Podge wrote:
>> Podge wrote:
>
>>> When you talk about the lack of evidence for a worthwhile increase in
>>> safety, how can you compile statistics, for example, of the number of
>>> would-be terrorists who, knowing the security measures in force,
>>> decided not to turn up at the airports? After all, it is the
>>> deterrent effect of such measures that is the important thing. So the
>>> screening measures may, in fact, have been a resounding success
>>> compared with what might have happened without such measures.
>>
>> There's still no evidence. It's all speculation.
>
> Although you can't gather evidence on the deterrent effect of airport
> security, the peace of mind of travellers and the need to meet best
> international practices are compelling reasons for most airlines to
> screen baggage and people. However, airlines would, no doubt, have
> evidence of the number of times that knives and other weapons have been
> confiscated from people who tried to take these items on to a plane.
Which is presumably significantly less than the number of times (per
year) that people used to take them on board prior to 9/11, without
incident (guns excepted). Post 9/11, and despite this NZ incident, I
still don't see that knives on planes are a significant threat as far as
terrorism is concerned. The odd nutter is a problem, but they always
have been.
>
> ''It is essential that our international partners have complete
> confidence in New Zealand's standard of aviation security. Without this
> level of confidence, we cannot retain the vital air links this country
> needs.''(Quoted from:
http://www.beehive.govt.nz/node/31370 )
>
> Personally, I would rather not sit next to someone carrying weapons, and
> if one airline scanned baggage and one didn't, I would always travel
> with the airline that did the screening, even if a ticket cost a few
> dollars more, wouldn't you? But I realise a lot of people enjoy taking
> risks and don't bother with insurance and enjoy hobbies such as lion
> taming.
I'd prefer the person next to me not to be carrying a loaded gun. I have
the same preference everywhere. I'm unconcerned if the person next to me
has a pair of scissors, a pen-knife, knitting needles, a fork or a
screwdriver.
Sylvia.
