At the end of Friday, the FAA no longer had authorization or funds to operate. The GOP refused to release the funds or vote the authorization for agency providing air traffic control, navagiational aids and communications for air travel. They would not authorize it unless Dems agree they can throw out all unions representing the the various professions within the FAA. This also means the $20 fee on each ticket to pay for FAA services when you fly commercial can no longer be collected today by the airline, further starving the agency. At least now the public flying by air carrier gets the same deal as a private jet owner, they do not pay the $20 when filing a flight plan, congress guaranteed this a few years ago. Millionaire's said if they could not afford it, Cessna and other private jet makers said it would kill the industry to charge the super rich such a penalty.
Today the FAA has decided to start incremental shut down of airport services. Control towers at the smallest airports will go unmanned in the coming hours as 4,000 FAA employees are sent home. I say close Dulles, let the GOP drive back to DC to fix this. This is unrelated to the debt ceiling rodeo the tea party is running, but may give you a taste of things to come.
The only avenue available to us is the ballot box. Unfortunately, I live in a state not unlike Kansas that is Republican dominated. Well all except for the 8th district where I will be moving. I will swear that I will vigorously campaign against the Republicans when down there.
ReplyDeleteTalk, organize, oppose.
Sarge
I do believe the average American can see what's happening. If s/he can make it to the polls next time, with the required ID, I think the Republicans are sunk.
ReplyDeleteI hope you meant "can't".
ReplyDeleteUpdate on the 5-10% FAA surtax not collected - Did the airlines pass this bonanza on to fliers? Nope, they raised their prices and are greedily keeping the money for themselves.
Sarge
Sarge, This must be a mistake, your saying corporations would raise their fees when taxes are lowered or removed??? I think the GOP told me that without taxes we would all live in a low priced utopia.
ReplyDeleteKevin,
ReplyDeleteThats the question, how many can make it to the polls, get off from work if they have it, have the right ID, and not have their ballot challenged?
I like that Dulles idea.
ReplyDelete