With the dust still settling on Capitol Hill from the historic shift in our political landscape, danger still looms. Our Christmas Day underwear terrorist, who was so intent on greeting America with a present from our enemies, now relaxes in jail with his mouth shut enjoying three meals a day.
I wrote about this several weeks ago and it is nice to see Capitol Hill finally hold hearings regarding it, but will it help or is this just an open forum to blame others. Perhaps the leaders who implement these so-called rules of engagement that are in place with our airline industry should take note from EL AL (Israeli Airlines) and learn something.
The people of Israel realized long ago that human life is more important than political correctness or appeasing other nations. That is why their national airline, EL AL is considered the safest in the world.
After a series of terrorist attacks and hijackings in their early years, EL AL implemented a military-style approach that solved the problem. Every passenger is interviewed and searched before boarding and every piece of luggage is put through a series of tests to make sure nothing gets on board. Is this profiling? Indeed it is, but everyone is put through the same course of action no matter who they are.
But there is a big difference between America and Israel when it comes to learning from their mistakes. America is always in reaction, while Israel is in control. In other words, America has an awful habit of forgetfulness about horrific events until it happens again. On the other hand, Israel does whatever it takes to make sure events like this will never happen again. The famous Israeli quote “Never Again” is what Israel stands for and they mean it.
The truth about all of this so-called breach of security the press seems to embellish rather than call it a terrorist attempt is not a breach at all, its politics plain and simple. Organizations and special interests groups who oppose extensive screening like EL AL have a grip on Washington politicians like drugs have to an addict. Unfortunately, the people who fly have to pay the price for a system run by appeasing leaders who are afraid to hurt people’s feelings.
This same type of appeasing is not restricted to just America. Soon after news spread about the media-branded underwear terrorist, Europeans demanded more screening. Ultimately, even with the public outcry the world will never match the superiority Israel has on the industry. Terrorists know this and Israel is always one step ahead in this game of kill or be killed.
Undoubtedly, what will solve this problem and not let our airlines become missiles again is having complete control. In other words, the same policies Israel implements should be not considered, but standard. Every person should be screened with the same amount of scrutiny no matter how much of an inconvenience this becomes. This is not about intruding on people’s rights, it’s about staying alive.
Political correctness, economics and convenience will ultimately kill many people and keep feeding this fire of terrorism. Israel is a small country with a system that is, in effect, impenetrable. Why can’t America, with all its technology and lessons learned, model this? You be the judge.
Those who oppose Israeli tactics to keep people safe I applaud you and enjoy your flight. As for myself, I will stick to ground transportation. At least I have a chance to jump out and survive.
Jerry Scott Maldonado is the author of the soon to be published “Columns, Quotes & The American Dream.” He is a featured columnist for The D.C.G Network of news sites: Sundaynewscape.com, Onequestionnews.com and Imperialvalleynews.com. Jerry’s work has also been featured internationally.