IP: More on Air Travel

[David Farber <dave () farber net>]

> Date: Sat, 22 Sep 2001 12:44:01 -0500 (CDT)
> From: Lawrence Landweber <lhl () cs wisc edu>
> To: dave () farber net
>
> Dave
>
> Some observations from a frequent flyer.
>
> People are nervous. Tension is being maintained by continuous warnings
> and predictions of possible future terrorist actions. U.S. government
> officials and the media are both responsible. It is almost as if they want
> to amplify fear and paranoia.
>
> The reprehensible boarding denial incidents described in the NYT article
> are a reflection of the current atmosphere of fear. We all should remember
> the terrible deeds committed by our country on its Japanese citizens
> as a result of such a climate of fear.
>
> My view is that the average person will not feel comfortable with
> commercial aviation until the government assumes responsibility
> for security and demonstrates that the public can have
> confidence. Today, airport security is still mostly handled by minimum
> wage poorly trained people. I personally have heard of a good many examples
> of undetected contraband.  Moreover, there is no assurance
> that a marshal will be  on a particular flight. Cockpit doors have not been
> strengthened. And jets are circling waiting to shoot down wayward
> airliners.
>
> Individuals are left with a feeling that security is up to them.  After
> all,  last week they saw four airliners hijacked by small groups of lightly
> armed men. So long as the government does not assume responsibility,
> a vigilante atmosphere can take hold, as witnessed by recent events.
>
> It is not enough for high government officials, most of whom travel
> on U.S. government planes to tell us to fly. When was the last time
> that Ashcroft or Rumsfeld or Powell or their top aides were on
> commercial flights? A symbolic step would be to announce that all
> govt officals and their families (except the president and vp)
> will be flying commercially, and without armed escorts or special
> security measures. Leaders should lead and that would certainly
> provide more confidence to average people than platitudes about
> saftety. But, of course, marshals, FBI agents or equivalent on ALL
> flights, enhanced cockpit security and trained personnel doing
> baggage checks would help even more!
>
> Larry Landweber



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