Police State USA

[wjustinen]

Was government, in the name of individual liberty, supposed to ignore this threat? Without searches of persons and baggage, would the skyjackings and bombings have increased or decreased?

Decreased if people on board were exercising their 2A rights. Unfortunately, armed pilots were told to - you guessed it - "give them what they want and nobody will get hurt."

The one hi-jack my co-workers dealt with ended with a fire ax upside the head of the hi-jacker. Should have sent a message to all, but it was ignored in deference to "government is to provide a measure of security." :banghead:

If an air marshall is a good idea - think bored, underpaid, civil servant - then highly motivated passengers and crew are even better persons to arm. The bonus is that there will always be passengers and crew on the aircraft even if there is no air marshall.

 

[JerryM]

I did not read all the posts, but I agree with vito. In order to have a reasonable degree of security in the current environment there will be inconveniences. I do not think they are indicative of a police state.

During WWII there were a fair number of restrictions, and censorship. They were necessary, and so are most of the ones at this time. I would rather be checked at various times and during air travel than have my wife blown up.

Folks, you might as well get used to many of these security policies and actions. They will be with us pretty much forever. The radical Muslims have changed the ways of life of several countries, including this one. Fear and caution are not the same thing. Wise rules for the protection of the public do not amount to a police state.
Of course, one must always be alert to the abuse of authority. Personally I have not seen that, although it probably has happened at times. Mankind never gets it perfectly right.

Best,
Jerry

 

[JerryM]

["If an air marshall is a good idea - think bored, underpaid, civil servant - then highly motivated passengers and crew are even better persons to arm."}

Not correct. I happen to know at least one air marshall. I have known him essentially all his life. He is highly motivated, intelligent, and capable. He does not like his job, but that does not keep him from being an outstanding officer.

In any kind of altercation, I would be glad that he was on my side.

Best,
Jerry