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http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1810068/posts

http://www.americanthinker.com/2007/03/the_safety_of_many_should_trum.html

March 30, 2007
"The Safety of Many Should Trump the Hurt Feelings of the Few"
By Pamela Meister

ARTICLE SNIPPET: "This week, House Republicans were able to have language added to the Rail and Public Transportation Act of 2007 (HR 1401) that would protect public transportation travelers who report suspicious activities from being sued. Legal action has already been taken against those passengers on US Airways who reported the suspicious behavior of six imams last year, which ultimately got the imams booted off the flight.

Nearly six years after 9/11, one would think that such legislation would be a no-brainer. After all, isn't the safety of millions of Americans who travel by plane and train each year more important than the hurt feelings of a handful of people? Apparently not, since the motion was not passed unanimously. The vote was 304-121, with all dissenting votes being cast by Democrats. Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-MS, was among those in disagreement.

"Absolutely they should have the ability to seek redress in a court of law," said Mr. Thompson, who suggested that protecting passengers from a lawsuit would encourage racial profiling."

Should the passengers and flight crew who tackled Richard Reid have ignored him? After all, there could have been a perfectly innocent reason for him lighting matches, like the embarrassed woman on American Airlines who wanted to cover the odor of her flatulence. After causing the flight to land and everyone having to be put through security again, the woman (who was not charged) was not allowed back on the flight. There has been no word of her looking to sue American Airlines - nor should she. American Airlines acted with the safety of all its passengers in mind.

And had Reid's fellow passengers not acted, today we'd be asking, "Why weren't they more vigilant?" rather than congratulating them for their swift actions."