The driver of this plane pictured told me. His last reserve gig had him inspecting critical power stations to rate vulnerability. It was "continuation of goverment" duties.
That picture says a lot! Thanks for his service to this nation!
But by posting that picture, and your comment, you've essentially shown that you have no direct knowledge of the subject matter we have been discussing.
I am no expert whatsoever, but I have spent most of my adult life working for an electric utility and I take as much pride in that fact as you appear to do about that pilot.
I am very familiar with some of the myths that are out there about the "national grid". I also know that every power company in this nation has concerns over security issues. I am bombarded by those concerns on a daily basis, and so are others that frequent this forum. I have spent time working the type of outages you fear. I've been there, done that, more times than most people would understand.
What I refuse to "let go", is the absolute idiocy of assumption regarding electrical power utilities. I spend every single day working to provide power to citizens in my area. I work with people that are just as amazing as that pilot. Their dedication to duty, their work ethic, and their attention to detail is oft-times unbelievable. Their commitment to safety for themselves and others is inspiring at the least and damn near god-like at its best. They care, each and every damn one of them try to make things better. Believe it or not, it's not always about the money....
So, when anyone decides that making assumptions about my profession is the only way to come to some sort of conclusion, you are damn right I will speak up and question their comments.
If it were not for linemen, this conversation would not be possible.
