Stick To The Privacy Issues, Which Are Slightly More Believable

Nice try:

A burning cab ignited controversy yesterday when the Taxi Workers Alliance claimed a newly installed GPS system started the blaze.

But taxi authorities and independent mechanics disputed the claim, arguing that it was all but impossible for a properly installed system to catch fire.

The cab fire — the third in Manhattan in as many weeks — happened at around 2 p.m. It was caused by what appeared to be a burned-out alternator. At the scene, both the the driver and an Alliance representative pointed the finger at a GPS system installed on Saturday.

“It started smoking, I could smell it, I could see it was flaming. This is going to cost me around $450 to fix,” said the driver, Samuel Asenso, 51. “GPS is an electrical system. The alternator controls all the electrical systems in the car. Whenever the cab is overloaded, the alternator catches on fire.”

. . .

Alliance member Bill Lindauer was on the scene to direct reporters around the stricken vehicle. He said he would reserve final judgement until the car was inspected by a mechanic, but firmly believed the GPS system was responsible.

“This is the least reliable system ever invented by mankind,” he said. “There is a mass of self-delusion in the [Taxi & Limousine Commission] running amok.”

Backstory: There You Go Again.