Storm Area 51

[jjp8182]

I was not trying to mix apples and oranges when I brought up airline security check issues and possible new firearm legislation but it is a viable example
If they can make you take off your shoes before you get on an airplane...they can also make you jump through hoops to pass a new background check to buy a firearm that has a particular classifications etc..

The thing is anyone that's had lots of experiences with either is usually well aware that such activities can make for great "security theater", but they aren't going to be 100% effective. Just like locks and safes they may deter some/most of the less skilled/determined thieves out there, but they won't going to prevent 100% of the undesired behavior. Resolving those last few cases generally requires an active response by those who are already there.

For example: Just in the last year I've gone through airport security only to realize that I'd forgotten to take my pocket knife out of my pocket and leave it in my truck. I've also have had coworkers who've used a hiking bag for carry-on air travel only to discover (when they'd gotten back home) that they'd forgotten there was a loaded 9mm in the bottom of the bag from the last hiking trip.

 

[jjp8182]

But when I did not, being a tall and large man, coach seats seriously suck.

It's even worse being a large, tall man and being the smallest one in the row and getting stuck sitting in the middle. Did that once for a 6hr flight from Atlanta to San Diego and starting trying to fly a different airline/route for work-related travel after that one -- or as much as I could get away with an alternate route/airline. The going eastward to eventually go to the West Coast wasn't exactly enjoyable either......

 

[/pine]

The thing is anyone that's had lots of experiences with either is usually well aware that such activities can make for great "security theater", but they aren't going to be 100% effective. Just like locks and safes they may deter some/most of the less skilled/determined thieves out there, but they won't going to prevent 100% of the undesired behavior. Resolving those last few cases generally requires an active response by those who are already there.

For example: Just in the last year I've gone through airport security only to realize that I'd forgotten to take my pocket knife out of my pocket and leave it in my truck. I've also have had coworkers who've used a hiking bag for carry-on air travel only to discover (when they'd gotten back home) that they'd forgotten there was a loaded 9mm in the bottom of the bag from the last hiking trip.

TSA crews are tested all the time...both in and out of real time scenarios...

Although they (TSA) misses up to 70% of the FAKE weapons that are part of the "tests"...they have been successful with real weapons...

771.5 million (771,556,886) passengers traveled securely through 440 federalized airports in 2017. That's over 2 million travelers a day!
A record setting 3,957 firearms were discovered in carry-on bags at checkpoints across the country, averaging 76.1 firearms per week. That's an average of 10.8 firearms per day.
3,324 (84 percent) of the total firearms discovered were loaded.
1,378 (34.8 percent) of the total firearms discovered had a round chambered.
The most firearms discovered in one-month a whopping 29 - were discovered in August at the Hartsfield's Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).
Firearms were intercepted at a total of 239 airports.
There was a 16.7 percent (556 more) increase in firearm discoveries from 2016's total of 3,391.

TSA Year in Review: Record Amount Of Firearms Discovered In 2�17 | Transportation Security Administration

When was the last time someone brandished a weapon on a flight originating in the US ?

 

[bcp]

TSA explained:

Bruce

 

[2LaneCruzer]

Term limits is not the answer...the electorate has the power to elect or not to elect...

Term limits can be like throwing the baby out with the bath water...better to use the election process...

I retired from a career in state government, and I felt that way for a long time. What I didn't realize, is that there is more going on than just what you see and hear. Politicians tend to consolidate power over the years, through their connections with certain industries and those out there that owe them favors. It affects agency heads, their policies, their decisions, their employees and even judges. Not all politicians are so inclined, but one that is, and stays on for years and years, can have a very adverse impact.

Term limits on the other hand, requires new blood. Granted, they may be young, inexperienced, but at least they start anew with very few political debts and very little political behind-the-scenes power and influence. You may even get a young person who refuses to take contributions from anyone but individuals; thus not beholden to some huge company. I strongly favor term limits for all elected officials...state and federal.

 

[lilranch2001]

Very well stated!

 

[aczlan]

I retired from a career in state government, and I felt that way for a long time. What I didn't realize, is that there is more going on than just what you see and hear. Politicians tend to consolidate power over the years, through their connections with certain industries and those out there that owe them favors. It affects agency heads, their policies, their decisions, their employees and even judges. Not all politicians are so inclined, but one that is, and stays on for years and years, can have a very adverse impact.

Term limits on the other hand, requires new blood. Granted, they may be young, inexperienced, but at least they start anew with very few political debts and very little political behind-the-scenes power and influence. You may even get a young person who refuses to take contributions from anyone but individuals; thus not beholden to some huge company. I strongly favor term limits for all elected officials...state and federal.

I would be curious to see if they wouldn't start to have issues with their staff starting to "run the show" with your success depending on how well connected your staff is.

Aaron Z

 

[/pine]

I retired from a career in state government, and I felt that way for a long time. What I didn't realize, is that there is more going on than just what you see and hear. Politicians tend to consolidate power over the years, through their connections with certain industries and those out there that owe them favors. It affects agency heads, their policies, their decisions, their employees and even judges. Not all politicians are so inclined, but one that is, and stays on for years and years, can have a very adverse impact.

Term limits on the other hand, requires new blood. Granted, they may be young, inexperienced, but at least they start anew with very few political debts and very little political behind-the-scenes power and influence. You may even get a young person who refuses to take contributions from anyone but individuals; thus not beholden to some huge company. I strongly favor term limits for all elected officials...state and federal.

Like I said...term limits is not the solution...it's been proven at the state level in a majority of the states with term limits for law makers...the best solution is educating the electorate...What we really need is some comprehensive election law reforms that make public service more respected without partisanship...make it more desirable for actually qualified persons to seek office...and not just a bunch of white collar thugs that are used to playing in the mud and only seek the power to increase their wealth...

It's not about getting rid of deadwood power/money grubbing politicians...it's about making changes that will encourage smarter, more qualified individuals to seek positions where they can actually solve problems not just keep making more...

One issue you cite is a lobbying problem not a term limit issue...IMO no lobbyist should have access to legislators period...only constituents and their representatives...no commercial lobbyists...that's a law that is needed not term limits...

Another item you cite...young, inexperienced "new blood"...the problem there is...they have no alternative than to hire staffers that are no different than the same ole, same ole politicians that have garnered enormous power over the years and actually hold more power than the actual elected officials...otherwise they (new blood) are 100% ineffective and can get nothing done because they have no clue how things really work...

 

[/pine]

Back to the topic for the time being...:

They’re Coming! How a Joke About Area 51 May Lure Thousands of Partygoers - ENM NEWS

 

[jjp8182]

TSA crews are tested all the time...both in and out of real time scenarios...

Although they (TSA) misses up to 70% of the FAKE weapons that are part of the "tests"...they have been successful with real weapons...


TSA Year in Review: Record Amount Of Firearms Discovered In 2�17 | Transportation Security Administration

When was the last time someone brandished a weapon on a flight originating in the US ?

Time out, I didn't say they weren't successful most of the time what I said was it's not 100% and it never will be just because they are human, and those intending to do harm are also human and will adapt.

....also not everyone who (for whatever reason) ends up with prohibited item beyond the checkpoint has intent to use it in a criminal fashion.

On that note the last few times (of which I'm aware) someone got a weapon/explosive on a plane and tried to use it for nefarious purposes the crew and passengers handled the problem. Prior to 9/11 the standard mindset was pretty much to let whatever happen go ahead and happen and the authorities could deal with it when the plane landed as no one seriously considered/planned for the possibility the plane itself would be used as a weapon.

So realistically no matter what laws are enacted, they will be gamed and the problem will persist (if in a different form). Ultimately it's a human problem that will need humans acting to counter nefarious/criminal intent as part of the solution -- so it (to me) it doesn't make much sense to start potentially handicapping the individuals who are most likely going to be negatively affected.