Cerqueira, who was born in Portugal and is a US citizen
Guess you missed that part. Last time I checked we're not at war with the Catholics of Portugal. I know I said I'd let you have the last word but I lied.
No, I didn't miss that part. That part just doesn't matter. Timothy McVey and Eric Rudolph were also US Citizens. The US wasn't at war with itself at the time, either. Guess you missed that part. I guess you also missed the part about how closely I was scrutinized every time I brought my spectrum analyzer and RF monitoring equipment along for the ride during our last war in '91. I've been strip searched, had all my stuff rifled through numerous times, before it was in vogue. If they or anyone else, American, Portuguese or whatever were acting suspiciously on an aircraft I would have no problem having them removed. You seem to be missing the point that I am on your side. I want you guys to have the last say and I don't want your spot judgment questioned and misrepresented by an ambulance chasing attorney to a group of twelve know-nothings who could ultimately end your career. If it ruffles some feathers, so be it. This jury award sets a very dangerous precedent for you.
The bottom line is we are at war whether we like it or not. These folks who seek to kill us all, including you, are fanatics and airliners have been used as weapons of mass destruction to the tune of over 3000 innocents dead. Since 9/11 there have been numerous incidences of what are thought to be repeat attempts at another 9/11. Personally, I think this is yet another glaring example of how we are not taking security seriously. That this case ever made it to trial is evidence of that. Were I in your shoes, four stripes and all, with the lax security I see on our southern border and lax security at airports in general, plus the attitude of the airlines not supporting you guy's decisions to remove passengers, I would have a keen eye on anyone and everyone who boarded my aircraft. This sort of nonsense only emboldens those who wish us harm. Color me suspicious, but then again, these days the vast majority of the flights I take I am pilot in command. I can assure you I will not be hijacked, but under these conditions, you might.
Fly safe, my FRiend.....and keep a eye on the cattle.