And here is a (satirical) American comment:
From the Boyd group... even though he thrives on "amplifying" the issues, there is some truth in this one.
Just Gotta Love This Code Orange Fiasco
Scaring Terrorists Off With High Theater.
And Sloshed FSDs.
It's been quite a holiday season.
The TSA's been in full metal jacket mode, out hunting for terrorists. Just before Christmas, acting on what they say was credible information, the Department of Homeland Security and their ever-eager B-Team, the TSA, announced that terrorists might again use airliners to attack America. (Wow! Gee! Duh!) The target could be LA. Or Las Vegas. Or Washington. The Feds had several Air France flights cancelled, to reduce the threat of terror (over and above that represented by the in-flight service, we assume.) A flight or two from Mexico got cancelled, too. Still, the elusive terrorists apparently got away.
Then on New Year's eve, they hit pay dirt. The TSA determined that Washington Dulles might be a target, and British Airways would be the modality used by the terrorists. The TSA laid in quiet wait at IAD as the BA airliner taxied in after its long flight from London. Then they sprung - diverting the aircraft to a remote site. For the next several hours the TSA conducted a re-screening of all passengers, bags, cargo, and crew. Everyone was questioned by the crack TSA team.
Finally, after completing the SWAT-team like re-screening of the BA flight, the Washington Airport Police took into custody a key player in the war on terror. It was only one arrest, but they got a big fish.
Unfortunately, it was Federal Security Director at IAD.
It seems that while his staff were out on the ramp pawing down hapless passengers, the FSD was apparently discussing the finer points of aviation security with a bottle of Jack Daniels. At 1 AM - when he was supposed to still be on duty, (per instructions from the Department of Homeland Security) the Airport police nailed him on a DUI as he attempted to drive home. He then celebrated the New Year in a jail cell.
With this level of security, no doubt al-Qaeda is celebrating, too.
Meanwhile, In Philadelphia...
The Federal Security Director at Philadelphia International Airport has been removed from his job after nearly a year of shenanigans. Last spring, a news crew (note, not the TSA) discovered that at least one portal to the airport was left unguarded completely, with free access to all. Another report indicated funky hiring practices, including possible nepotism and hiring a former exotic dancer as a screening supervisor.
Meanwhile, In Mexico...
The TSA has confirmed that they have sent agents to Mexico to train local personnel in the finer points of airport security. "The TSA officials check that all security norms are applied," a TSA spokesman declared. Judging by the TSA's "norms" at two of our largest airports (IAD & PHL) - with booze and strippers involved - it may just be party time South of the Border.