[msg-84]

But Homeland Security should look into the possibility that cops can and will be co-opted by the jihadists.

I disagree. Instead of treating people like convicts because they purchased an airline ticket or as you now suggest, profiling sworn law enforcement personnel, maybe they should be profiling Islamic persons with ties to anti-American causes. But I guess that's a job for another administration as the current Secretary of Homeland Security thinks US military veterans and Tea Party activist pose the most significant threat to her and her party and thus America.

[Zuben Elgenubi]

That's where we differ. I do not put State and Local police in the same category as US military veterans or TEA Party members.

Police are unionized state personnel and will uphold and protect the power of the state over the citizenry. Enforcement and Intelligence gathering. They are not elected as the county Sheriff's departments are elected.

US military? Volunteer in service to the country. TEA Party? Volunteer in service to the community.

But getting back to allowing the police onto the planes without screening, would you not agree the jihadists would be looking for terrorist opportunities? And that "trusted" (or "sworn" as you state) public employees would make a high-impact terrorist statement? That's my point. And for that, these people should be subjected to MORE scrutiny rather than less.

Another option is profiling as you suggest (and I support) and the third option is blaming all this TSA nonsense where it belongs: on the Moslems. Ever since Yasser Arafat's group starting hijacking planes in the 1970's, it's been MOSLEMS who have a particular affinity with the flying craft.