Best Betts?
The world of politics is a strange one, alien and hostile to those outside the bubble; but for those who exist within to 'serve' the system, 'tis paradise and safe haven far removed from the harsh realities of life at the coal face. Between the 'coal face crew and the 'bubble crowd' (in theory at least) stand the 'elected mob'. Two flavours, Senators and Members – meat in the sandwich. The average mug can, with patience, actually get to sit down with one of the 'elected' and raise a topic of concern. We get to see this system in operation best at the alleged pinnacle of interface - Senate Estimates sessions. The simple fact that a mockery of 'system' was managed by Sterle , who should know better, almost destroyed the small amount of faith and respect the aviation world has for him and damaged the standing of all who participated in the travesty. Take time and consider the video evidence – for this is what the aviation industry must deal with, if it is to survive. Can one believe in impossible things?
I daresay you haven't had much practice,' said the Queen. 'When I was your age, I always did it for half-an-hour a day. Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.
One impossible thing is the adoption of what is now the almost world wide 'gold standard' for aviation medical certification. A must have for those outside of the 'Tupperware' world. During the last episode of the Estimates show, you may have noticed Sen. Roberts labouring a few points and getting nowhere. Like many uniformed others, the questions seemed 'off' until he patiently explained the strategy on the last AOPA video session. Tick the boxes for 'good idea', solid tactics and a good place to start next Estimates. How many 'good men and true' have we now seen try to batter down the walls surrounding the CASA paradise? Lots of, is the short answer. History supports this as unimpeachable fact.
“It has always seemed to me that so long as you produce your dramatic effect, accuracy of detail matters little. I have never striven for it and I have made some bad mistakes in consequence. What matter if I hold my readers?”
Perhaps someone could explain to the good Senator that despite three decades of 'fact' delivered through 'Inquiry' which accurately predicted the future, so clearly displayed today have preceded his gambit. Step back only a short time to the Forsyth review, read the recommendations of men like Fawcett, Xenophon, Heffernan and other members of that committee – then search for evidence to support those recommendations translated into reality. Or; if that is too far back; ask what has become of the 2020 inquiry, Sen. McDonald's dabble into 'reform'. History, good Sir is against your efforts, laudable though they are.
“Those who don't know history are doomed to repeat it.”
Perhaps it is time to change tack. Jim Betts seems to be an able, honest man open to reason and pragmatic. If the 'system' cannot be changed by external forces; then the solution must come from within. There are countless examples of ASA, ATSB and CASA wriggling off the hook and escaping to continue life as they please; but maybe internal pressure from the DoIT (Mandarins) and Betts, may rein in the unfettered waste and refusal to join the worlds leading nations in 'fostering and promoting' aviation as a valuable contributor to the national well being and the budget. There's gold in them thar wings – if you could but see it.
Toot – toot...E&OE...
The world of politics is a strange one, alien and hostile to those outside the bubble; but for those who exist within to 'serve' the system, 'tis paradise and safe haven far removed from the harsh realities of life at the coal face. Between the 'coal face crew and the 'bubble crowd' (in theory at least) stand the 'elected mob'. Two flavours, Senators and Members – meat in the sandwich. The average mug can, with patience, actually get to sit down with one of the 'elected' and raise a topic of concern. We get to see this system in operation best at the alleged pinnacle of interface - Senate Estimates sessions. The simple fact that a mockery of 'system' was managed by Sterle , who should know better, almost destroyed the small amount of faith and respect the aviation world has for him and damaged the standing of all who participated in the travesty. Take time and consider the video evidence – for this is what the aviation industry must deal with, if it is to survive. Can one believe in impossible things?
I daresay you haven't had much practice,' said the Queen. 'When I was your age, I always did it for half-an-hour a day. Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.
One impossible thing is the adoption of what is now the almost world wide 'gold standard' for aviation medical certification. A must have for those outside of the 'Tupperware' world. During the last episode of the Estimates show, you may have noticed Sen. Roberts labouring a few points and getting nowhere. Like many uniformed others, the questions seemed 'off' until he patiently explained the strategy on the last AOPA video session. Tick the boxes for 'good idea', solid tactics and a good place to start next Estimates. How many 'good men and true' have we now seen try to batter down the walls surrounding the CASA paradise? Lots of, is the short answer. History supports this as unimpeachable fact.
“It has always seemed to me that so long as you produce your dramatic effect, accuracy of detail matters little. I have never striven for it and I have made some bad mistakes in consequence. What matter if I hold my readers?”
Perhaps someone could explain to the good Senator that despite three decades of 'fact' delivered through 'Inquiry' which accurately predicted the future, so clearly displayed today have preceded his gambit. Step back only a short time to the Forsyth review, read the recommendations of men like Fawcett, Xenophon, Heffernan and other members of that committee – then search for evidence to support those recommendations translated into reality. Or; if that is too far back; ask what has become of the 2020 inquiry, Sen. McDonald's dabble into 'reform'. History, good Sir is against your efforts, laudable though they are.
“Those who don't know history are doomed to repeat it.”
Perhaps it is time to change tack. Jim Betts seems to be an able, honest man open to reason and pragmatic. If the 'system' cannot be changed by external forces; then the solution must come from within. There are countless examples of ASA, ATSB and CASA wriggling off the hook and escaping to continue life as they please; but maybe internal pressure from the DoIT (Mandarins) and Betts, may rein in the unfettered waste and refusal to join the worlds leading nations in 'fostering and promoting' aviation as a valuable contributor to the national well being and the budget. There's gold in them thar wings – if you could but see it.
Toot – toot...E&OE...