[Redux September 20, 2001] Improve Florida's security

St Petersburg Times ^ | September 20, 2001 | Editorial

[jimbo123]

Last week's attacks have prompted every state to review its security, and nowhere is that exercise more important than in Florida. Not only did many of the suspected hijackers live and get flight training in Florida, but the majority were able to obtain state drivers' licenses and identification that enabled them to nestle within the fabric of society. Alarm bells should have gone off but never did. We can no longer afford these kind of security lapses, and Florida needs to do its part.

Training foreign pilots is not the problem; nor is allowing foreign nationals the freedom to assimilate into American culture. Rather, state and local governments need to do a better job of coordinating security services. At least one of the suspected hijackers was stopped by police in Florida and let go, despite reportedly being listed on a U.S. government "watch list" for terrorist activity. The suspects were also known to flash wads of cash, rail against Israel and insist they did not need to learn takeoffs and landings -- only in-flight maneuvering of large commercial planes.

Even had the suspects aroused suspicion, Florida's laws on obtaining drivers' licenses are so lax it's easy to operate under the radar. As many as 13 of the 19 suspected hijackers had Florida drivers' licenses or ID cards that not only aided their movement, but enabled the men to rent cars and homes, obtain credit and otherwise establish legal identities. These IDs are the principal documents Floridians use to cash checks, enter office buildings, rent a car and board a plane.

National experts have said Florida needs to impose tougher requirements on applicants seeking a driver's license.

[jimbo123]

[jimbo123]

Jeb Bush backs illegal-immigrant driver licenses

April 7, 2004

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Gov. Jeb Bush endorsed a bill to allow illegal immigrants to get driver licenses, saying they are in the state anyway and officials should accept that fact.

http://www.utsandiego.com/uniontrib/20040407/news_1n7drivers.html

[WENDLE]

I think Jeb is burnt toaste on this. He opened the door by glaring at Trump in the debate and saying”but MY brother kept us safe: well now it turns out the Jebbie supported these driver's licenses. It just goes from bad to worse. Now I hear his money is not coming in very good.

[jimbo123]

[Presbyterian Reporter]

Nothing has changed for the better since 911. Too many states are still tripping over themselves in giving drivers licenses and other identification to illegal aliens.

[ripnbang]

Ouch, that’s going to leave a mark.

[HarleyLady27]

Ok Jeb, what about this? You had your mouth wide open, and Trump just Trumped you....take your foot out of your mouth and explain to us people just how and why you want to lead this Country???????

I think the next words out of Jebby’s mouth is going to be he quit.....