Originally Posted by FWAAA
No, IMO, it is not better to "be on guard now" by wasting countless dollars (and lives, like yours) sitting around airplanes looking for terrorists that aren't there. Better to replace the flight deck doors with secure ones (already done), give the pilots what they should have had on September 11, 2001 (which might have help prevent some of the tragedy) - namely, GUNS, and to alter the protocol when lunatics attempt to take over an aircraft (which has been done). All in all, a more sensible (and cost-effective) solution.
Thousands of sky marshals could then be put to better use actually defending the country from realistic threats (instead of "policing airplanes.") Instead, they sit on their ... all day long enforcing the "no-pee rule for 30 minutes out of DCA" and occupy at least two seats (often of the premium variety) on hundreds of flights daily.
But the last war will be fought, over and over again, until the terrorists attack us through some underprotected flank - perhaps made more vulnerable because of the waste of energy "guarding the skies" in the form of Sky Marshals.
You are entitled to your opinion. Thats what makes America Great. Thats why I am proud to be an American, as well as a peace officer in this country. My opinion is that you are wrong. We can agree to disagree. I will still go to work everyday and do my best. I will continue to train hard and keep myself ready. If the program is flushed tomorrow, so be it. I am experienced, educated, and have worked both in government and the private sector so I will not worry about "where is my next job". Because I am a professional I would go board the plane and do my job even if told its a charter flight full of Frequent Flyer FAM Haters of America, and if a couple of these FFFHA members were actually terrorists or other criminals who were masquerading as FFFHA members and started slashing, maiming, or whatever I would still defend these FFFHA'ers, because they are entitled to their opinion, but do not deserve to be the victim of a criminal, terrorist, nutcase or whatever.
I realize thats approaching over the top, but just wanted to make my point that I (as well as my co-workers) will do the job to the end. Whatever that end may be.