Quite simply, I am suggesting that, at this point in time, it is reasonable to include race as one of many factors in profiling potential terrorist threats. Yes, it may impinge ever so slightly on the rights of a few individuals, but the greater concern of national safety and stability should prevail. The country is at war.

I am not proposing that we go to any of the extremes that you suggest. I am just asking that everyone use a little common sense. Again, I'll ask the same question: Given the events of 9/11 and bin Laden's threats/instructions, isn't it much more likely than not that the next terrorist hijacking/bombing/attack/mass murder of civilians will be carried out by persons of Arab descent?

I believe that the isue is not as clear as the anti-profiling posters on these boards make it out to be. What do you propose?

Edited to add:

There are so many similar threads on FT that I sometimes can't keep track of the arguments and/or issues raised in any particular thread. My comments here and elsewhere were directed at "racial profiling" in general. I concede that the instances of flight crew removing persons based solely on race or skin color, after those persons have cleared security, are inappropriate. In the aftermath and hysteria of the 9/11 attacks, perhaps it was understandable (but not excusable). And if the flight crew doesn't trust security, then surely the passengers had the right to be concerned.



[This message has been edited by cactuspete (edited 09-28-2001).]