Third night...

[alexpgp]

I slept poorly last night, as well as the previous two nights. I can't really put my finger on why. I don't think it's Tuesday's attack, or at least I'm not doing a continuous replay of the footage in my sleep the way I did in January 1986 when Challenger and every soul aboard her bought the farm.

One thing that did cross my mind: an "aha" realization that reaffirmed what I heard a drill instructor say back when being in boot camp was the start of seeing the world.

There are no dangerous weapons, only dangerous people.

The actions of both the recent terrorists, who were apparently able to achieve their ends through the use of a few sharp edges, and of the hostages on United 93, who apparently improvised something to thwart the plans of their captors, seems to confirm the truth of SSgt. Jensen's utterance.

The FAA can ban pocket knives and go on to ban fingernail clippers, ballpoint pens, crayons, eyeglasses, belts, wallets, keys, coins, all metal objects, all rigid objects and what have you, but these measures will all miss the mark if the object is to thwart someone who is determined... and dangerous.

Cheers...

Comments

[bandicoot.livejournal.com]

Absolutely correct. All these new restrictions might bring an illusion of safety, but that's all it is. A determined person or persons could effect the same end bare naked without equally determined opposition. And I salute all the heros in all those aircraft, known and unknown, who each did the best they thought they could.

I remember as a child after WWII, seeing films of Jews going quietly to the gas chambers. And I made a vow then that I would never - NEVER - go quietly. Maybe that's why I feel so strongly about those guys on Flight 93. It may not have come out the way they wanted, but it came out better than I might have without them.

[vuzh.livejournal.com]

good points.

it probably IS September 11 keeping you awake.

i was upset, but i didn't realize how deeply it affected me until i burst into tears yesterday.