Terrorists Dry Runs, an Overactive Imagination, or a Hoax?

Michelle Malkin has been doing a bang-up job of following these two stories by Annie Jacobsen here and here.

I strongly suggest that you start with Jacobsen's first report, then read through all of Michelle's updates and analysis (starting at her July 15th entries, then moving forward from there to the present) before reading Jacobsen's second report. I also suggest you follow various blogosphere reports for various takes on subject, and the related larger issue of airline and national security. Also, keep your eyes & ears open to mainstream media reports on this incident within the next few days.

Although I do believe that Mineta's "politically correct" screening policies are ridiculous, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1) Yes, there are non-Middle Easterners (men & women) who are sympathetic to the terrorists cause and who can easily be recruited,

2) People can be used as unwitting "mules" to either carry items or to help carry out plots,

(These two points alone let's you know why Middle Eastern men in their 20s & 30s aren't the only people who should be screened at airports, etc.)

3) It is possible that some of these "suspicious" people may very well be U.S. Agents or Marshalls keeping an eye on things,

4) If a "suspicious" person ends up having a clean background check, and is not carrying anything suspicious, what else can be done other than to keep an eye on his/her future activities? I'm sure the Feds are doing just that!

Much more can and should be done by HSD & FAA in order to protect the homeland. In the meantime, keep your wits about you when you fly, especially on long distance flights. Remember, airplane seats are flotation devices that make great "sheilds." Also, let the Marshalls and Flight Crew do their jobs, but if you are called upon to assist - "the pen is mightier than the sword" (aim for the eyes or throat). Hat-tip to USS Clueless.

Be safe, people!