WP: 9/11 Families Criticize TSA Plan (allowing knives, ice picks, etc.)

[DeepModem Mom]

Question: who travels with an ice pick, and why (and if there's a good reason, why not check it?)


Sept. 11 Families Criticize TSA Plan
Victims' Relatives Oppose Knives Aboard Planes
By Sara Kehaulani Goo
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, August 25, 2005; Page A04


A group representing family members of those who died in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks said it opposes a new proposal to allow knives and other potential weapons aboard commercial airlines.

The group, Families of September 11, is responding to proposals outlined by the Transportation Security Administration this month as part of a review of whether airline security measures are effective against today's terrorist threats. An agency panel has recommended allowing passengers to bring knives and scissors less than 5 inches long aboard airplanes, as well as ice picks, throwing stars, and bows and arrows. The proposal also would allow groups of fliers, such as members of Congress, Cabinet members and military officers, to be excluded from security screening before boarding a plane.

Officials familiar with the plans say the TSA's new leader, Edmund S. "Kip" Hawley, and other top security officials are no longer as concerned about another Sept. 11-style hijacking as they are about other threats, such as suicide bombers boarding airplanes. In particular, TSA officials say that reinforced cockpit doors and air marshals are now in place to prevent hijackings and that passengers have subdued many travelers who act violently on aircraft.

Carie Lemack, whose mother died aboard one of the hijacked planes, characterized the TSA's plans as ridiculous and said they are a sign that the government's attitude toward security has become too relaxed four years after the attacks. The TSA is "forgetting the people used mace and pepper spray on 9/11," items now banned, to keep other passengers from interfering, Lemack said.

As co-founder of Families of September 11, which monitored the progress of the 9/11 Commission and pushed for passage of the intelligence reform bill, Lemack said she has been trying to meet in person with Hawley, but has run into bureaucratic problems....


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/08/24/AR2005082402094.html

[Up2Late]

1. The Daily Show did a great piece on this, couldn't find the video though

It's so great how they listen to the American People and NOT the Special Interest Groups. :sarcasm:

[elehhhhna]

2. Hunting knife: short enough. Butter knife: too long.

ridiculous.

[obxhead]

3. If they allow knives

I'm gonna keep my lighter damn it!

[Up2Late]

6. Hey don't forget to pack your throwing stars, and bows and arrows!

I mean, how could throwing stars, or a Bow and Arrows possibly be used to hijack a Jet? :sarcasm: :banghead:

[AzDar]

4. Yep....knives are fine. Yet I bet they still pull me aside and feel

my cleavage. WTF???

[oscar111]

5. pretty brainless to relax the guard