So three weeks into life in Arlington and DC.....and here are observations that I've come to note:
- There are alot of unusual characters that work in the Pentagon. I came across some guy who I thought was homeless (yep, this was in the secure area you know)......and it turned out that this guy was some engineer who works for the Navy....and probably had been there in the Pentagon for thirty-odd years.
- There is mildew and mold under the false floors and above the false ceilings. Lots of the stuff. You just sit there and laugh over the amount....wonder if it's affecting folks.
- The transit authority (the subway and bus system)......is $16 million in the hole for the year (yep, we are only into January). There is a discussion over how cuts will come or how cost increases will be passed onto folks. The amusing thing that was mentioned....was that the bus I ride....#16....is being considered for reduced run's during rush-hour (instead of five times an hour....going to four times an hour). You see....the bus is completely full with folks standing as it is now.....so if you dump one load of folks onto the remaining four....you've got a bigger mess than even currently.
- The sad truth.....which really hate to admit for folks back at Ramstein.....is that things work a hundred times better there....than they do here. And for folks at Ramstein.....that would likely make them weep openly....to know that this was the best you could get.
- Finally, you can buy a bottle of water (chilled, even) at the dispenser for a buck ($1). Or you can go to the store in the Pentagon and buy it for $1.40. Or you could go to the Burger King or McDonalds in the Pentagon and pay $1.40 as well. Strange....out of a soda dispenser....you save 40 cents.
Monday, 25 January 2010
New York City and Mr. Kelly
The police commissioner of New York City....is Raymond W. Kelly. There is likely another another soul in the city there.....as respected as Mr. Kelly. When he typically says something.....you can pretty much bet your paycheck that he's accurate. Cops respect him. Political figures respect him. Even the news media respects him.
Today....he came out and laid down this mess of trying these terrorists in New York City.....as currently planned by the US Attorney General. It's a four-star mess. The curious thing is that no one ever came and asked his opinion on this matter. No one from the Attorney General's office....no one from the mayor's office. No one. So Commissioner Kelly says that examinging the use of Governor's Island....is now on the table.
If you don't know much about Governor's Island....it's a unique place. It's about a half-mile off the coast of Manhattan, and about 172 acres of property. The city basically owns the whole island and there is no true business operations or even people living on the island.
You see....what Commissioner Kelly is beginning to grasp...is that this entire trial is about to become a huge magnet for trouble. The present location and the people living around that location? Furious.....they don't want the case tried downtown, period. The Commissioner is beginning to add up the amount of trouble.....and he's going to likely tell the mayor and the attorney general where they can hold the case. If they decline....that's ok....but the New York City police are a key player in this game....and Commissioner Kelly doesn't have to play his team in this effort.
This then bring us to another interesting episode. The millions in extra security for this case? Well....someone is going to eventually turn to the Attorney General and ask for the cash to pay for everything. The cost for security? If it stays downtown......I'd bet on $75 million. If it were moved to the Island....maybe half that amount. Note: these are my numbers.....not any official office.
So quietly tonight....the attorney general is sitting there and wondering how he has to play this game quietly with the cops of New York.
Today....he came out and laid down this mess of trying these terrorists in New York City.....as currently planned by the US Attorney General. It's a four-star mess. The curious thing is that no one ever came and asked his opinion on this matter. No one from the Attorney General's office....no one from the mayor's office. No one. So Commissioner Kelly says that examinging the use of Governor's Island....is now on the table.
If you don't know much about Governor's Island....it's a unique place. It's about a half-mile off the coast of Manhattan, and about 172 acres of property. The city basically owns the whole island and there is no true business operations or even people living on the island.
You see....what Commissioner Kelly is beginning to grasp...is that this entire trial is about to become a huge magnet for trouble. The present location and the people living around that location? Furious.....they don't want the case tried downtown, period. The Commissioner is beginning to add up the amount of trouble.....and he's going to likely tell the mayor and the attorney general where they can hold the case. If they decline....that's ok....but the New York City police are a key player in this game....and Commissioner Kelly doesn't have to play his team in this effort.
This then bring us to another interesting episode. The millions in extra security for this case? Well....someone is going to eventually turn to the Attorney General and ask for the cash to pay for everything. The cost for security? If it stays downtown......I'd bet on $75 million. If it were moved to the Island....maybe half that amount. Note: these are my numbers.....not any official office.
So quietly tonight....the attorney general is sitting there and wondering how he has to play this game quietly with the cops of New York.
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