Originally Posted by
TMOliver
I've an elderly (older than I, so old I served in "Pontius Pilate's Bodyguard") neighbor who travels by air at most once a year. She donates freely to political candidates, mostly Democrats, and writes our Congressman (D) regularly. She believes, firmly, sincerely and with unalterable conviction, that only the thin blue line of the TSA protects her from mad jihadist bombers targeting flights from ACT to IAH or DFW (Well, they don't go any where else from here!).
Interestingly enough, I had a discussion about the TSA this weekend with a cousin who is a civics teacher (oh, the irony...). She thinks the TSA is great and loves having them at the airport.
Except she didn't know that boxcutters were allowed before 9/11. Or that you can still take them on planes. Or that the liquid scare is scientifically impossible. Or that reinforced cockpit doors exist. I didn't even get started with the strip search machines.
Afterward, she said, "Well, I guess that we have the same goals, to have security at the airport. It's the implementation that is the problem."
Well, yeah, but I know she wasn't convinced. It's all about getting the information out there.
Originally Posted by
txrus
Please also refrain from the use of terms such as 'cupcake', 'sport', et al in your answers.
Actually, I always like when he does that.
Originally Posted by
gsoltso
Most of the time someone of that nature will NEVER make the news because they will do the snatch and grab and try to ferret out any cohorts or remaining pals before they can do something bad. I can't give you names/dates/anything of that nature, but I have seen the BDO program work, and it does work.
I'd like to believe you, but if the TSA ever made the big catch, after the group had been rounded up, there would be press releases and award ceremonies.
Originally Posted by
gsoltso
I think that collectively we as a nation have gotten away from believeing that there are people out there that will do anything to hurt us, we have a very short attention span. Yes a lot of the measures taken by TSA are of a responsive nature and that is not the best way to do business, but the organization is moving forrward in its thinking. The WBI is a good example - whether you agree or disagree - it is a move to try and prevent some of the simpler ways of smuggling things onto a plane (illegal OR destructive). It is an indication that some research just as you asked for - preventative prior to actual application by the "bad" guys - is being done and employed by the organization. Not saying that things are perfect, we as an organization have plenty of room for improvement, but things are being researched to prevent "the next" anything from happening.
No one in this country has forgotten that there are people trying to harm us. Every time I turn on the TV and watch a press conference, read a newspaper or listen to the "if you see something, say something" ads, I'm reminded of it. Government officials use terrorism as an excuse anytime they need funding. Defense contractors have made a killing. Dick Cheney will live to be 147 years old, sustained by our national fear, which he feeds off of.
In fact, it's this national paranoia that allowed the TSA to even consider the WBI machines. Ten years ago, we'd have told the government to shove it. Now, we roll over, grab our ankles and ask for more.
Mike