tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post7971344194457834468..comments2024-03-28T14:52:13.218-05:00Comments on Stonekettle Station: Underwear Bombers, Terrorism, The TSA, and Profiling FearJim Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11259550121437562338noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-15252566890124477992010-01-12T13:11:27.068-06:002010-01-12T13:11:27.068-06:00"The proof? Well, I’ve already given you that..."The proof? Well, I’ve already given you that. Count the number of American dead from terrorism since 9/11. The proof is in the math, not in the hysteria."<br /><br /><br />Math doesn't sell things, get big headlines, or help with re-election. THAT'S why the math isn't being done... or at least published.Wine Guynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-24181718453171880342010-01-11T18:10:54.281-06:002010-01-11T18:10:54.281-06:00I’ve flown between 1 and 3 roundtrips per year alm...I’ve flown between 1 and 3 roundtrips per year almost every year since 9/11. As part of my flying experience, I attempted to profile not only my fellow passengers, but also many of the people in and around the airports that I flew from, to, and through. I was almost always able to single out people I thought should be given increased attention by security.<br /><br />In all of my flying, none of the airports I was in, and none of the jets I flew in, ever were subjected to terrorist attacks, despite the positive hits in my profiling. <br /><br />Obviously, profiling just doesn’t work.Tomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00273212686600552771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-43122581610122950132010-01-10T21:43:26.128-06:002010-01-10T21:43:26.128-06:00John Byrnes, I'm curious, did you actually rea...John Byrnes, I'm curious, did you actually <i>read</i> this post? Or are you just trying to drum up traffic for your site?Jim Wrighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11259550121437562338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-87473155232961648052010-01-10T08:15:48.365-06:002010-01-10T08:15:48.365-06:00Jim,
The key, folks, is vigilance, perseverance, ...Jim,<br /><br /><i>The key, folks, is vigilance, perseverance, innovation, dedication, professionalism, and more than anything remembering who we are and what we stand for. The key, is to not be afraid.</i><br /><br />Amen friend. Amen. <br /><br />Too bad this basic commonsense is drowned out in the overwhelming propaganda of fear that permeates the discussion in domestic media.<br /><br />Maybe one day the common Citizen will wake up and stop mainlining the Cafferty's, Rushbo's and Hannity's of the world. Maybe.<br /><br />One can dream, right?<br /><br />SPServing Patriothttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14984393452206039835noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-21203383366688543922010-01-08T23:07:09.855-06:002010-01-08T23:07:09.855-06:00I have a couple of friends, both born and raised i...I have a couple of friends, both born and raised in this country by foreign-born naturalized citizen parents. One family is from India, the other from Egypt. Both get profiled & hassled endlessly when they travel, especially since 9/11. <br /><br />One has a Southern drawl that would make any redneck proud. His father (Egyptian) had his local business vandalized a couple years ago because he was a "dirty Arab." He'd had that store there for nearly 25 years. The vandals' parents were some of his customers.<br /><br />The other is now a SVP for a large US tech company and travels for a living. His Chilean born wife gets absolutely livid when security people in any country start giving them the hairy eyeball. They never look twice if she's traveling by herself.<br /><br />Now, before they formed the TSA and actually trained people, I would have sworn I was the #1 target for the "random" search. During one gate-side grope session it got so bad I yelled and demanded a supervisor. That stupid fat bitch patting me down was obviously getting her jollies. When she grabbed hard in wrong place, I'd had enough. Supervisor apologized all over the place, but I suspect I was one of the few to complain about the abuse. Odd thing was that on more than one occassion only middle-aged to senior women were being singled out for the special treatment. WTF?<br /><br />Now as it's come the point in our security where regular profiling of travelers has to be done, I'm hoping that with additional training any profiling done will handled appropriately.<br /><br />And I'm all for putting people on the no-fly lists as soon as a tip comes in and clearing them later. Not the other way around.WendyB_09https://www.blogger.com/profile/03788918629240949526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-79027923009240122392010-01-08T22:23:52.247-06:002010-01-08T22:23:52.247-06:00I would be disappointed if you didn't, Nick.
...I would be disappointed if you didn't, Nick.<br /><br /><br />On your first point: Sure there is variation. For example Anchorage still makes you take you shoes off and put them on the conveyor, but a number of places don't. It is not required by HomSec anymore (or wasn't before the Underpants Nigerian. May have been reinstated). But overall there is a national set of minimum standards for people and equipment. That's a major improvement.<br /><br />Re your second point: True, but at least they're not maintained by KBR and manned by Blackwater...Jim Wrighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11259550121437562338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-81592550180442563852010-01-08T22:15:15.527-06:002010-01-08T22:15:15.527-06:00Couple of thoughts, Jim.
1. I've done quite ...Couple of thoughts, Jim.<br /><br />1. I've done quite a bit of flying over the past decade -- about 900K miles -- and my observation is that there is a distinct lack of standardization in the way TSA adminters its security protocols, from airport to airport.<br /><br />Last time I was in Burlington, VT (about 2004) passengers couldn't enter the gate area until 30 minutes before the flight. That was kind of unique. I could mention other examples ...<br /><br />2. You mention the availability of federal funds for x-ray machines, etc. You DO realize that the same contractors who make the security equipment also make other defense equipment, right? L-3 communications, Smiths, GE, OSI -- all defense contractors. I'm sure they'll bring the same level of commitment to quality and customer satisfaction to the airport security market that they bring to the defense market ....<br /><br />Not that I disagree with your main points, Jim. I just wanted to nitpick a bit.<br /><br />solum = the name adopted by that withered, creepy hobbit in LoTR(played by Andy Serkis), after being exposed to too much sunlightNick from the O.C.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-1130323972967548192010-01-08T21:54:07.212-06:002010-01-08T21:54:07.212-06:00Marines maning posts in San diego that is retarded...Marines maning posts in San diego that is retarded weare much better used in a combat zone although manning and M-60 in the streets of San Diego does sound tempting, i had issues with going to court, (once over airport secruity) i was the "inerte bomb component bomber"JarheadJournalisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07129265452987178966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-87455623774773655602010-01-08T21:27:13.341-06:002010-01-08T21:27:13.341-06:00Thodr, watching that video I could feel myself get...Thodr, watching that video I could <i>feel</i> myself getting stupider.Jim Wrighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11259550121437562338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-33127377363500758742010-01-08T19:50:34.389-06:002010-01-08T19:50:34.389-06:00Great piece, very to the point. My dad used to go ...Great piece, very to the point. My dad used to go on about common sense. I'm starting to go on about realistic risk assessment.cass_mnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-81695374379403210952010-01-08T14:35:00.362-06:002010-01-08T14:35:00.362-06:00Yep. My brother has a friend who originally came f...Yep. My brother has a friend who originally came from Dubai, and he's "randomly" selected every single time he flies.MWThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09446603415730525882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-22383201883786668872010-01-08T12:45:21.464-06:002010-01-08T12:45:21.464-06:00You one someone who is deliberate and educated to ...You one someone who is deliberate and educated to figure out advances in our security procedures and tech? Well, in the immortal words of Don McLeroy “<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzrUt9CHtpY&feature=player_embedded" rel="nofollow">someone has to stand up to the experts</a>”<br /><br />(/tongue in cheek)Thordrhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02483497564571489980noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-34214778773398740522010-01-08T11:39:46.187-06:002010-01-08T11:39:46.187-06:00The funny thing is: I'm pretty sure we DO pro...The funny thing is: I'm pretty sure we DO profile, we just don't say we do. I recall standing in line to board a plane (on Southwest, where you have to line up in numerical order) and being pulled out of line with the person next to me for "random screening." I'm white; she was brown. And wearing something "ethnic." My "random screening" was a quick look at my boarding card; her "random screening" was pawing through her stuff. Clearly, I was a cover for their racial profiling of the brown person, and everyone knew it.<br /><br />proalost - mood elevator for when the ratings of your ABC show tanknzformehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13982194544873836336noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-55109986737490403552010-01-08T10:29:53.440-06:002010-01-08T10:29:53.440-06:00And to all of those who want to profile for terror...And to all of those who want to profile for terrorists, conveniently thinking that it only means the brown/black people, can we say Timothy McVeigh?. Maybe we should be profiling- you just can't trust those white guys!Pam Adamsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-79725160959924293302010-01-08T09:59:07.949-06:002010-01-08T09:59:07.949-06:00Jim, you're posts are too long. Let me summari...Jim, you're posts are too long. Let me summarize a little more than Janiece.<br /><br />"Quit pissing in your underwear, the adults are finally back in charge. SD&STFU behind the yellow safety line until the ride comes to a complete and final halt."<br /><br />ackerges - and allergic reaction to SF/F/HSteve Buchheithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12999709767641212586noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-76685412248055442292010-01-08T09:37:33.182-06:002010-01-08T09:37:33.182-06:00This is how President Obama ended his remarks yest...This is how President Obama ended his remarks yesterday on aviation security:<br /><br /><em>"Here at home, we will strengthen our defenses, but we will not succumb to a siege mentality that sacrifices the open society and liberties and values that we cherish as Americans, because great and proud nations don't hunker down and hide behind walls of suspicion and mistrust. That is exactly what our adversaries want, and so long as I am President, we will never hand them that victory. We will define the character of our country, not some band of small men intent on killing innocent men, women and children.<br /><br />And in this cause, every one of us -- every American, every elected official -- can do our part. Instead of giving into cynicism and division, let's move forward with the confidence and optimism and unity that defines us as a people. For now is not a time for partisanship, it's a time for citizenship -- a time to come together and work together with the seriousness of purpose that our national security demands.<br /><br />That's what it means to be strong in the face of violent extremism. That's how we will prevail in this fight. And that's how we will protect our country and pass it -- safer and stronger -- to the next generation."</em><br /><br />Bravo.Nathanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00648438549121320566noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-70852021214480252692010-01-08T09:28:45.025-06:002010-01-08T09:28:45.025-06:00Geez, you think stupid ranty ideologues can be swa...Geez, you think stupid ranty ideologues can be swayed with <em>facts</em>? I so wish that were true.<br /><br />However, if you ever decide to run for office, I offer my services <em>gratis</em> to help you get elected.<br /><br />ectibed - to "bed" or sleep with a ghost.vincehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16955307244053931069noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-12294509197064712772010-01-08T09:17:54.499-06:002010-01-08T09:17:54.499-06:00Let me summarize: "Perspective. Get some, won...Let me summarize: "Perspective. Get some, won't you?"<br /><br />Hurry up and get that FooeyU title, and bring some damn sense to the government. Chop, chop.<br /><br /><br />misingsh = The last name of the "Caucasian" nutjob you won't "profile" because he's as pure as Jesus' lily-white butt.Janiecehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14190655869710465713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-39869962991307667052010-01-08T00:48:34.461-06:002010-01-08T00:48:34.461-06:00I remember doing some travelling in Europe in the ...I remember doing some travelling in Europe in the mid 80's during the European Terrorism Tour - seemed like there was a new bombing/kidnaping every week or so - flying through Frankfurt was the most eye-opening. Dogs watching your back and one or two MP-5's off to the side while you slowly walked through the metal detector. If the thing even thought about beeping you were taken aside to be patted down and wanded and made to wonder if the dog was going to chew something off or just watch. I always wondered how long it would take to get the U.S. air carriers to take it seriously...<br /><br />Another excellent post, Jim. Thanks.<br /><br />laratol - something you take when you're jonesin' for a new Tomb Raider flick...Karlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11854671368992589012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-18183581027825324742010-01-07T23:53:46.837-06:002010-01-07T23:53:46.837-06:00I once had a friend, a shipmate, who was Puerto Ri...<i>I once had a friend, a shipmate, who was Puerto Rican – born in New York, spoke English with a Harlem accent, educated, Navy man on active duty – arrested in Texas, detained, and despite his military and state IDs was processed for deportation “back” to Mexico because he couldn’t produce a green card (neither can I, but that’s irrelevant, I’m white).</i><br /><br />Heh, that happened to me too the first time I tried to get my learner's permit in the town I was born and raised in. They didn't try to deport me, but refused to let me past the ID checking stage of the process and insisted I needed to talk to the Immigration office. :p<br /><br />Besides all that: excellent post. Have you ever thought of recording these as speeches on video?MWThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09446603415730525882noreply@blogger.com