Posted on 09/19/2007 12:57:01 PM PDT by yorkie
Because of a continuing software glitch, the first high-tech “virtual fence” at the nation's borders remains unused, three months after its scheduled debut. Nine 98-foot towers laden with radar, sensors and sophisticated cameras have been built across 28 miles close to the Arizona-Mexico border near Sasabe, southwest of Tucson, 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 to enhance the ability of Border Patrol agents to catch them. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said more testing is expected by early October.
“We are now looking to begin acceptance testing in about a month – meaning that's the point at which they (contracting officials) will say to us we think you can test this. And we will then kick the tires again,” Chertoff told the House Committee on Homeland Security early this month in Washington.
But Chertoff also said he's withholding further payment to the prime contractor, Boeing Co., unless and until the pilot project in Arizona works.
(Excerpt) Read more at signonsandiego.com ...
ping
Must be using Microsoft Vista.
Maybe they could string some galvanized chain link between the towers while they are waiting for “virtual” implementation. Add a little concertina wire, patrols with dogs.
Just the first attempt. It will eventually be a stong deterrent as the addition of UAVs occurs.
This exactly why people are now demanding a real fence, "virtual fences" can too easily be broken, turned off or unmanned without citizens knowing about it.
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.
There will be no border enforcement under this administration... period.
Even if it worked, how could the fence POSSIBLY deter the illegals breaking in? All the virtual fence would do would be to allow someone to watch them cross over into our country. But of course the powers that be know that.
Somebody’s getting paid for doing busywork/BS.
“have been built across 28 miles”
And less of Duncan Hunter’s fence, MANDATED BY LAW, has been built.
At this rate, the border will not be effectively secured in any timely manner unless DUNCAN HUNTER is elected in ‘08.
Chertoff only does what he’s told.
And not particularly well either.
How often will the public know the fence is “off”.
Perhaps congress’s fence should be hard wired to be just as virtual as the border fence. Border goes down, Congress’ goes down.
He ought to remember that “I vaz just following orderz” didn’t work at Nuremberg and it won’t work here either.
Geez Louise! Hey, Feds, take some of the tax dollars I ‘gave’ you last April and go to Home Depot - they have everything you need to build some hugh and series fencing.
Sure it will.
As soon as the “virtual fence” becomes annoying, if it becomes annoying, somebody with a .50 BMG rifle will put $5 holes in million dollar senors and knock it out again.
I’ll believe that “virtual fences” are effective when I see one being built around the White House.
I guess Bush Admin isnt real concerned w national security
Maybe if we declare ourselves illegal aliens maybe Bush will like us
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