Until earlier this year, the Department of Homeland Security enforced a formal dress code for air marshals--suits and ties--that made them stand out from the more casual appearance of many passengers.
"I have sat in the same seat since my first day on the job," said a federal air marshal based in Chicago who spoke on condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to speak publicly. "At least in Iraq or Afghanistan you know what you are dealing with. Here, I am in jeopardy because a lot of the passengers know instantly who we are."
He also said there is widespread opposition among air marshals to last week's decision by the Transportation Security Administration relaxing the ban on passengers bringing scissors and short blades aboard planes.
That last paragraph takes the cake. Why does anyone need to have scissors and blades on a plane. Of course we all know this is happening, but somehow seeing it in print makes it worse.
Just a few of the reasons I'm terrified of flying!
Snip: On December 10th neo-Nazis and those who oppose them will converge on Toledo from all around the country. Neo-Nazis, White Seperatists, and KKK members will be pulling out all the stops to ensure a large turnout. Anti-fascists, including anarchists, communist groups, ARA, and ISO, as well as members of the community will be ready to stop them once again.
With the international attention surrounding the last attempted march in Toledo and the subsequent uprising, this is expected to be a massive event with potentially serious consequences.