Security and terrorism

Started by Sarge · 2 posts · 445 views

  1. #1
    Interesting opinion piece by Bruce Schneier on security and terrorism.

    http://www.cnn.com/2009/OPINION/12/29/schn...ater/index.html

    I've felt that since its inception, the efforts of the TSA have been off the mark in that they seem to be completely reactionary and plot specific. I think he has some good points about how we should be approaching the threat of terrorism by first not freaking out (as we seem to do now) and second by behaving as we did during WWII, with focus and purpose.
  2. #2
    It irks me to no end how reactionary to specific incidents we are. We're idiots for doing so.

    I remember when Flight 800 went down. The rumors going around was the plane was blown up by terrorist. I was working for DHL. As an airline/freight carrier, Congress mandated 100% inspection of every package. It almost took our industry down. We had to bring on extra people each night to inspect the packages and even then, we barely made our cut off times for the plane. Later, they discovered wires running through the fuel tank caused the explosion and they eased the requirement. It was stupid from the beginning.

    With the latest incident, they implemented a rule that no one on an International flight into the US can leave their seat an hour before a plane lands. They also do not allow anything in your lap during this time. No laptops, pillows, etc.

    Really, what the hell does that accomplish? I can see it now.

    Attention passengers, we are one hour away from our destination. No one may leave their seat and please remove all personal items from your lap.

    Terrorist - Oh damn, I waited too long to detonate my crotch bomb. I guess I'll have to try again on the next flight. Why didn't I set my allah phone alarm 15 minutes earlier.

    Huh? Really?