Guess I have to respond to some of this . . .
Relative human rights - I do believe that the feds ought to be able to monitor suspected terrorists communications. Will this be abused? Most likely. But it will probably be effective in the battle against the terrorists. I don't like it either but some concessions have to be made. Carried to the extreme we could protest about baggage checks as an invasion of our right to privacy. Now then, I HATE getting my baggage checked, particularly when I am in uniform. But it does serve a valid purpose.
Pilot Pete, I believe that if a middle eastern man shows up at most charter companies, he will indeed receive more than just a cursory check. Can a potential bad guy still get through? Certainly, but the chances are less.
Westman, you said "If the USA banned all non-commercial flights for whatever reason then surely the rest rest of the world would be similarly justified.How then could you bomb Afghanistan?"
I don't get it.
Finally, and as I sad previously, rather than just complaining - how about proposing some solutions to the problem? Specifically, how do we try to insure that incoming private flights are legit? The same is true for private flights flying into other countries.
Solutions men! Solutions!
Respectfully - Flying Guy