Phew, I'm glad 4IIA isn't a Brit, otherwise I might have felt the need to apologise for one of my fellow countrymen...
LMD, I think you're being a little over-sensitive. I'm not aware of any "borderline joy" over what has happened in America. What people have expressed here is concern that too much attention is being paid to the wrong aspects of safety. The sky marshalls and 30 minute rule seem to be an over-reaction, while other, more fundamental issues are not being tackled. X-raying of hold luggage is fundamental, as is making sure that if a passenger gets off a flight, so does his luggage. If those elements are being neglected in favour of window-dressing, then there is a problem. This isn't America-bashing, it's constructive criticism.