Posted on 06/26/2012 6:02:29 PM PDT by jazusamo
Removing ‘last line of defense’ would be risky move
The Obama administration’s hatred for the Second Amendment has reached new heights. After nearly a decade of safe operation, the White House is looking to reduce the number of pilots who provide an extra layer of security against airborne terror by packing a pistol in the cockpit. This plan shouldn’t fly.
The federal flight-deck officer program was put in place as a direct response to the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, when terrorists barged into the cockpits and seized control of airliners. The initiative provides $25.5 million for weapons training for pilots, including for cargo carriers and private charters. President Obama’s budget would slash the amount in half.
Uncle Sam spends about $4,800 per pilot for the training administered by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), but aside from that, it doesn’t suffer from the usual bureaucratic bloat. Participants must pay their own travel, lodging and meal expenses. About 10,000 pilots have been certified, but the Obama administration’s goal is to see the number of armed aviators dwindle.
Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano defended her department’s 2013 proposed budget before the House Committee on Homeland Security in February. “The cuts are predicated on the fact that the program is not risk-based,” she claimed. That’s government-speak for wanting more money to grope people who aren’t terrorists instead of doing something that would stop actual terrorists.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...
It does indeed. I was laying in bed last night listing the names of men I have known as friends who are already gone. I almost scared myself at how long the list has become!
I understand. I carry such a list in my heart.
I reserve that location for family ... and my two ex-wives.
Are the pilots of Air Force One allowed forks ?
(/s)
Simply, a sublime concept! Yes!
Well it might be “necessary” :-)
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