[Arkinsaw]

"The Federal Aviation Administration reported about 3,400 violations of restricted airspace from September 12, 2001, to December 31, 2004, most of which were committed by general aviation pilots. "

Thats 3,400 pilots who all should have their licenses yanked if they cannot keep out of restricted airspace. I suspect that the presence of air defenses would pucker them up enough to check their navigation a little closer.

I find it amusing that you bring up a statistic about general aviation pilots being lax to defend general aviation from restrictions. Ok, whatever.

The attitude that we can't shoot down people who go into restricted airspace is political correctness. Its the sort of handwringing that could have gotten the Capitol dome smashed in on 911 if some Americans had not taken matters into their own hands. I have no faith that anyone would have actually ordered a shootdown even after the other events of the morning.

Frankly, if anybody strays toward the White House or Washington Monument I am ALL in favor of putting a missile into them. Failing to do so, and wringing our hands, is likely to cost us a national treasure at some point. The rules of engagement should be clear.

[RS]

"The rules of engagement should be clear."

Strange statement --- you are contemplating rules of engagement for Americans against Americans.


I suppose an instant death penalty would also keep people from bringing nail clippers on commercial flights, but we are just too "PC" to allow it.