SAD -
The accountability for the airline problems - particularly safety - was squarely planted on Jane Garvey's desk. Sacking Lacey didn't change a thing.
Sabatini is an unknown, but he's almost surely the "yes man."
If ATOS proceeds, we may be sure of the intent.
Under ATOS, the airlines would essentially certify and monitor themselves. Alaska 261 is glaring testimony as to where that will go. There should be no doubt in anyone's mind.
After AK-261, instead of ACTUALLY reviewing Alaska for safety deficiencies, the FAA facilitated a cover-up to the best of their ability. The media caught them at it, but the situation has actually gotten worse, since then. The FAA in DC (Garvey) has been well informed, but did nothing. A major investigation is underway, but the duration attests to the impending "zero-effect."
In the FAA, Lacey was known to have threatened anyone who embarrassed the FAA further - it got worse; Lacey was overriden and lost.
Lacey was doing his part to create and maintain the mess, but the wrong target got taken out.
It's up to Bush, now.