Posted on 05/06/2002 6:50:01 PM PDT by Draakan
Pilots with guns scare ABC’s Cokie Roberts because “airplanes is one of the few places I feel safe from guns. Having some pilot who’s gone off his nut for some reason running around with a gun does not make me feel safe.” This Week co-host Sam Donaldson stood with Roberts against guns, even when pressed by George Will about whether he wished the pilots had guns on September 11th.
During the roundtable segment on the May 5 This Week with, for now, Sam Donaldson and Cokie Roberts, Donaldson raised how commercial airline pilots have signed a petition to allow them to carry guns in the cockpit.
The prospect horrified Roberts, who denounced the idea: “I don’t feel safer. Airplanes is one of the few places I feel safe from guns. Having some pilot who’s gone off his nut for some reason running around with a gun does not make me feel safe.” George Stephanopoulos, the future solo host of the program, pointed out: “That’s always a danger. That person is always in control of the plane and could fly it into the ground if he wants to...”
George Will quipped: “It is the case, I think, that support for pilots being armed increases as people have more and more experience with so-called airport security.”
Will soon asked Donaldson: “Do you or do you not wish the pilots on September 11th had been armed? Yes or no Sam.” Donaldson: “Well I wish that somebody-” Will: “That’s not a yes or a no.” Donaldson: “Well, when I asked Secretary Powell for a yes or a no question we heard two or three minutes and I and I’m happy to do it.” Will: “The prosecution rests.” Roberts interjected: “Suppose the hijackers had pulled the gun out of the pilot’s hand if the pilot had a gun?” Donaldson came to Roberts’ side: “I don’t know whether it would have made any difference. If it could have made a difference of course you would want it to happen. But I think, in the long run, guns in the cockpit are not a good idea. I join Cokie.”
If Stephanopolous guest-starred on "Queer as Folk"?
Well, it's a thought. But I don't want to get you guys fired!
You've heard the joke that it's possible to make a small fortune in aviation.
You start with a large fortune.
Guess Cokie can pay for her own flying lessons, at any rate.
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