Originally Posted by
mikeef
But let me ask one question: A mid-air explosion would obviously be tragic and result in hundreds of deaths. But are we stopping people carrying laptops on the street? In movie theaters? In hotels? How about Amtrak? Because if a terrorist blew up an explosive device under Penn Station, the catastrophe would dwarf that of a mid-air explosion.
Smart terrorists know there's no reason to go to extreme lengths to get a bomb onto a plane. Just wheel a 30" suitcase stuffed with shrapnel and explosives into the airport and detonate it in a crowd. Do it on a very high travel day, like the day before Thanksgiving, when the airport will be absolutely packed with people. Ideally hit several airports, train stations, and bus stations simultaneously.
Can you imagine the panic that would result?
The terrorists we actually need to worry about are evil, not stupid. Underwear Bomber and his ilk are mostly noteworthy for their complete lack of success.