Confiscating nail clippers to fight war on terrorism
Editor, The Times:
I am all for tighter security measures on air travels, but I cannot stand idiotic responses [“New rules keep plane passengers in seats,” page one, Dec. 27].
Since someone tried to destroy a trans-Atlantic plane as it was ready to land in Detroit, now no one can leave his or her seat for the last hour of a flight. Had that occurred after the plane left Amsterdam, I suppose no one would be allowed to walk for an hour after plane departure.
Remember that those who came up with this idea are the same geniuses who, for two years after Sept. 11, confiscated nail clippers to fight terrorism.
— Edmond Fischer, Seattle
Only 20 years in prison?
While reading the article “Nigerian charged in airline bombing attempt,” Seattletimes.com, Nation & World, Dec. 26], I had to rub my eyes and read again that he would face only 20 years in prison for his actions.
Oh no! A 23-year-old suicide bomber might have to serve 20 years in prison.
The man was willing to die. Do we really think 20 years in prison is a deterrent to suicide bombers?
— Meg Connelly, Bothell
Common sense doesn’t prevail, again
Common sense should dictate that passengers should not be allowed lighters or matches aboard commercial airlines [“Bomb plot exposes air security weaknesses,” page one, Dec. 28].
For those who don’t fly, smoking is prohibited yet lighters and matches are allowed by the Federal Aviation Administration. So much for common sense. What has happened to our government’s ability to think and protect?
Perhaps too much book smarts leaves no room for sense — common or otherwise.
— Steve and Cynthia Bova, Ocean Shores
Want to fly? Get your fingerprints ready
Regarding the article “Airliner plot raises fears about al-Qaida in Yemen” [News, Dec. 28], I ask all of you: How long until we put into action a system that can really check who you are quickly?
If you want to fly, your DNA or fingerprints have to be on file. We need to speed up the process by which our DNA is checked. Fingerprints can be checked pretty quickly.
If you don’t like this idea, then drive.
Yes, it speaks of Big Brother, but I don’t want to see us lose the privilege of flying. If we’re going to defeat the crazies, we must take steps to do so, otherwise, they win. And that’s just what they want.
Anybody can get a fake passport or some other form of ID, but just try and fake your DNA or fingerprints.
— Steve Drake, Seattle