Steve Robeson K4YZ wrote:
Subject: Problem for boaters and APRS?
From: PAMNO (N2EY)



What was stated in the article is NOTHING NEW!

Sure it is.


No, it was not.


You are correct, Steve. Nothing new here at all. In fact I am surprised
that the story was even written, except maybe as just a reminder.
Shutting down the system has been a part of the system since day one.

Allowing the system to be more accurate was more of an economic
decision than malfeasance by a former president. I suspect that
considering the economic impact of the use of accurate GPS, any sitting
president would have made the same decision.


What is worrisome is that IF the system is shut down even temporarily,
the effects could cause as many problems as they prevent. We are *that*
dependent on GPS.

Here is just one (admittedly scary) example:

In Oregon, there is a pilot project using GPS.

http://www.odot.state.or.us/ruftf/faq.html

http://economics.about.com/od/taxesa...ileage_tax.htm



Don't like paying gasoline taxes? In Oregon, you will be able to forgo
them by allowing them to track the mileage that you drive within the
state. Your GPS simply reports your position as you drive around the
state. When you gas up at the pump, a sensor subtracts the tax on the
gas, and you don't pay the tax until you get a statement (presumably on
your credit card.

Aside from the obvious Big Brother aspect of this scheme, if the GPS
were to go down, there would be lots of money lost.


As an aside, is this creepy or what? I can foresee a time when the
records of *everyone* driving near a crime scene could be subpoenaed and
you'll have to prove that it was not you who murdered the person and
dumped their body in the creek, etc., etc,etc.

- Mike KB3EIA -