For those potential hijackers in the future who have long range plans in this world, unlike the cowardly murderers on Sept 11th, the International Court in the Hague (Den Haag) could introduce capital punishment, for those criminals who can be extradited.
Once several have been executed (who were able to somehow survive the attacks from enraged passengers), there might be a bit of a deterrent effect, at least for those who are not protected by a foreign government. Can't there also be a coalition to punish governments which choose to protect hijackers?
During the Southern Airways (US) DC-9 hijacking in the 70's, the First Officer, who was in the cabin facing a hijacker, was hit in the arm by a bullet. If he had not flinched while the gun fired, he might have been hit in the stomach. He spent over a day onboard with no access to medical treatment. Our friend Fidel Castro let those bad guys from Detroit, MI go after several years.
It is amazing how many Americans had to die before so much of our Congress became serious about airport security, and faced the graphic, grim results of how past US airline pressures had further limited the FAA's already limited enforcement of security.
The almighty dollar and travel expediency were far too important. All US pilots and flight attendants have noticed for years how many holes were in our airport security system, but the FAA was under severe pressure our companies to keep costs to a minimum. I had no idea how limited our intelligence resources were, and how many of our agencies seemed to lack comprehension of the mentality of dedicated terrorists, and how sophisticated they are. A few years ago, we almost lost twelve jumbo jets in one day over the Pacific Ocean-only a lucky discovery in Manila saved those passengers and crews.
During former President Clinton's eight years in office, did he and/or most of Congress fight against large increases in spending for counter-terrorism intelligence? Now this might be academic, but does anyone know the truth?
[ 05 October 2001: Message edited by: Ignition Override ]
[ 05 October 2001: Message edited by: Ignition Override ]