World Opinion on US Security Measures - PhillyBlog

SteveJohnston · #1 (**permalink**) 01-07-2004, 02:22 PM

World Opinion Is Fragmented on Tighter Security for Visitors
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/01/07/in...07TRAV.html?th
By ELAINE SCIOLINO

Quote:

PARIS, Jan. 6 — No one would dare to seem soft on terrorism these days. But the new security measures imposed on travel to the United States have sparked strong and starkly different reactions around the world, veering from loud cheering to swift retaliation.

In a sense, the response provides a fresh global analysis of the trauma of Sept. 11, 2001, as countries and airline companies, unions and associations frame their views according to their perceptions of their own vulnerability to terrorism and of the likelihood that a plane could be transformed into a guided missile against the United States.

Rather than one deep divide, in which players line up either with or against the United States, several fissures have been exposed.

Biometrically coded identification like fingerprinting is either the only reliable way to track passengers or a racist act that violates human rights as it singles out citizens of certain countries. A plan to install armed marshals on some airplanes entering the United States is accepted by countries like Israel, which has long used the practice, but is opposed by countries like Portugal, Sweden, Denmark, South Africa and Thailand, which view it as potentially chaotic and dangerous.

Some critics of the new measures are suspicious that they are part of a crass political campaign by the Bush administration to keep Americans on guard at least through November's presidential election.

There is widespread agreement, however, that coming to the United States will not be more enjoyable because of what William Gaillard, head of communications at the International Air Transportation Association, calls "the hassle factor."

"People are not afraid of flying, but all these security measures take the fun out of flying; it's as simple as that," Mr. Gaillard said in Geneva, where the trade group that represents most international air carriers has its European headquarters. "Is the Bush administration trying to make a point in an election year?"

What are your thoughts? Are these policies sound and reasonable compared to what other countries do?

zogby blob · #2 (**permalink**) 01-07-2004, 02:28 PM

Can anyone guess what I think? Brooke, why don't you explain my point of view for the people.

eldondre · #3 (**permalink**) 01-07-2004, 02:53 PM

zogby blob is actually a cyborg. his gf mentioned that he had "Halliburton 2000 Model" stamped on his ass. His view is George Bush's view. There never was another view. We were never at war with...

zogby blob · #4 (**permalink**) 01-07-2004, 03:04 PM

That's not fair. Compassion never played any role in anything I've ever said on this blog. Compassionate conservative and social darwinism don't really mesh.

eldondre · #5 (**permalink**) 01-07-2004, 03:17 PM

compassion doesn't have anything to do with Bush's view.

:wink:

Geno · #6 (**permalink**) 01-07-2004, 09:31 PM

I definitely tink the Bush administration works hard to keep the fear factor strong. We haven't had a terrorist attack on our soil in 28 months. They have to do something to keep fear and suspicion stoked. How else will they justify the wars into eternity?

SteveJohnston · #7 (**permalink**) 01-07-2004, 09:57 PM

But doesn't the lack of attacks point toward successful defense against terror? And if you did not hear anything, wouldn't you be complainging abaout that?

Playing devil's advocate here! :twisted:

phillyTIM · #8 (**permalink**) 01-08-2004, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveJohnston

But doesn't the lack of attacks point toward successful defense against terror? And if you did not hear anything, wouldn't you be complainging abaout that?

Playing devil's advocate here! :twisted:

Great point to consider, and I'll take my usual reigns as PB's resident devil! ;-)

Actually Steve, we've had a lack fo attacks for a couple hundred years before 9/11/01. Weren't we successful against foreign terrorists then? don't all those years count?

The only reason 9/11/01 happened was because the responsible airline people were either lazy, incompetent, or 'guided' to "overlook" certain things by *cough*BUSH*cough* someone! Further, it's damn funny timing for that to happen, just when somebody *cough*BUSH*cough* needed to justify their limp-riding Presidency and all those old-ColdWar war-hawks in cabinet with him needed something to do. AND from a party who had hypothesized about another "pearl harbor type attack" happening (google the republican's new american order document from the mid-90s) 9/11/01 is OUR countries' own fault.

I'm sure terrorist attacks against the US have been planned forever, and will be planned forever. 9/11/01 was a very complex, concerted effort that should easily have been caught. it's ridiculous to think terrorists are THAT GOOD to pull something like 9/11/01, especially without some inside help.

Further: I think attacks are infinitely more likely because bush himself has made america a prime target. attacking other arab/ish type nation will do that sort of thing, isn't it very logical to expect? lol

zogby blob · #9 (**permalink**) 01-08-2004, 01:47 PM

Sometimes you scare me Tim.

Geno · #10 (**permalink**) 01-08-2004, 10:48 PM

Tim, that roll call of city council names in your signature is KILLING me :?

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