Liquid Terror

The recent news that the British had uncovered a plot by British Muslims of Pakistani descent to blow up nine transatlantic planes simultaneously has caused quite a scare, and for good reason. It could have caused as many deaths as the World Trade Center attack, and it would certainly have made terrorist airplane bombings like Pan Am 103 in December 1988 seem like small potatoes. Apparently, the would-be suicide bombers were to make the bombs on board using liquid explosives, plastic containers to keep them in, and electronic batteries that would detonate them. The equipment was to be brought on in carry-on luggage.

But before we get nervous and cancel those flights to London, let's remember some things. First of all, the plot was not carried out; it was averted, and just in time. Secondly, we shouldn't allow the White House to let them carry out more of their agenda to erode civil liberities so they can uncover more terrorist plots - especially since it was the British who uncovered this one. Thirdly, so what if you can't bring liquids, plastic containers, or Blackberry devices on the plane anymore? Why bother? Why take a bottle of shampoo when you can buy one when you get to wherever you're going? You can still bring prescription medicine and baby formula.

Nevertheless, many Americans suddenly don't feel like going to England, and they'll probably go ahead and stay home because they're afraid to fly on British Airways or Virgin Atlantic if they don't have to go. By the way, although the media probably haven't emphasized it enough, all of the planes targeted were owned by American carriers - United, American, and Continental. Now what does that tell you? :-O