President Obama held a press conference earlier this evening to assign responsibilities for security failures such as the failed Christmas Day airline bombing. His top counter terrorism aide John Brennan took the blame for that event and promises were made to more effectively link intelligence reports together. The President also acknowledged "the buck stops with me". All good measures for as far as they go and I sincerely hope they do move our nation into a better position to thwart terror plots that would attempt to rob us of our freedom. However, no specifics where given on elements of effective physical security.
What airport security measures are really effective? We've spent literally billions of dollars effectively only avoiding repeat incidents. Restricted container sizes, removing shoes and now staying seated in the last hour of flight are all examples. How effective are these things in really making us safer? How much of this is just "security theater", as Bruce Schneier might say, designed to make us only feel safer?
Without debating if absolute security is possible (I don't think it is), why not focus on something that worked? Have Jasper Schuringa, who subdued the terrorist during the detonation attempt, assist in updating the flight cards that are shown at the beginning of every flight. In addition to seat belt usage and exit locations, passengers could be instructed on what to do if someone intentionally sets fire to their crotch.
Personal responsibility. Even when it costs something personally. What a concept. Something that the 289 persons aboard Northwest Flight 253 certainly can appreciate. Possibly something Washington should consider as effective - in many areas.
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