Nice sensationalist headline;
"FA-18s to protect MCG"
. How about instead we take
a cue from Bruce Schneier
.
From The Age article;
FA-18 fighter jets will patrol the skies over the Commonwealth Games opening and closing ceremonies as part of security measures announced this morning. A 74-kilometre "security bubble", centred on the MCG, will restrict the operation of small and some commercial aircraft for the duration of the Games. Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon warned that planes that stray into the zone may be shot down, but only as a last resort and after intense discussions.I can understand their caution, however, Bruce Schneier has a different view;
Exactly two things have made airline travel safer since 9/11: reinforcement of cockpit doors, and passengers who now know that they may have to fight back. Everything else -- Secure Flight and Trusted Traveler included -- is security theater. We would all be a lot safer if, instead, we implemented enhanced baggage security -- both ensuring that a passenger's bags don't fly unless he does, and explosives screening for all baggage -- as well as background checks and increased screening for airport employees.This is true, the dynamic changed after three aircraft were flown into buildings, the fourth plane fought back. It was a civil response to a civil issue. One of the great tragedies of September 11th was the militarization of the response to terror. All it has done has collapsed more power into government, who have created more problems with the military response to terror, which in gives government the belief it needs to be more radical in its legislative path to combat terror. Civilians acting together are armed enough to overcome a terrorist. The State police are well enough armed as well, and in the rare cases they aren't, specialist forces like the Tactical Response Group are more than armed enough. we don't need the SASR, or any other military arm being involved. The state police, State Emergency Services as well as other civilian and state based groups can answer the call.
