The Official Mayor Pete/Dept of Transportation thread

[Johnnie]

I had to stop following Sirota on Twitter because he's an insufferable dude who's got an axe to grind with mainstream Democrats. Everything he posted was all about how the sky is constantly falling all the time and it became too much. He's like a male Louise Mensch. His take is in lockstep with Fox News right now.

I asked my cousin, who's a pilot, about what went down and he told me that Southwest's scheduling system that tracks crew rest and pilot availability completely crashed because it was old and needed a long overdue upgrade. It was bound to happen. Since the company has no idea who was available to fly, from where, and when, it forced the company to ground everything and reset crew rest.

So, since Pete is the current person, the responsibility falls to him to fix, but this goes back well before he took the seat. It's a bipartisan issue. The reason we're here is because of government inaction and CEOs doing CEO things under capitalism. All that bailout money went nowhere in making things better.

That being said, Pete got that job by falling 100% in lockstep with the Democratic party. How do you go from mayor of South Bend, IN to Transportation secretary without any positions in between otherwise? Everything about him gives you the vibe he was built in a lab to be a politician from the jump. Rhodes Scholar, Notre Dame grad, Harvard grad, speaks 7 languages, McKinsey ties...etc. He's the high IQ kid that got to skip high school, graduate college on an accelerated track, and now he's being a genius in genius circles. For Pete, he's being teed up for the presidency.

But none of that has anything to do with Southwest being complete shitheels.

[brian]

Blaming the Secretary of Transportation for the software failures of a private company is some definite galaxy brain thinking. If the government does force a company like Southwest to invest $2-4 billion in new software the Right would have a conniption fit. If they don’t the Right gets to have a conniption fit. Quite convenient.

The free market is working here and Southwest is taking it in the ass.

[tennbengal]

seriously, what, exactly, is the transportation secretary supposed to actually do to head off Southwest's incompetence? That's dumb.

[Johnny Carwash]

I had to stop following Sirota on Twitter because he's an insufferable dude who's got an axe to grind with mainstream Democrats.

Wait, you unfollowed someone because of that?

[EnochRoot]

Couple things that come to mind…Even outdated software systems can have capable backups running on another server. At worst they would’ve lost a day’s worth of data after a 30 minute migration from the backup server to restore the live software.

And what are Southwest’s disaster recovery protocols? If your fleet is freakin grounded, request assistance from other airlines to get lost luggage back to their rightful owners.

My guess is the big players have this language in their disaster recovery plans.

[Johnnie]

I had to stop following Sirota on Twitter because he's an insufferable dude who's got an axe to grind with mainstream Democrats.

Wait, you unfollowed someone because of that?

Yes. If his takes actually got anywhere with the doom and gloom bullshit he preaches then maybe I'd still follow him.

Otherwise he's an unbelievable hack who's just screeching all the time with no redeemable qualities in a Twitter follow.

All I follow Vaush, Hasan, Shoe0nHead, Kyle Kulinski, Dave Doel, Mike Figueredo and other lefties on Twitter. Sirota sucks. He's like Olberman who can't put the biscuit in the basket.

[Johnnie]

Couple things that come to mind…Even outdated software systems can have capable backups running on another server. At worst they would’ve lost a day’s worth of data after a 30 minute migration from the backup server to restore the live software.

And what are Southwest’s disaster recovery protocols? If your fleet is freakin grounded, request assistance from other airlines to get lost luggage back to their rightful owners.

My guess is the big players have this language in their disaster recovery plans.

These are great questions that I'm sure an investigation will answer.

[mister d]

seriously, what, exactly, is the transportation secretary supposed to actually do to head off Southwest's incompetence? That's dumb.

Make the punishment for an incident like this so punitive that a company would rather preemptively invest in infrastructure rather than give out a half billion dollars in stock dividends?

[tennbengal]

seriously, what, exactly, is the transportation secretary supposed to actually do to head off Southwest's incompetence? That's dumb.

Make the punishment for an incident like this so punitive that a company would rather preemptively invest in infrastructure rather than give out a half billion dollars in stock dividends?

how would that have headed off what just happened (since that was Sirota's complaint)? And, while we are here, is THAT remotely within that position's power? the answer is...no?, right?

[mister d]

From what I’ve learned during endless research (reading Twitter this week), imposing fines for airline failures is within the secretary’s control and has historical precedent for succeeding.

[brian]

Couple things that come to mind…Even outdated software systems can have capable backups running on another server. At worst they would’ve lost a day’s worth of data after a 30 minute migration from the backup server to restore the live software.

And what are Southwest’s disaster recovery protocols? If your fleet is freakin grounded, request assistance from other airlines to get lost luggage back to their rightful owners.

My guess is the big players have this language in their disaster recovery plans.

It wasn’t so much that the software “crashed”. It just wasn’t able to handle the complexities of the situation. All the backups in the world wouldn’t have helped.

[EnochRoot]

Couple things that come to mind…Even outdated software systems can have capable backups running on another server. At worst they would’ve lost a day’s worth of data after a 30 minute migration from the backup server to restore the live software.

And what are Southwest’s disaster recovery protocols? If your fleet is freakin grounded, request assistance from other airlines to get lost luggage back to their rightful owners.

My guess is the big players have this language in their disaster recovery plans.

It wasn’t so much that the software “crashed”. It just wasn’t able to handle the complexities of the situation. All the backups in the world wouldn’t have helped.

Now this has piqued my interest, cuz variable #s of airport closings and weather delays should not add complexity for software designed specifically for that. Cuz otherwise this would’ve happened in the past. This was more a case of the processes in place not being able to handle the volume, which emphasized the cracks in the system. The fact you need to call pilots and crew to locate their whereabouts is asinine in 2022. I mean, if I can drop an Apple Airtag in my bag and be able to track it anywhere on the planet? And the phone-only primary mechanism to reschedule flights. Good grief.

[Johnnie]

Having worked logistics for the Air Force for the time I did, it gives a serious misperception into what the capabilities inside and outside of the service are when the rest of the world innovates at a rapid pace.

You'd think a highly integrated system exists because it does for Amazon/Walmart/other organizations. But no. It really doesn't. Then add classified data and the person him/herself working in that arena becomes 'the system.' It's extremely stressful to know all the rules and have immediate recall when asked questions by higher ups.

Since the AF organization at large has no profit motive, you keep doing what you've always done because you can use what's there and throw manhour after manhour at it to make it work. There's no incentive to get better. In a sense, it make sense.

But ...for an organization like Southwest never upgrading their systems and kind of doing the same though? I don't get it. The common denominator seems to be greed due to a lack of oversight. All that bailout money doesn't go towards innovating something new for infrastructure and continuous upkeep of it.

[mister d]

I read a big part of the issue was that they don't run through hubs as much as other airlines and do a lot more midsized city to midsized city routes so there were pilots stranded and without the same route swapping options.

[EnochRoot]

I read a big part of the issue was that they don't run through hubs as much as other airlines and do a lot more midsized city to midsized city routes so there were pilots stranded and without the same route swapping options.

It’s their business model (point to point, vs hub & spoke). Their information systems (business processes and workflows) are apparently woefully inadequate for their type of model. Hilariously so, unfortunately.

[P.D.X.]

But ...for an organization like Southwest never upgrading their systems and kind of doing the same though?

They're fucking cheap. That's their entire biz model.

[Johnnie]

But ...for an organization like Southwest never upgrading their systems and kind of doing the same though?

They're fucking cheap. That's their entire biz model.

In recent years that been their perception. Everytime I go to check prices of flights I've avoided them. They're actually quite expensive now. If it weren't for the fact that my wife has a Southwest credit card we probably wouldn't fly them at all.

[Nonlinear FC]

But ...for an organization like Southwest never upgrading their systems and kind of doing the same though?

They're fucking cheap. That's their entire biz model.

In recent years that been their perception. Everytime I go to check prices of flights I've avoided them. They're actually quite expensive now. If it weren't for the fact that my wife has a Southwest credit card we probably wouldn't fly them at all.

I could've written this verbatim.

For the last probably 2-3 years, they have been riding on their reputation, but the reality is that they are often not even close to the cheapest option (and I'm not including Frontier or Spirit, which we don't even consider.)

The CC/points keeps us in the mix with them. We flew out to Denver earlier this month on points.

[P.D.X.]

I meant 'cheap' in terms of the quality if the product, not the consumer price.

[Johnnie]

I meant 'cheap' in terms of the quality if the product, not the consumer price.

Ohhhh. Gotcha. Yes then. I agree.

[Johnnie]

See, I love when he does this shit:



Edit: This temperament is always fascinating to me. If this was me, just add Bill Burr/Massachusetts to it:

"Look, dude. I'm fahkin' married and representing America on a trip overseas supporting the same fahkin' troops Fox News allegedly supports. Every other person before me brought their fahkin' spouse along to do the same damn thing. So why am I catching shit for doing the same? Just say out loud what you're too pussy to say. I'd respect you more."

I don't think I could take enough public affairs boot camp/therapy to get me that level.

[L-Jam3]

Johnnie, have you ever thought of running for public office? You’re certainly plugged in, and I would bet there would be at least some appreciation of your blunt attitude. If John Kennedy, a Rhodes fucking Scholar, could conceivably fake himself as a Bayou Bumpkin and get monetary support, I would think your views in the genuine manner you present them would be able to garner some support at least on a local level.

[Johnnie]

Johnnie, have you ever thought of running for public office? You’re certainly plugged in, and I would bet there would be at least some appreciation of your blunt attitude. If John Kennedy, a Rhodes fucking Scholar, could conceivably fake himself as a Bayou Bumpkin and get monetary support, I would think your views in the genuine manner you present them would be able to garner some support at least on a local level.

Awww. Thanks, man.

Yes, as a thought experiment. But I just don't have the couth or energy. Not sure if we've met in person, but man do I rant like I'm Denis Leary or George Carlin. And I get fucking mad when I do.

That does not lend to well to public service because I'm easily 'triggered'. Shit, at work I'd flip my shit because some Captain or Major wants a privilege and when a simple 'No' doesn't work for a second or third time, I'd go all in. I get that from my upbringing.

Plus, my mom did political stuff on a city level when I was growing up and obviously I had to do stuff for her campaign. The broken windows, slashed tires, ruthless rumors, and general ick of it all soured me on politics and The Show of it. Plus the knocking doors, holding signs, flyer drops, and constant 'making yourself seen' aspect seems like something that will take a lot of energy.

While it would be cool to tell Juan Ciscomani he's a douche Trump lover, I just couldn't do it because I'll have a target on myself. My wife doesn't need that.

[The Sybian]

Johnnie, have you ever thought of running for public office? You’re certainly plugged in, and I would bet there would be at least some appreciation of your blunt attitude. If John Kennedy, a Rhodes fucking Scholar, could conceivably fake himself as a Bayou Bumpkin and get monetary support, I would think your views in the genuine manner you present them would be able to garner some support at least on a local level.

See, I read Johnnie's post and came away thinking how amazing it would be to put Bill Burr in public office and set him loose at media interviews. Make Burr the WH Press Secretary for a week. It'd be glorious!

[Johnnie]

Johnnie, have you ever thought of running for public office? You’re certainly plugged in, and I would bet there would be at least some appreciation of your blunt attitude. If John Kennedy, a Rhodes fucking Scholar, could conceivably fake himself as a Bayou Bumpkin and get monetary support, I would think your views in the genuine manner you present them would be able to garner some support at least on a local level.

See, I read Johnnie's post and came away thinking how amazing it would be to put Bill Burr in public office and set him loose at media interviews. Make Burr the WH Press Secretary for a week. It'd be glorious!

Every interaction I would have with the media would be a roast of the opposition party.

Every time. I'd be relentless in my offense and bring up their dirt in every forum I could.

I'd probably end up looking hysterical and get removed from committees and then get primaried the next cycle.

[L-Jam3]

Johnnie, have you ever thought of running for public office? You’re certainly plugged in, and I would bet there would be at least some appreciation of your blunt attitude. If John Kennedy, a Rhodes fucking Scholar, could conceivably fake himself as a Bayou Bumpkin and get monetary support, I would think your views in the genuine manner you present them would be able to garner some support at least on a local level.

See, I read Johnnie's post and came away thinking how amazing it would be to put Bill Burr in public office and set him loose at media interviews. Make Burr the WH Press Secretary for a week. It'd be glorious!

Every interaction I would have with the media would be a roast of the opposition party.

Every time. I'd be relentless in my offense and bring up their dirt in every forum I could.

I'd probably end up looking hysterical and get removed from committees and then get primaried the next cycle.

It would be pretty fun, no?

[Johnnie]

It would be pretty fun, no?

Probably yes. $174k a year to be an awesome meme for the American people? Sounds awesome.

But it's the unknown unknowns that I worry about.

[Nonlinear FC]

I meant 'cheap' in terms of the quality if the product, not the consumer price.

I don't really see how they are "cheap" in that sense. I fly Jet Blue, Delta and United... But mostly Southwest. If you pay attention and get your boarding pass in the A or B, you are pretty much going to get the type of seat you want. I actually prefer the way they line folks up to the annoying way others call you up by section and mouthbreathers get in the way long before it's their turn.

They have a nice array of live TV and free movies to choose from. I don't expect a meal on any flight anymore, so that's not really a thing for me.

[Nonlinear FC]

It would be pretty fun, no?

Probably yes. $174k a year to be an awesome meme for the American people? Sounds awesome.

But it's the unknown unknowns that I worry about.

It's a pain in the fucking ass. Maybe if you just said fuck it and didn't care about getting re-elected. Maybe. Because the amount of time a Rep spends fundraising is depressing as fuck. And the amount of ass kissing you have to do, on so many levels (just within the party apparatus, beyond fundraising.)

To make the job "fun" you have to stick around for at least 3 terms so you can move up on committees and have any kind of real impact. One of the reasons AOC had a target on her back within the party was how much juice she had coming in as a freshman. A lot of jealousy at play there.

It's REALLY hard to even get a sniff during the primaries unless 1) you have a shit load of money or b) you have some type of celebrity status. You have to pay your dues and kiss a lot of ass otherwise.

[Johnnie]

Yea, I'm just not doing that. Sounds like you need to be a certain personality to do that. I'd get very mad very quickly. I'll just work at Raytheon.

And who knows? Maybe I'll get tapped as the SecDef eventually.

[The Sybian]

It would be pretty fun, no?

Probably yes. $174k a year to be an awesome meme for the American people? Sounds awesome.

But it's the unknown unknowns that I worry about.

It's a pain in the fucking ass. Maybe if you just said fuck it and didn't care about getting re-elected. Maybe. Because the amount of time a Rep spends fundraising is depressing as fuck. And the amount of ass kissing you have to do, on so many levels (just within the party apparatus, beyond fundraising.)

To make the job "fun" you have to stick around for at least 3 terms so you can move up on committees and have any kind of real impact. One of the reasons AOC had a target on her back within the party was how much juice she had coming in as a freshman. A lot of jealousy at play there.

It's REALLY hard to even get a sniff during the primaries unless 1) you have a shit load of money or b) you have some type of celebrity status. You have to pay your dues and kiss a lot of ass otherwise.

This is my take. And unless you are independently wealthy, I don't see how Reps can afford to rent a second apartment in DC. Seems weird to me that they have to foot that expense on their own. Also makes them ripe for bribery.

[mister d]

Yea, I'm just not doing that. Sounds like you need to be a certain personality to do that. I'd get very mad very quickly. I'll just work at Raytheon.

And who knows? Maybe I'll get tapped as the SecDef eventually.

Not sure how that corporate resume -> secretary appointment jump would work given its the same basic industry. Maybe agriculture ; )

[Brontoburglar]

now here's something the DOT has control over to ensure never happens!

[rass]

now here's something the DOT has control over to ensure never happens!

Was going to say this is the equivalent of just posting "holy shit!" in a sports thread but as I was typing it I heard a news break on the radio.

Holy shit!

[A_B]

Gee golly willikers!

[Brontoburglar]

now here's something the DOT has control over to ensure never happens!

Was going to say this is the equivalent of just posting "holy shit!" in a sports thread but as I was typing it I heard a news break on the radio.

Holy shit!

wow, radio in the morning and the swamp as your 11 p.m. news at night

a renaissance man!

[Ryan]

The South Bend Senior Lunch Bus had a flat tire once so everyone on here better fucking relax

[duff]

The South Bend Senior Lunch Bus had a flat tire once so everyone on here better fucking relax

South Bend can't even afford school busses. Fuck those seniors. They can get their jello elsewhere.

[The Sybian]

The South Bend Senior Lunch Bus had a flat tire once so everyone on here better fucking relax

South Bend can't even afford school busses. Fuck those seniors. They can get their jello elsewhere.

They could before Pete was Mayor.

[mister d]

I wonder if he's practicing saying "Yes we can" in the mirror over and over right now.