I tend to wander paths that may or may not intesect with the issues de jure. I was pretty well satisfied on the ports matter on or before Feb 19.
But your "pain on the receiving end" reminds of your "100% of containers are checked for radiation" thing from last week ...
November 15, 2005Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I am pleased to join my colleague, Senator Murray, in introducing today the GreenLane Maritime Cargo Security Act. ...
The new Office of Cargo Security Policy, established in our legislation, would ensure implementation of the strategic plan. This important office will report to the Department's Assistant Secretary for Policy in order to better coordinate maritime security efforts within the Department of Homeland Security and among our international and private-sector partners. ...
The Department has also pledged to deploy radiation detection equipment at all ports of entry in the U.S. to examine 100 percent of cargo. The zero tolerance policy for radiation has been discussed since 2002, though less than a quarter of the detection equipment deemed necessary for domestic coverage had been deployed as of last month. Even more frustrating is that the Department has changed the target for system deployment multiple times. The Department's new Domestic Nuclear Detection Office is beginning to take hold of this critical issue, yet the need for a comprehensive plan for the deployment of radiation detection equipment is evident. Our legislation requires this plan be developed and that 100 percent incoming containers to the U.S. be examined for radiation no later than 1 year after enactment. ...
For the first time, this legislation would authorize the Container Security Initiative. Ongoing, predictable funding--$175 million a year for the five years beginning in 2007--is essential for this crucial program to succeed. In addition to providing funding, the bill lays out requirements for CSI ports and a process for designating new ports under CSI. ...
43 . STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
S.2008 - GreenLane Maritime Cargo Security Act
See also S.1052 - Transportation Security Improvement Act of 2005
2/27/2006: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders.
Calendar No. 364.
FWIW, the reason I look into stuff like that is to try to PREVENT false memes from spreading, and is not in any way a matter personal. In fact, if I bother to correct a meme, it's probably because I think it's important to do so. Lord knows there isn't time enough to correct all the false stuff flowing around these parts!
As for being better than 95% of journalists - that's a bit of a backhanded compliment ;-) You know, like a "smarter than 95% of kindergarteners" sort of thing?
But you ARE smarter than 95% of kindergardeners......
now you can flame for yourself instead for Johnnie....