[neverdem]

This is the only time I've ever agreed with Boxer that I can remember. Will wonders ever cease?

[Skybird]

BUMP!!

Jim Bunning lets loose a fastball right down the middle of the plate, striking out the numb-brained TSA!!

The whole issue of "bullet holes through the fuselage" is solved with wet toilet paper or paper towels stuck in the hole (like we did in the -135 all the time around the doors with air leaks). The water freezes and, voila, instant plug. This is a non-issue.

[Libertina]

Does Norm Minetta have his hands in this?

[Imal]

The reasons for the delays are explained by these immutable laws of guns and gun violence:

1) You can't trust a person responsible for safeguarding the lives of hundreds of people 7 miles above the earth with a gun.

2) Pilots are mere citizens, and not entitled to assert collective rights.

3) A pilot is 43 times more likely to be shot by his own gun than to use it against a burglar, I mean hijacker.

4) Any pilot who wants to carry a gun must be a part of the Culture of Violence and thus must be carefully evaluated in an appropriate medical interrogation facility.

5) If there's a hijacking, they should just call 9-11 and let the professionals handle it. Don't Be a Hero(tm).

6) If these delays can save the life of just once child, it will have been worth it.

The TSA is just trying to protect us from ourselves.

(Instead of terrorism)

[b4its2late]

I still can't believe that Boxer is involved in this. She must be having nightmares every night about it. She's just hoping to get re-elected then she'll do something to screw it up when she's safely back in office.

[Long Cut]

this is LONG overdue. I know many commercial pilots; all were initially excited about being able to protect their ships, but quickly lost enthusiasm when the TSA/BATFE types monkeyed the program.

For the doubters, let me post a few facts...

1. A bullet hole in a fuselage WILL NOT cause a crash, or even much trouble;

2. In response to those who cry that "the pilot should be flying the plane!!", at least one will be. You DID remember the copilot, DIDN'T YOU?!?;

3. A pilot with a gun will keep you safe by deterring terrorists. The prospect of a shootdown by a fighter does not; it accomplishes the terrorists' mission.

4. Since all passengers are disarmed at the airport, for God's sake shouldn't SOMEONE on the bird be?

[XHogPilot]

Both Sen. Boxer (D CA), and Sen. Feinstein (D CA) have been publicly pushing TSA to improve the Federal Flight Deck Officer program. Even a broken clock is right twice a day...

[ClintonBeGone]

Can't believe Boxer is on this side of the issue at all.

[null and void]

This is the only time I've ever agreed with Boxer that I can remember. Will wonders ever cease?

Yeah. The widdle gun grabber frequently has to fly coast to coast...

[yoe]

Transportation Security Administration has hog tied the pilots - the procedure for a pilot to use his weapon is farcical...to leave the cockpit to use the Lu is farcical...gun must never be seen by passengers...gun must remain in box if cabin door is open...if cabin door is open?...if attendant enters cockpit - gun must be placed in box first...

Senators Bunning, Boxer and the rest may threaten all they want because what they want is just plain stupid. Imagine a cop going on duty without his weapon on his person or at the very least handy. Politicians! What these people don't know or even care about finding out before they start screeching at the top of their lungs could fill a black hole in space!!