Everyone is abuzz with the news that yet another militant follower of Islam attempted to destroy an airborne airliner. Luckily, tragedy was averted by luck and alert airplane passengers. Not, as one would reasonably expect, by either government or airline security.
How could this happen post 9-11? This, it turns out, is a very good question. Despite increased airport scrutiny of old women and people in wheelchairs, this particular individual slipped right past the bloodhound-like noses of these highly trained security screeners. Not only did this person, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, pay cash for a nearly $3,000 one-way ticket, but he had with him only one small bag for a trip from Amsterdam to Detroit. The two-part explosive he carried onto the plane, despite being tucked into his underwear, should have been easily detected.
Anyone familiar with the 9-11 scenario will find many similarities here. Yet, no red flags were raised. As if those missed clues were not enough, we are also informed by the media that Abdulmutallab's own father had notified both the Nigerian government and the American Embassy in that country of his son's increasingly radical outlook. This occurred only last month. Although Britain put his name on a watch list, apparently the Americans didn't think it necessary.
What happened to all the so-called "increased security" after 9-11? For the most part, it has presented itself as additional inconvenience for airline passengers, nothing more. Air marshals were to be a common presence on planes; that never materialized. Why bother taking actual precautions when all that need be done is harass passengers about their nail clippers and roll-on deodorant?
Homeland Security head Janet Napolitano was quoted as saying that the perpetrator was "stopped before any damage could be done." Well, sure he was, but not by security measures. In another eerie similarity to one of the 9-11 flights, it was passengers and crew that subdued him. But, don't worry! New air travel rules like no in-flight movies or bathroom breaks will surely solve the problem. Once again, corporate and governmental incompetence cause havoc, and now the damage control begins. Guess who, as usual, is going to pay the price? That's right. It's you and me, kid.
How could this happen post 9-11? This, it turns out, is a very good question. Despite increased airport scrutiny of old women and people in wheelchairs, this particular individual slipped right past the bloodhound-like noses of these highly trained security screeners. Not only did this person, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, pay cash for a nearly $3,000 one-way ticket, but he had with him only one small bag for a trip from Amsterdam to Detroit. The two-part explosive he carried onto the plane, despite being tucked into his underwear, should have been easily detected.
Anyone familiar with the 9-11 scenario will find many similarities here. Yet, no red flags were raised. As if those missed clues were not enough, we are also informed by the media that Abdulmutallab's own father had notified both the Nigerian government and the American Embassy in that country of his son's increasingly radical outlook. This occurred only last month. Although Britain put his name on a watch list, apparently the Americans didn't think it necessary.
What happened to all the so-called "increased security" after 9-11? For the most part, it has presented itself as additional inconvenience for airline passengers, nothing more. Air marshals were to be a common presence on planes; that never materialized. Why bother taking actual precautions when all that need be done is harass passengers about their nail clippers and roll-on deodorant?
Homeland Security head Janet Napolitano was quoted as saying that the perpetrator was "stopped before any damage could be done." Well, sure he was, but not by security measures. In another eerie similarity to one of the 9-11 flights, it was passengers and crew that subdued him. But, don't worry! New air travel rules like no in-flight movies or bathroom breaks will surely solve the problem. Once again, corporate and governmental incompetence cause havoc, and now the damage control begins. Guess who, as usual, is going to pay the price? That's right. It's you and me, kid.
No comments:
Post a Comment