Smart profiling saves lives

Submitted by Rebecca Ellen Moulds (United States), Jan 10, 2010 at 13:36

When is the United States going to finally take intelligent measures to ensure that all flights coming into and leaving the US have been thoroughly checked for would-be terrorists? The 3oz. rule is one that particularly galls me; there is no guarantee that a group of terrorists haven't loaded some type of liquid explosive in 3oz bottles and plan to put together a bomb on an airliner.

There are all types of scenarios that will beat the system if that system isn't intelligent. On my trips to Israel, I have been grilled at Ben Gurion the same as anyone of any race or gender has; just because I am a Caucasian woman doesn't mean that I should have immunity to being searched or profiled. They treat everyone with suspicion and that's great---the traveler feels protected and confident that everything has been done to ensure a safe flight. Unfortunately, most of the terrorists lately have been Muslims, but because of political correctness, they are practically kow-towed to, which is totally erroneous and typical of this government going to far in one direction.

The whole idea of no blankets on the lap, no using the lavatories during the last hour of flying, is so ludicrous and does not guarantee that all will be well. In the issue of the "underpants bomber" a recent news item comes to mind: There was a phone call to Fox news from a passenger who overheard at the airport, a conversation between Abdulmutallab and some airport employees; according to this passenger, Abdulmutallab didn't have a passport and after some minutes of discussion, was taken away by someone "in a suit" to a private room.

As we all know, he was allowed on the plane. If this is true, and this man was allowed on a plane without a passport, then someone at the airport was either involved with this bomb plot, or was just plain stupid to allow him to board. Whenever there's a new terrorist attack or a close call, new rules are enforced but these rules just don't work. We need to work on better screening techniques to prevent any more tragedies, and learning from Israeli security is a good place to start.

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