[GAsux]

First, I think its critically important to consider the professional scientific opinion of a former cheif economist. Having taken an economics class or two myself, I recall that admist all the Smith, Keynes, etc, we often discussed structural design as it relates to explosives.

Second, no idea who the guy is, but just curious why he is a "former" member. Not saying it's proof to discredit the guys opinion, which by the way that's all it is, an economists opinion, but is it possible that he'd have a personal reason to make such a statement?

Finally, I think the thing that makes the scenario of incompetence and missed opportunities seem plausible to me is that I've been employed by a federal agency for 9 years now. If you haven't had the opportunity to work in or around a federal agency, particularly at the national level, I don't think you fully realize the beauracracy and inefficiency that can take place. Without that understanding, it's very easy to convert incompetence into conspiracy in your mind.

As for AF policy, I'm certain that military ATC's view the same radar info that civilian ATCs see. THATs the reason you don't have military and commercial planes flying into each other "constantly". The AF doesn't have separate scopes for different types of aircraft.