop determined people unless it was backed up by firepower and a willingness to use it. Come to think of it some of those East German border guards may be available, unless Blackwater beats them to it, to help us on our southern border.

[eppur_se_muova]

5. I'm sure they already work for Blackwater, so no loss to competition there. nt

[tanyev]

7. Freeper awakening.

To: yorkie
Sorry, but software glitch my a**.

They never did intend to slow down the rate of illegal immigration, and this is just a convenient excuse for NOT trying.

When the mooj hit us again, and we find out that they walked in across the southern border, then Chertoff ought to be on trial for his life. He clearly meets one or more of the elements of intent of crime - those being Knowingly, Negligently, Recklessly, Intentionally.


To: pnh102
Amazing how the low-tech approach used by a real fence would not have such a problem.
There will be no border enforcement under this administration... period.


To: yorkie
Somebody’s getting paid for doing busywork/BS.


To: SargeK
Chertoff only does what he’s told.

And not particularly well either.


To: yorkie
It is about time Chertoff had a virtual job.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1899135/posts

[eppur_se_muova]

9. "virtual job" -- LOL! Hey, in a way, that's what he has, right?

Most of the outward appearances of a job, but no real substance.

"Your mission -- should you accept it -- is to look busy."

[Cessna Invesco Palin]

12. the mooj?

freepers are weird cookies

[mcscajun]

8. Excuse me while I express my sympathies to Michael Chertoff.

[GregW]

10. Let me guess... the only illegals it CAN spot are...

Those carrying balloons or transponders

[RC]

11. This is what happens when you hire people for their loyalties first over their abilities.

It's only money, there is plenty more being printed.

[Nay]

13. But I'm sure the contractors have gotten their full payment from the

Treasury. Those of you who think this wasn't just another giveaway to the likes of Blackwater . . .well, I got a bridge I'd like to sell ya.

[PSPS]

14. Yet another crony ripoff

The idea was idiotic to begin with. But, Boeing? Are fences really the area of expertise for an airplane company?

Oh, I forgot. Boeing is on bush's "A" list of cronies, what with their "Torture Travel Agency" and all.