Glitch renders 'virtual fence' unworkable

Source: AP/CNN

TUCSON, Arizona (AP) -- Because of a software glitch, the first high-tech "virtual fence" on the nation's borders remains inoperable, three months after its scheduled debut.

Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said he is withholding further payment to the prime contractor, Boeing Co., until the success of the pilot project stretching 28 miles near the border southwest of Tucson.

Nine 98-foot towers laden with radar, sensors and sophisticated cameras have been built 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 enhance the ability of Border Patrol agents to catch them.

More testing is expected by early October, Chertoff told the House Committee on Homeland Security this month in Washington.

Read more: http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/09/20/virtual.fence.ap/index.html

W00t!!!!11!!!!!!!

DAmn, it's boots on the ground that will do the job...

Everybody wants a Gizmo to do all the work...

In the end, if this ever works correctly, we'll pay out $67 million for a mere 28 miles of coverage.

Nice work if you can get it.

...but all the sycophants tell him and us what wonderful fence the $15,000,000 has bought! Only the finest of everything!!!

walls control the flow of people. (OK, the Chinese tried it, too, long ago.) The East Germans knew that a wall wouldn't stop determined people unless it was backed up by firepower and a willingness to use it. Come to think of it some of those East German border guards may be available, unless Blackwater beats them to it, to help us on our southern border. :shrug:

Most of the outward appearances of a job, but no real substance.

"Your mission -- should you accept it -- is to look busy."

freepers are weird cookies

Those carrying balloons or transponders

It's only money, there is plenty more being printed.

Treasury. Those of you who think this wasn't just another giveaway to the likes of Blackwater . . .well, I got a bridge I'd like to sell ya.

The idea was idiotic to begin with. But, Boeing? Are fences really the area of expertise for an airplane company?

Oh, I forgot. Boeing is on bush's "A" list of cronies, what with their "Torture Travel Agency" and all.