PNM # 1506 – "Word on the street is that Farmer Truss thinks the Skull is doing a great job". etc.
On the wide, sunlit boulevards, where well fed, polite folk promenade making politically correct small talk; I expect the public face of the regulator is seen to be clean, sober and ever so proper: the smoke and mirror crews tirelessly working overtime to make it so; and they must. The unwashed can deal with, be diverted by, even titillated and amused with the public disgrace of a 'political' figure like Slipper or Gillard. But the very idea that a great Australian icon, like "Best Air Safety", shrouded in myth and steeped mystery, could be corrupt and useless will not be allowed to gain any attention. What's known on the side streets and discussed in back ally's, no matter how true will not be allowed to escape into the rarefied atmosphere of polite society.
004 # 1509 – "Warrens Trust is aware that he has now inherited a liability by default," etc.
"The Pandora's box he inherited still hasn't been opened fully,"
If, and it is a big if, Truss and Co. are going to sort things out, the work will be done by stealth, very carefully and ensure that the public face of aviation is bright and squeaky clean. Whilst this is unsatisfactory to the tar and feathers crowd, it may be the price which must be paid. Clearly, the information and proof required are there, the powers that be must act. Whether they choose to act clandestinely or publicly will be for them to decide. If they fail to act at all, then the blood will be on their hands, for indeed they have been made very well aware. Selah.
Word on my street is that McComic is led into his new office each morning by an escort in a white coat. The soundproof office has padded walls and metal screens over the light bulbs (for his own protection) the door firmly secured by a biometric timer lock. They sit him down with a crossword and a cuppa "there you go; now then, be a good lad and sit quietly, we'll let you out at five to five" – Click.