Dots, dashes and holes in the garden…
5 Am, kettle boiling, house quiet and not a canine face in sight – strange; normally a queue at the kitchen door, a ritual – morning pack greetings and things to do outdoors. Softly, I call for ‘big dog’, soft, slow footfalls and a head pokes around the door frame, looking very sheepish – “Wuzup” says I. The amber eyes flick towards the garden, which tell me all I need to know. Jack has been at his midnight excavation work – again. It happens, ‘tis but his nature, out of the stable into the wilds – a hunting he will go. “S’OK” says I, which has the immediate effect of relaxation as the crew turn up, tails wagging for first coffee. Peace will now reign until DT discovers the destruction - unless; I can get out there first and make the necessary repairs. Right then, coffee, boots, shovel = Pax Vobiscum.
I only mention this to describe a similar, occasional event in the AP archives; P2’s gone ‘a – digging and we don’t know where he are. (Nod to Banjo). No damage this time, only a decade of data has been rummaged, dug through and dragged home. The post above provides a sketch of ‘the great black hole’ of aviation reform.
A black hole is a region of space-time exhibiting such strong gravitational effects that nothing—not even particles and electromagnetic radiation such as light—can escape from inside it.
The sketch provides a timely warning to those on pilgrimage to the Wagga Reform Plate. Millions of dollars, countless man hours, a mountain of paper work and uncountable words have been invested and lost in the great departmental Black Hole. A cautionary tale of how history repeats. We do not have a ‘strong’ minister, we do not have a reform DAS, the Wagga gabfest threatens the Empire and the power of those who dwell in Sleepy Hollow.
“Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat.” (Sun Zu).
But make no mistake – history does not show the reformers as winning many battles. It would be a cardinal sin to imagine that after Wagga all will be rosy in the garden.
For those looking for security, be forewarned that there’s nothing more insecure than a political promise. (Harry Browne).
At best, at the very best, it is the start of a long uphill battle to force the demanded changes through to conclusion.
“First they ignore you, then they ridicule you, then they fight you, and then you win.” (Ghandi).
Nothing less than a written, signed, legally binding statement of intent to make real reform happen in real time will do; and even then, that may not be enough.
Toot – toot…..
5 Am, kettle boiling, house quiet and not a canine face in sight – strange; normally a queue at the kitchen door, a ritual – morning pack greetings and things to do outdoors. Softly, I call for ‘big dog’, soft, slow footfalls and a head pokes around the door frame, looking very sheepish – “Wuzup” says I. The amber eyes flick towards the garden, which tell me all I need to know. Jack has been at his midnight excavation work – again. It happens, ‘tis but his nature, out of the stable into the wilds – a hunting he will go. “S’OK” says I, which has the immediate effect of relaxation as the crew turn up, tails wagging for first coffee. Peace will now reign until DT discovers the destruction - unless; I can get out there first and make the necessary repairs. Right then, coffee, boots, shovel = Pax Vobiscum.
I only mention this to describe a similar, occasional event in the AP archives; P2’s gone ‘a – digging and we don’t know where he are. (Nod to Banjo). No damage this time, only a decade of data has been rummaged, dug through and dragged home. The post above provides a sketch of ‘the great black hole’ of aviation reform.
A black hole is a region of space-time exhibiting such strong gravitational effects that nothing—not even particles and electromagnetic radiation such as light—can escape from inside it.
The sketch provides a timely warning to those on pilgrimage to the Wagga Reform Plate. Millions of dollars, countless man hours, a mountain of paper work and uncountable words have been invested and lost in the great departmental Black Hole. A cautionary tale of how history repeats. We do not have a ‘strong’ minister, we do not have a reform DAS, the Wagga gabfest threatens the Empire and the power of those who dwell in Sleepy Hollow.
“Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat.” (Sun Zu).
But make no mistake – history does not show the reformers as winning many battles. It would be a cardinal sin to imagine that after Wagga all will be rosy in the garden.
For those looking for security, be forewarned that there’s nothing more insecure than a political promise. (Harry Browne).
At best, at the very best, it is the start of a long uphill battle to force the demanded changes through to conclusion.
“First they ignore you, then they ridicule you, then they fight you, and then you win.” (Ghandi).
Nothing less than a written, signed, legally binding statement of intent to make real reform happen in real time will do; and even then, that may not be enough.
Toot – toot…..