Travel industry complains about security crackdown

AP via USAToday.com ^ | 12/19/2002

[GeneD]

SAN FRANCISCO (AP)

[dtel]

"I'm not knocking what they are trying to do," Anderson said. "But my fear is they're wasting their time on the wrong people."

Ding, ding, ding, we have a winner!
Recently saw a news spot about the new luggage searches, done behind the scenes without the passenger present, by some buffoon without a clue. Buffoon's quote: "If you don't want us to look at it don't bring it."
One question, when was the last time an airliner was blown up from stowed luggage? Lockerbie? How have we been able to prevent this for what 15 years without the secret searches?
Loading gun, preparing to shoot self in other foot, the clueless leading the stupid.
What a great effing country.

[johnb838]

I'm just glad to hear that the INS is at least attempting to do its job. To tell you the truth I'm not entirely sure I believe it. If the numbers of tourists is down, too bad. There's a war on. It is going to impact many many people and many many industries. Don't blame the government, blame the terrorists.

You're not going to make a silk purse overnight out of the sows ear that is the INS.

[lelio]

Hey that stowed luggage thing CANT happen as we're screening all luggage now. Right? Well maybe. Well maybe in a couple of years. And its done by people with little training. So don't think about that.

[Charles Henrickson]

INS officials recognize the concerns but say their first priority is to secure all borders.

(trying not to laugh too hard) I guess that doesn't apply to our border with Mexico, does it?

[Gritty]

Anderson... was handcuffed and made to spread her legs for a rubber-glove search after an inspector noticed she once overstayed her visa by eight days four visits previously.

I suppose it's nice to know the INS is getting serious about something besides their coffee breaks!

On the other hand, how many of our millions of illegal aliens have been subjected to even a cursory question, much less a body search and getting sent back to their country of origin (with them paying the freight, of course)?

Inquiring minds would like to know?