Although I’m not a fan of Ann Coulter, her recent column slamming the latest TSA airport security screening procedure holds water.
As an airline pilot, I’ve always thought many of these TSA procedures were so much “show” for the American public. In reality, explosives of all types have always been known threats. (For airline pilots, such procedures are downright ridiculous.)
Anyone with a realistic mind can think of thousands of ways to bring down airplanes, stop daily commuters, terrorizing the public, etc. There is definitely a point of diminishing returns. What is Uncle Sam going to do next, issue everyone a rock to hide under?
Perhaps the TSA airport security procedures may be appropriate for the amateur terrorist, the wannabees, or the woman who accidentally left her gun in her purse. The professional terrorist, however, must be discouraged from pursuing an attack by more political or strategic military means. (And personally, even as a veteran and still patriot, I don’t believe our Iraq situation is doing any good in this respect.)
Surely the TSA has thwarted many attempts to threaten our nation; however, I think a better way to spend money to protect the public would be on a quality national driver-training system, instead of making it harder for the average person to fly.
No doubt, there are plenty more Americans that will start showing their contempt for such “big-brother” treatment in their lives. The New Hampshire license plate reads, “Live free or die.” To an extent, that’s the message that many Americans like myself are sending to Washington.
Edward Martin
Peachtree City, Ga.