Germany and Israel got it right. We are in CYA mode. Blow a lot of smoke, implement stupid policies and make it LOOK like we are doing SOMETHING...but why do I not feel safe flying, especially on US bound flights from most places international? Because we do not do profiling. We do not let our databases talk to each other and we do not demand databases that talk to our databases to ensure that incoming passengers are welcome here. The technology exists today for all reservations and ticketed passengers to be checked and double checked PRIOR to entering our country but until more people die, it will be big business that profits. Americans are not used to getting our feathers ruffled. We are America and apple pie and nothing bad happens here, or at least rarely.
Now, mind you we have some of the stupidest airline policies ever implemented. We are predictable and our processes are full of holes and this will remain so until the cost of implementing good policies is paid for. So far, we want cheap flights. As such we will never have good policies. Our immigration policies are completely laughable. I sit hear listening to all the rhetoric following this flight on Christmas Day and I just want to lose my lunch. I guess the average American is stupid and thinks that the smoke and mirrors are effective. I want a politician with balls that demands we actually build a system that works and get it done without a long delay because each of us who travels deserves to feel and be safe.
At breakfast last Saturday, one of my friends said that I was whining too much about the airline check points prior to flying. Telling me I was safer for them. I argued saying that I do not believe that I am safer for bad processes that single me out for a pat down when I am the least likely "type" to threaten a flight. We know how to profile. We know how to be effective, but due to cost, and personal "rights" we will look the other way perhaps until we lose another flight or two, or more and until we realize we are at war here and we need policies that work OVER worrying about rights or cost. I would happily go through a security point if it made sense. I am not willing to settle on mediocrity. What we have is not "good enough."
I keep hoping some leaders will emerge that will speak to the real issues and ways to resolve them, like I think I am hearing from Lieberman who was speaking of changing our VISA policy. It is time America gets real about our policies and implements things that work and stops blowing smoke and raising mirrors because in the end more people will die unless we really change things.
It's amazing that these terrorists are using their real names and still getting through "security". I am always pulled over for a pat down as is my neighbor - also a blond woman. Can you believe it?
Posted by: Kathe | January 10, 2010 at 08:42 AM