The Terrorists Have Won

34, 017 people were killed in automobile crashes in 2008. We’re not banning access to cars (yet).

We seem to be focusing on trees – the rare attempted act of terrorism on flights – rather than the forest – loss of freedoms, common sense and self-reliance.

Bruce Schneier says it best:

“Counterterrorism in the airport is a show designed to make people feel better,” he said. “Only two things have made flying safer: the reinforcement of cockpit doors, and the fact that passengers know now to resist hijackers.” This assumes, of course, that al-Qaeda will target airplanes for hijacking, or target aviation at all. “We defend against what the terrorists did last week,” Schneier said. He believes that the country would be just as safe as it is today if airport security were rolled back to pre-9/11 levels. “Spend the rest of your money on intelligence, investigations, and emergency response.”

Seems like the passengers sorted that one this week. Right?

A reasonable question is – Does it make sense to penalize millions of people to prevent the actions of one?

… passengers on international flights coming to the United States will apparently have to remain in their seats for the last hour of a flight without any personal items on their laps. It was not clear how often the rule would affect domestic flights.

No, No, No. Collectively, all air travelers are more attuned to their environs. We’re a bit more suspicious – and that’s a good thing. It’s time to turn our suspicions and actions on those who are implementing these new knee-jerk rules.

I could write a story citing the Constitution and freedom but I’m going to speak the language of common sense , one our politicians do not seem to comprehend. We need more common sense.

Of course the TSA is not clear on how the rule will impact those on domestic flights. They’re most likely not clear on how they’re going to implement these hastily-designed “rules” at all.

How often have hurriedly-thrown-together and implemented policies worked? HVCC anyone?

However, I applaud Homeland Security’s pre-emptive strike against accusations that they cannot competently implement these system-wide:

The new security measures are expected to vary from airport to airport, homeland security officials said.

Suurre … that’s why I didn’t have to take my liquids out of a bag in Richmond but did in Chicago … I know this – I will be flying less and less next year, starting with the trip to Inman in New York. I’m not fearful – I choose to take a risk every time I get in my car to show houses. I’m choosing to minimize my frustrations.

Let’s hope the next attempt (and there will be one) isn’t a bomber with something shoved up his rectum.