It is time to stop being politically correct when it comes to protecting ourselves from terrorists. Just the other day on the news, people were starting to question whether or not the amount of radiation given off by body scanners would harm them. I dare say, a terrorist strike on their plane could potentially harm them more. If they fly that much that a brief scan of the body is going to somehow damage them, I bet they actually appreciate the level of safety on their planes. If they are somehow upset that they will be slowed down in their travels, I bet they haven't travelled much lately. It is the biggest game of hurry up and wait that I have ever played. If they have a legitimate health concern, there are other options. But a near-miss is too close for comfort for most people. I would rather risk slight damage, if any, to the passengers and catch the next terrorist before he or she boards the plane, than risk the next terrorist getting it right the next time.
Also, I feel badly that many legitimately honest people are upset at being profiled, but sometimes, that's the breaks. I learned at an early age that life isn't fair. Sometimes you get accused of things you know you wouldn't do. So, if you're on the up and up, there is nothing to get upset about. Don't you also want to make sure the plane you are on is safe? If that means that you feel that people are prejudiced against you, well, too bad. I personally have always disliked being labeled as a typical American: greedy, self-centered and loud. But I realize the only way that will change is if I personally behave differently. If you don't like being profiled and you are completely innocent, stop getting upset over being profiled. No one will look at you suspiciously then.
Has anyone noticed yet that there is a definite lack of concern over flights from Israel on El Al? Has anyone wondered why? For over three decades, Israel has conducted intense security at their airport. They question everyone, personal, thorough questioning. They profile. They physically search suspicious people. Luggage is checked before it gets into the airport. Luggage that is left lying around is quickly reported and the area is clear. The security personnel are former members of the army with training in exactly who to look for. And that is one of the keys. They are looking at people, not bottles of shampoo to make sure it's three ounces. Israel, at one time, had a lot of trouble with their flights. Now, they have none.
So why aren't we adopting the same measures? Because we don't want to offend anyone and because we don't want to slow down travelers. Think about this though. In 2007, a high level, retired security agent from Israel, one of those black-clad, spooky people who never describes their job, suggested that someday someone would put explosives in their pants, instead of shoes, and take a plane to America. This is the same guy who warned about the 9/11 terror plot. Someday is here and I don't think the terrorists are concerned about offending anyone.
