I get kind of grumpy when I wake up at 2 AM to attend to a crying baby – only to find out that it’s the neighbor’s kid.
Total Comments by kosmo: 269

I’ll volunteer to handle those caught brining in contraband. I still have a couple of Asp’s that haven’t seen the light of day in years. They’re dying to have the dust brushed off of them.

Wuzafuzz. I enjoyed reading your comments. Welcome to ObservingCasually.com.
Total Comments by Squeaky: 58

Yesterday I heard a talk show discussing airline security. The host described the security procedures on the Israeli airline El Al. Obviously El Al has a need to take security very seriously.

El Al’s confidence in their thorough preflight screening is so high they can permit reasonable activities onboard the aircraft. They actually serve food on the plane with metal silverware, including metal steak knives! In the U.S. we can’t even bring nail clippers through security. I’ve seen a lot of improvised weapons but the concept of nail clippers as weapons eludes me. At any rate, the realistic pre-flight screening suggested in my earlier comment would allow a reduced level of paranoia aboard the plane.

I’ve heard it said that American’s would never tolerate El Al style security. Indeed, at first glance Israel’s experience with security issues would seem to eclipse ours. Certainly they have a longer history with such matters. However, our real history with terror precedes 9-11 by a much larger margin than most U.S. citizens realize or are willing to admit. Unfortunately the collective response from the whiners wants to pretend the predators aren’t out there. This is analogous to a child, standing in pain sight, covering their eyes so YOU can’t see them.

We have real security concerns. We ignore them at our own peril.
Total Comments by Wuzafuzz: 6

An immediate benefit of improved screening might be the removal of the newest round of draconian restrictions appearing on airline flights. By draconian I mean things like the inability to leave your seat during the last hour of a flight or the restriction against having a blanket or coat in your lap. Pray you don’t get cold or need to use the restroom. Improved screening could make for more pleasant flights.

Wouldn’t it be great to replace the false sense of security created by those restrictive measures, with the real security provided by judicious use of common sense and modern technology?

Security measures along the lines I recommend don’t sacrifice liberty in the name of “safety.” They do require us to re-evaluate our belief in an unreasonable level of privacy. Face it, privacy is already dead. Therfore, sacrificing security for illusions of privacy is foolish.
Total Comments by Wuzafuzz: 6

I could help with the eavesdropping. My wireless headphones do a nice job of picking up phone conversations of neighbors (not exactly sure WHICH neighbors, though). Some nosy people would love to have this ability … but I use the headphones to listen to audio of TV programs when I’m shoveling snow (just about the only non-sports TV I consume) and find it very annoying to have my show interrupted
Total Comments by kosmo: 269

Do you have anything to hide? Is it worth it that other people may see those embarrassing New Year’s pix of yours so that they can stop a terrorist attack?Kosmo, it may be harder on the agent reviewing your pix. =)

Either way, they can see all of my personal purchases, listen to the conversations I have, check out my email daily if it helps to stop just one attack.

Think about it, the prices are going up. Where you do stand? Continue to remember 9/11. Remember how you felt on 9/12. Every year we should all have to watch a 9/11 video so it remains fresh in our minds. That would be a small price to pay and likely make a significant difference.
Total Comments by Squeaky: 58

Kosmo—I understand your reluctance to allow profiling. However, we need to allow our LE officers to utilize common sense including the use of profiling when it makes sense. Does that mean every Muslim is put through the rubber glove treatment? No. Does this mean that they are all subject to additional screening? No. For now it should only be the ones that fit the profile—age, race, religion and ties to certain countries. If those items fit, break out the rubber gloves and check the orifices, bags and clothing.

We have to get past wanting to be loved by everyone so that we can live. Yes, we’re going to make some people angry and we’re going to offend someone. In my opinion, that is a small price to pay for our safety.

Times are changing. There is a price either way. How do you want to invest?
Total Comments by Squeaky: 58

The normal Muslims should not only understand why we need to profile but should support it as its to protect them as well. If the typical terrorist fit my description then I would have no issues being profiled. In fact I have already been pulled out in airports more then my share of times and I understand it is part of security so I just do what they ask.

Liberals want it both ways. They want us to stop terrorists but not use any weapons. Good luck to them “negotiating” with guys willing to blow them selves up.
Total Comments by Peter Rabbit: 44