Thoughts on Airport (In)security

pud

pud

Joined
Aug 16, 2002
Messages
39
For those of you who aren't hard-core computer nerds, I present for your consideration a quote from Bruce Schneier, security expert (computer and otherwise)

"You can even make a knife on board the plane. Buy some steel epoxy glue at a local hardware store. It comes in two tubes: a base with steel dust and a hardener. Make a knifelike mold by folding a piece of cardboard in half. Then mix equal parts from each tube and form into a knife shape, using a metal fork from your first-class dinner service (or a metal spoon you carry aboard) for the handle. Fifteen minutes later you've got a reasonably sharp, very pointy, black steel knife."

-- from this month's Crypto-Gram newsletter


But I can't take my SAK Classic :rolleyes:
 
my steel toe CATs would do more damage than nail clippers. Maybe I should keep my mouth shut lest they ban my footwear:rolleyes:

Frank
 
what about some of the body piercings I've seen? ear, chain down from that to either a nose ring or a chin ring... and in a couple cases I went ot school with, that chain also connected to the other ear. Imagine some idiot swinging a foot of chain, albiet a light one, can get a nice sting.

But there's always the view of a dozen guys kicking the &#115hit out of some attempted highjacker, with steel toed boots.
 
You don't get metal in 1st class any more either. In fact, over the last few months, United Airlines has sold all of their old stainless on eBay.
 
It is insane.
Last week I saw Greek airport security confiscate a microscopic swiss army knock of from a lady in her sixties.
Meantime I was allowed with a travelling iron. (One pound iron on a 2m reinforced cord).
I thought about that one and how much damage I could do with the iron if i wanted to, and the lady with the manicure knife probably couldnt kill a frog with that knife.

/Martin
 
How bout a belt with one of them huge belt buckles on it?
Hob bout a pen? G Gordon Liddy knows about 100 different ways to kill a man with a pen!
Sheesh!
Lenny
 
One time I was traveling on a plane and I had some math homework with me (I am a Junior, this was last year), and I wasnt even thinking, but they ended up confiscating my metal compass, just because it had a pointy tip. And to think that it was just an instrument used to draw circles...
 
No matter how hard they,(airport security) try to intercept weapons, if someone wants to board a plane with a weapon they will.

It's been proven again, and again. Having traveled all over the world pre 9-11 and nationally post 9-11 I guarantee it's possible.

Bottom line the efforts are ineffective, and a dog and pony show at best.

I don't know what the answer is but banning pocket knives is not the way to go.
 
Mid august 02(flight was on the 17th or 18th)... I got on with my utilikey, spydercard, mini-mag(2aa), and cellphone... they had me open my briefcase to get the zippo fluid I forgot about, but other than checking to make sure the maglight and cell worked, that was it.

didn't say anything to my buddy on that same flight until after it landed and we were out of the airport.
Group of about 50, I was in the first 10 or so. I was the last of the instructors, and the last one they let through with my cadet boots on(steel toed). They only beeped on my boots, belt buckle(military dress belt, 1.5" nylon with a brass buckel), wedge brass, and the chlortriplon in my breast pocket that I missed when I cleared the pockets into the tray.
 
One time I was traveling on a plane and I had some math homework with me (I am a Junior, this was last year), and I wasnt even thinking, but they ended up confiscating my metal compass
Click to expand...

You're lucky they didn't arrest you for begin a member of the Al Gebra network!
 
Al Gebra?

Oh man, almost spewed Knob Creek all over the keyboard... (good one Chuck!)

It amazes me that I can't board a plane with a butter knife, but they have no problem with me carrying a box of freshly sharpened No. 2 pencils....

Oh the horror.... ;)
 
Coming home from Blade last year, I got on board with a 4" hiking stick.

Are these people kidding? Security?
 
My SS watch, belt buckle, dog tag set and a quarter got past a NYC gov't building metal detector
 
I understand the frustration we all feel having to be separated from our pocket knives while flying. And the fact that if you really think about it there are a plethera of items one could use as a weapon if the mood struck them. Yet a group of nut bags did use small box cutters to help murder thousands of my fellow citizens. Sure some of us might think its silly all the new security procedures being used. That an iron or a belt buckle or what ever could still be effective weapons. But our government had to take steps to make those americans who don't think of using an iron or a belt buckle as a weapon feel safe again as they fly. The sheep who live in our great country don't think as we do. They don't concern themselves with the idea of cqb or h2h or what ever cool acronmy you want to use. Their world drifts in the current of false security. They believe the police and our govenment can protect them from those who would waste there lives and the lives of their loved ones for some personal gain or idea. The murderous actions of the terroist slime on SEPT 11 opened our little sheeps eyes to the reality of the brutality that exists and to the elements groping its evil claws at them. And because the americans I am speaking of make up most of our population our Government had to take steps to try and pull the veil of false security back over their eyes. The security procedures are not for OUR benefit. Its for them so they can return to their happy little lives knowing (albiet wrongly) that the skies are safe and that something was done to protect them. What they don't see or understand is that you and I see a iron or a sharpened #2 pencil as an effective weapon. We understand the inherent dangers of living in a society such as ours. Yes the procedures might be silly and a flat pain in the ass. They might be lacking and we might laugh and chuckle at the attempt. We might get mad at the violation and at the absurdity of it all. But it does serve its greater purpose. It helped wash away the fear and the doubt of the masses who keep our great country operating. I for one gladly put my knife in my check baggage if only for the sheep who need it that way. But I know if the stuff hits the fan and the sheep are frozen in fear I have my trusty pencil and my 1 lbs iron at my side. Besides I can't think of any hijackings that have taken place since SEPT 11.
 
Originally posted by Randal
It helped wash away the fear and the doubt of the masses who keep our great country operating.
Click to expand...

Therein lies the problem. Our country is now run by sheeple, trying to pull the wool over their own eyes.

Buzzbait’s idealistic dream:

Buzzbait walks into an airport, headed for a wonderful wilderness vacation. He walks through the metal detector, which promptly starts beeping.

The security officer says, “Excuse me, but I believe you have a small weapon on your person.”

Buzz says, “Oops. I forgot. I’m headed into the wilds and have my Dozier Hunter on my belt.”

The security guard eyes the beautiful knife and says, “That blade does not have the proper double grind for air travel, sir. New law says that each passenger, in defense of our citizen population, is required to carry a weapon from the following list”. The large security guard shows an incredibly long list of dastardly items to Buzz.

“When did this law come around?”, says Buzz.

“The government finally realized that terrorism can’t be stopped through legislation, as the bad guys don’t really give a crap about legislation. So Americans are now required to grease terrorist scumbags whenever they show their heads. It seems that the only way to stop terrorists who have no care for the lives of themselves or others is to leave them in a bloody pile of their own entrails. If anybody tries to take over the plain, the citizens get to play target practice.”

“Wow”, says Buzz.

The security guard further explains, “So Americans are now given the option of fighting for what’s right as citizens. In payment, they no longer have to pay federal, state or property taxes. Those not willing to fight must cover the taxes of those with actual cajones. These deadbeats are given a rank of indigenous sheeple.”

“But I don’t have the proper knife under the current laws”.

“That’s okay. Airport security now has a loaner system”. The security officer opens a large vault behind him, filled with every imaginable short range and CQB weapon. “So what’s your pleasure?”, he says with a big grin on his face. Lots of people prefer the hand-held crossbow.”

“No. I’m flying in coach. There’s not enough room in that tiny seat for both me and a crossbow. I can’t aim worth a damn either. Just give me the garrote and one of those Dozier Arkansas Toothpicks.”
 
First, I just want to say, Buzz, your quite a character. I mean that in a good way....

Second, I know someone that recently forgot she had a Spyderco Delica in her purse. Made it through 2 major city airports, before realizing she forgot to leave it home. By then, she was already home, waiting for her luggage.

Airport security, what's that?????? If you want to be secure while flying, learn how to defend yourself and fight back! Don't leave your life in someone else's hands. It's up to us all to fight (literlly) terrorism.
 
Nice...........Sounds like we are on the same page here I just see the reality of the thing. I would love to thrust my fairbairn/sykes commando behind the clavical and into the subclavian artery of anyone who uses the word jihad and America in the same sentence. Hell maybe we could get them to wear t-shirts saying "terroists" so they stood out in a crowd making it easier for us to do what should be done,.....but, alas it does not work that way. There are people who screamed out in protest because we were treating that shitte bag walker linde to harshly..boohoo a tear runs down my cheak... The guy is a traitor and should be given a short drop and a quick stop and the same for any who follow. BUT, once again the reality of the thing is we have far to many slack jawed weak kneed liberals in this country for anything even remotely close to what I think should happen.......happen. They don't care what we think. Sure I feel a big enough hammer can fix any problem But, the reality is it won't. Sure I agree that if you see a snake in your yard, building a chain link fence and hoping the snake decides not to slither his nasty ass through does not fix the problem. A shovel usually does the trick. But in the eyes of the corrupted liberal dog who run the most populated citys in our country the moment you pick up the shovel you are just as bad as the snake. And DAMNIT I don't agree with them I can't even for the life of me figure out the logic behind most of the crap they pull. I do understand though that it is that way. When I was in the army I served a tour in europe and had to pull guard duty with an empty weapon for the same reason as I stated earlier they did not trust us (the soldiers) with live ammo. We had a box of live ammo in the shack but hell it might as well have been a million miles away. With live ammo we were viewed as dangerous as the people we were supposed to be guarding against. They refuse to take a chance even though actually it was me and my brothers standing next to me who faced all the danger. Now if they did not trust trained professional soldiers with live rounds out in the middle of bum phuck germany do you actually think they are going to trust Joe American to get on a plane with any type of what they conceive as a weapon especially after what just happened. They think anyone who disagrees with their insane socialist ideals must be to stupid and uneducated to understand them. Problem is once you let the librarian coach the football team you are destined to lose. I don't know how to change the way things are. I only know that placating them for a while usually gives them the feeling of control they need to point their ugly gaze at something else. I love my country and the freedoms I enjoy. I just get Damned angry sometimes because some who lead and govern feel they "allow" us the freedoms we have. That they are the ceo's and we are the workers. If they want to cancel our lunch breaks they can and we have to accept it. And until enough of us stand up and remind them who works for who it will continue. I guess I preaching to the choir here.....sorry.But Until we remember that control only breeds contempt we will continue riding on the wrong bus with a driver who thinks because he/she is driving they get to decide where you go.
 
Airport security, what's that??????
Click to expand...

Airport security isn't perfect. Several months ago, there was quite a bit of complaining when the FBI tested airport security in something like 30 major airports and were able to get simulated weapons through like 25% of the time.

Is the glass 25% full, or 75% empty?

If you're a terrorist, that means that there's 75% chance that you'll be caught. The odds are not in your favor.




Mr. Buzzbait's new plan is a good one, but it would require investment. I propose a new plan that requires little if any investment.

First, we reorganize airport parking using color-coding to stop the terrorists. The red zone is for car bombs only; unexploding cars left in the red zone are subject to towing at owner's expense. The yellow zone is for luggage bombs; lazy-skycap curb-side checkin is available in the yellow zone. And the blue zone is for hijackers; all hijackers must park in the blue zone.

Hopefully, this simple color-coding scheme will help the airport security people figure out who's who among airline passengers.

Next, we make periodic announcements over the airport PA system, "United Airlines is paging Mr. Bin Laden... Usama Bin Laden, please come to the United Service Desk for an important message." It might just work. I'll bet that United's got an important message they'd love to give that guy. You'll know that my plan has succeeded if the next page you hear is, "Skycap with an M-16 to the United Service Desk for... uhh... for 'Passenger Assistance' please."

Right before the security check point, all airports should install a Shoebomb Shine Stand, "guaranteed to remove any pesky explosive residues. Besides, you wouldn't want to meet Alah in dirty shoes." Of course, the stand will be secretly maned by specially trained TSA employees.

We'll add an entry to those hotel telephone stands that most airports have. You know the ones with a little ad for each hotel and a special phone you can use to call right to the hotel of your choice. Hilton: convenient, downtown location. Business center. Complementary Airport Limo. Touch #21. Holiday Inn: Pool. Large rooms. Airport Shuttle. Press #22. Sheraton: Easy access to business district and airport. Complimentary breakfast. Airport transportation. Touch #23. No-Tell Motel: Vibrating beds. In-room movies. "Full-service" room service. Call #24. Al Quada Safe House: Secure facility. Toilets in every room. Fast, professional transportation. Dial #911.

And, finally, all aircraft will be equipped with a special panic button in the cockpit. Pressing the button broadcasts islamic prayer calls over the aircraft PA system and when the terrorists bow down to pray, we all bean 'em with the dinner trays.
 
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