PRESS  RELEASE
February 28, 2008

EXECUTIVE OFFICE
TO CONSIDER ECONOMIC IMPACT
OF AIRSPACE RESTRICTIONS
IN THE NATIONAL CAPITAL AREA
 

SBA OFFICE OF ADVOCACY
Selects Review of Special Flight Rule
As submitted by David Wartofsky

After six years, the highest levels of government will be looking carefully at the impacts of airspace security in the National Capital Region.

The fundamental question is whether the billions of taxpayer dollars spent on airspace security, and the billions lost by the local economy as a result, has actually bought anything of value?

SBA's 'R3' action announced this morning brings to the highest levels of government the question of balance and oversight, to the broader economic impacts of security measures across the nation.

This timely challenge defends the principals that define our Democracy, our form of government, "a shining city upon a hill, whose beacon light guides freedom-loving people everywhere."

We must remind our government now and again that it exists for the sole purpose of protecting the freedom and commerce of our citizens.

We must not allow our government to pursue internal security unbounded, unaccountable to the people it is supposed to serve.

Throughout history, every government allowed by its citizens to become unbounded, was eventually alienated from them.

It is a story told many times,  never with a good ending.

Balance in all things is necessary to achieve sustainable security; balance is necessary to maintain a sustainable economy.

Thomas Jefferson said, "A little revolution now and again is a good thing."

Perhaps this little revolution between the highest levels of government, ands its citizens, is just what Thomas Jefferson had in mind;
A constructive dialogue to bring together the common objectives of a government and its people, for freedom, security, and commerce.

As always, I appreciate the efforts of the past, and I remain optimistic for the future.

David Wartofsky