On Thu, 13 May 2004 13:30:16 GMT, Brian Nystrom
wrote:

Well, it's not quite that simple. I agree that the restrictions on what
passengers can carry have gone overboard, but it's important to make
sure that they don't carry anything that could be used to damage the
aircraft catestrophically. Firearms definitely fall into that category.

I hope you're not referring catastrophic decompression being caused by
things a passenger might bring on board, like a gun or other implement.

http://kwc.org/blog/archives/000929.html
http://www.nfa.ca/journalist/skymarshal.html

It just doesn't happen.

Years ago, I carried ice axes on a plane once, but I wouldn't try to do
that again.

I can see security inspection concerns, but aside from that, why not?

You say "It's not quite that simple." Uh, yes it is.

That's a completely unfair characterization. The warning system has a
purpose, which is to make the public aware of possible threats and to
enlist their aid in watching for problems.

You left out that the public should be checking it's shopping lists. Bush
has told us that shopping is a very important thing to do. When they raise
the "terror alert" what is the message that the administration tells us?
Go shopping, but be more alert when you do. Or continue to go to public
(but not events where criticism might be aired) events, but to be "more
alert."

Rather than making sweeping criticisms motivated by your disdain for the
administration, why don't you propose some better ideas? "Effective
stuff" is not exactly specific or helpful, is it?

I did posit some suggestions. One effective thing that could be done is
to secure the cockpits. No more commercial aircraft flying into buildings
as was done at the WTC and the Pentagon. Quit telling us that "two oceans"
used to "protect" us. I suppose that "protection" is why the current
administration was hell bent on building a missile defense (What was Dr
Rice going to speak about on 9/11?). I notice the administration isn't
yelling quite so loud about that anymore.

It's time to take a deep breath and consider things calmly. Yes, a tragedy
occurred on 9/11, but we can eliminate that possibility entirely, something
the current administration with its Homeland stuff and the increased
"security" around airports has failed to do. In spite of all the Justice
Department's "efforts," not a single terrorist regarding 9/11 has been
charged by the US. Why is it that the current administration wants more
and more money for the Defense Department, yet denies funds for local first
responders? Do you think that has anything to do with why the New York
Fire Department personnel will no longer pose with Bush?

Americans are willing and capable of doing more than just being frightened.
Americans can understand fairly complex ideas that go beyond "them evil, us
good," even if the Bush crew can't.

Galen Hekhuis NpD, JFR, GWA
We are the CroMagnon of the future