[fire_eye]

I don't think that the "powers that be" have given any consideration to the possibility that a large sector of the public is NOT flying because pilots aren't armed yet.

Or that we're not flying until they stop searching grandmothers in wheelchairs...

Here is the pilots' organization dedicated to defending the lives of American pilots from the bureaucrats (including unfortunately George Bush, of whom I must reluctantly conclude that he is unwilling to put a stop to this lunacy):

Airline Pilots' Security Alliance
8190 Beechmont Ave # 340
Cincinnati, OH 45255-6117

[Redbob]

I wonder to what extent that pilots' organization supports the right of citizens generally to arm ourselves for our own defense.

Probably not at all, in which case I say, fine:
I'll support arming pilots when pilots support an armed citizenry.

[longtermmemmory]

I just went through JFK, a few weeks ago. Everyone's shoes were being inpected, some of the workers did NOT speak english. It seemed like the keystone cops on parade.

How many axes are allowed in the cockpit? Heavy duty flashlights?