Arming The Free: Let Airline Pilots And Passengers Terrorize Thugs

Investor's Business Daily | October 11, 2001 | John R. Lott, Jr.

[bmoc]

FMJ Bump

[seabass1]

The point of Concealed permits only being valid in certain states is definitely one that needs to be taken care of. Instead of all the talk of a national ID card there needs be talk of a national concealed weapons permit card.

[DallasSun]

What is the objection to this? Do you know? The argument? I have never heard it.

[DallasSun]

Texas shares ccw's with several states..other than N.M and Arkansas, I do not know which though.

[RANGERAIRBORNE]

Check "THE BLUE PRESS" (Dillon's reloading catalog)- they had a pretty comprehensive article on this about 6 months ago.

[harpseal]

Too much of a potential for bloodshed if everyone carries. As opposed to Sept. 11, 2001 where none of the passengers carried. Actually legally carrying civilians have less negligent or injustified shootings than police officers. So statistically your argument makes no sense.

[harpseal]

Every American who currently qualifies for a CCW in any state. I will concede to special restrictions on qualification and ammunition but I believe that dealing with this type of problem is one of the reasons that the Second Amendment exists. Further, I refer you to the letters of marque provisions in the Constitution. IMHO we will need close to 200,00 sky marshalls to provide adequate airline safety. Lott talks of 50,000 and he points out the need for multiple sky marshalls becuas merely holding a couple of terrorists in reserve on a flight would trump one sky marshall.

the alternative will be more Boeing cruise missles with passengers aboard.

Stay well - Stay safe - Stay armed - Yorktown

[Jim Scott]

I've never owned a gun and have little-to-no intention of obtaining one, at least in the near future, but I would feel very comfortable knowing that on any plane that I might board, not only the sky marshals but some of the passengers may be armed. Hijackings would simply cease after the news got out - and possibly a few would-be hijackers were shot. Works for me.

[Shooter 2.5]

My Blue Press arrived today and the article "A Nation Of Cowards" is expanded into a book that they're selling for $14.95.

[harpseal]

Jim

I would not presume to question your personal decision regrading firearms but I ask that you reconsider. Responsible thoughful citizens owning firearms is one of the greatest bulwarks of liberty. Shooting is fun besides. If you have children then I would submit that teaching the safe and proper handling of firearms is one of the best things you can do for them.

I thank you for your thoughtful response and I wish you all the best.

Stay well - stay safe - Stay alert - Yorktown

[FirstFreedom]

Gun Owners of America E-Mail/FAX Alert
8001 Forbes Place, Suite 102, Springfield, VA 22151
Phone: 703-321-8585 / FAX: 703-321-8408
October 11, 2001

Congratulations!

Earlier today, the Senate, via a unanimous consent vote, adopted the Bob Smith (R-NH)/Frank Murkowski (R-AK) amendment to allow airline pilots to carry firearms. The amendment was also cosponsored by Senators Mike Enzi (R-WY) and Conrad Burns (R-MT).

The bill now goes to the House. After that, it will probably go to a House-Senate conference to work out the details.

This is an enormous victory for GOA members who lobbied relentlessly to sway reluctant senators.

BUT THE BATTLE IS NOT OVER!

Next week, the House will take up its version of the Aviation Security Bill. A number of congressmen are considering offering amendments to arm pilots, but they must first secure the approval of the House leadership and the House Rules Committee in order to offer any amendment.

ACTION: Please contact House Speaker Dennis Hastert, House Republican Leader Dick Armey, and House Republican Whip Tom DeLay and demand that they allow the House to vote on the armed pilots amendment in connection with the Aviation Security Bill.

Contact Info:
Rep. Dennis Hastert
E-mail: dhastert@mail.house.gov
Phone: 202-225-2976
Fax: 202-225-0697

Rep. Dick Armey
No Public E-mail
Phone: 202-225-7772
Fax: 202-226-8100

Rep. Tom DeLay
No Public E-mail
Phone: 202-225-5951
Fax: 202-225-5241

----- Pre-written message -----

Dear Representative __________:

When the Aviation Security Act comes before the House, I hope you will use your leadership position to allow amendments to the bill that would let pilots be armed.

There are plenty of aviation engineers who agree that bullet holes will not cause a massive depressurization in a plane. If depressurization was truly a concern, then why are we even considering putting air marshals on planes? Their bullets will be no different from the ones being used by the pilots. But more to the point, there is no way we can get an air marshal on all 35,000 daily flights.

So the only way to deter these terrorists is to make sure that our last line of defense -- the pilots -- can protect the plane. Reinforcing the cockpit doors is also a good idea, but it's not a panacea. Are we to assume that on a long trip the door will NEVER be opened? That pilots will NEVER take a bathroom break? That there is no one among the flight crew who will ever have the keys or security codes to open the door?

Reinforcing the cockpit doors can help. But the only way to stop terrorism on board aircraft is to let these villains know in advance that, if they ever try to invade the cockpit, they'll be sorry.

Please support language that will allow pilots to be armed, and thus, will enable them to protect the lives of their crewmembers and passengers.

Thank you.

[AmericanDave]

As an ex-military expert marksman, commercial pilot; I can only say Bravo!