Now We Can Feel Safe

In light of the recent attempts to bring down a US Airliner, I came across this article on Google. Amazing the lengths we will go to feel safe. Washington (Journal-Constitution News Service) The recent attempt by Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab [pictured here] to blow up Northwest Flight 253 has led the Administration of Barack Obama to institute new procedures aimed at reducing the likelihood of another terrorist attempt against the American Airline industry and the American people. Prodded into action by administration critics such as Missouri Representative Candace Miller who called the recent actions an "Act of war against the US" yesterday President Obama announced new regulations, effective January 15, 2010, that will "...end air terrorism as we know it." The new rules will bar airline travel for all citizens of the United States, except for government officials and members of Congress. Ray LaHood, Secretary of Transportation, acknowledging the Draconian nature of these regulations said that while the new regulations are "very restrictive, and will make air travel a thing of the past for many in America, they will help us prevent another terrorist attack of this type.” Reaction from the more conservative members of Congress was both swift and supportive. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Ky), speaking for the GOP caucus, praised the administration for the new regulations saying “The Republican Party strongly supports President Obama and his administration in their common sense efforts to combat terrorism and safeguard the American people. There should be no sacrifice we will not make to ensure our freedom and safety” But not all reaction was positive. Senator Harry Reid of Nevada quickly pointed out that the new restrictions will effectively end air travel as we know it. But when questioned by Sean Hannity of FOX News whether the new rules would in fact make Americans safer, Reid was forced to admit that yes they would. Under fierce questioning from Bill O’Reilly on his FOX News show, House Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Ca) also conceded the reality that the new rules will limit opportunities for Islamic Jihadists to attack the United States. But she also vowed to pass a bill to thwart the Administration attempts to place these limits on air travel. When asked how Americans, who have become used to easy inexpensive air travel would adjust, President Obama responded that “…all Americans ought to be willing to put up with a few inconveniences for the safety and security that these common sense solutions will bring.” (Sam Fuller, Diane Smerkel, and Lisa Ruthman all contributed to this article. All rights reserved, Journal-Constitution News Service. ©)