AIRLINE SECURITY

Following the most recent attempted terrorist attack on a flight from Amsterdam to Detroit, there are new security measures in place for international flights bound for the U.S. To me, it sounds like an attempt to negotiate with terrorists. The U.S. government seems to be saying: We know you can blow up planes if you want to, but you must do it quickly, not within the last hour of the flight. I think the terrorists will agree, don't you?

Janet Napolitano, Director of Homeland Security, explains that the "Watch List" for air travelers has three levels of classification. The low level is a general security designation which evidently requires no special action when a person in this status travels to, or within, the U.S. This was the category The Nigerian Islamic terrorist was in. There are about 550,000 people in this group. The next classification is the "Selectee" designation. Travelers in this category are subject to additional screening at airports, such as a pat-down search. There are 14,000 people in this status. The highest security group is on the "No-Fly" list. They don't get on the plane. There are (only) 4,000 people in this category.

The Nigerian was apparently using his own name and passport. No aliases or forged documents were involved. This means that he (and his handlers) had no doubt he'd pass through security screening, and be allowed to board the plane whether he was on a list or not.

Napolitano is quick to point out that the whole "list" business was dreamed up during the Bush administration, and needs to be re-evaluated for this reason. OK, fine. But here's an idea for you: While this process is being reviewed, let's stop letting foreign airport security personnel, or the TSA, enforce a "Watch List" that evidently offers false security. Instead, revoke all visas issued to anyone who is named on any level the "Watch List", and deny the applications for visas made by anyone on this list.

The new rules keeping people in their seats during the last hour of flight are stupid. Security is best offered by keeping the bastards off the planes in the first place.