[chainsaw]

Now, if we can just get the new world order crowd to capitulate.

[coloradan]

Too dangerous to give guns to pilots, because a passenger might get accidentally killed? The alternative approach is to scramble F-15s to would shoot down an errant liner, killing everybody aboard.

[Destructor]

"Maybe I'm missing something, but I don't see that a pilot shooting a terrorist in a cockpit is any more dangerous than air marshals having a gunfight out amongst the passengers. And certainly a gun in the cockpit is less dangerous than being blown out of the sky by an F-16."

Bingo! You nailed it. We are being sold a bill of good (again) by our own government! Armed pilots would be another layer of security, and would help deter acts of Terrorism. The government is just trying to cater to the all of the stupid Liberal wussies that mess their pants anytime someone mentions guns!! When will our Society stop listening to these idiots!?!

[FreedomPoster]

I thought some airlines were arming pilots:

ASA Arming Pilots

In a monumental decision following the attacks of September 11th, regional carrier Atlantic Southeast Airlines has elected to arm its pilots. After much research, the Delta Connection carrier has decided on a hand-held stun gun (see attached photo). Weapon delivers a distracting sting from up to four feet. Pilots will be trained on its use and safe handling.

Photo Attachment

[Blood of Tyrants]

The reason the goobermint doesn't trust pilots with guns is PILOTS AREN'T GOOBERMINT EMPLOYEES. Everyone knows that the FBI doesn't shoot innocent people in the face--wait, bad analogy.

[FairWitness]

Probably the most rational argument against letting pilots carry guns is that it would convince terrorists that the only way to do harm with an airplane in the future is to blow it up with a bomb. I say give the pilots guns, cut out most of the current foolishness (like screening elderly women and congressmen with artificial hips) and do a crash project on effective screening for bombs in luggage.

[Kermit]

Charley Reese exposes liberal (+Bush administration) idiocy in one shot.

"Maybe I'm missing something, but I don't see that a pilot shooting a terrorist in a cockpit is any more dangerous than air marshals having a gunfight out amongst the passengers. And certainly a gun in the cockpit is less dangerous than being blown out of the sky by an F-16. "

[supercat]

A pilot's job is to control his aircraft. A firearm may in some circumstances be a necessary but useful tool for that purpose.

Note that the pilot's job is not to use a firearm to intervene in anything that's happening in the cabin. His job is to keep control of the cockpit--if need be by shooting anyone who tries to break in. If he lands a plane full of corpses slain by a knife-wielding maniac, that's still better than letting the maniac take over the controls.

[VRWC_Member428]

...the job of the fighter jets is to shoot down the passenger plane if it veers from its flight plan.

Unfortunately, this has to happen. Because only AFTER something like this happens will there be a huge outcry to arm the Pilots. I wonder how long the fighters will give the passengers to attempt to re-take the plane before they shoot it down...

[gonzo]

I am too f*cking tired to argue about it anymore! The Pilots want Handguns to protect themselves, their ships, their passengers, and crew! WHAT-THE-F*CK is OUR Federal Government doing, meddling in Private Business?? And why does anyone assume that the Federales should now be in charge of OUR security, when their own Agencies couldn't keep these F*cking-Murderous-Terrorists out of OUR Country in the first place!!

When Americans say: "I'M NOT GONNA FLY ON THAT PLANE, UNLESS I KNOW THAT THE PILOT CAN KEEP ME SAFE", we'll have air-travel again.

More likely is the Pilots simply refusing to fly anymore, after the next aircraft is destroyed by a terrorist.

Arm the Pilots --- It's a no-brainer to everybody in the whole Country, except Washingtoon! I'm sick of their shit! You guys fight this one - I voted for GWB, and he shoulda done better! Maybe we'll get an American again, someday........FRegards

[tberry]

"I asked one of my elitist friends, "Do you really think your fellow citizens are stupid and mad?" The answer was "Yes." Nothing is so conducive to making a fool of oneself than a small brain and a big ego.

And this is what your current "elected" Republican government thinks of you too.

[KC_for_Freedom]

I have recently been a non-supporter of Charlie Reese. Allow me to back track from my non-support, in this case Charlie is back to his old self. (Now Charlie, stay away from comments supporting the Palestinians and I will stay in your camp.)

[Bobby777]

No Guns In The Cockpits

while there is potential for trouble here, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks I say ... this is no time for pussyfootin' around ... America is at war ...

[Texas Mom]

Lawmakers add pressure to let pilots have guns

Things are looking up a little anyway..

White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said President Bush is unlikely to support the idea. Bush plans to follow the advice of administration officials, Fleischer said, "and the recommendation of the experts is that this not proceed." Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge and Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta oppose arming pilots."

It's time to let the Whitehouse know what people want.

[CWRWinger]

I say, arm the American public and then watch our country become safe and peaceful once again.

Absolutely correct, but until then, the airlines don't get my dollars (or is it pecos now?).