On The Third Hand

Warblog Archives

Saturday, 10 Nov 2001

I previously posted a link to an article on airport security, which I thought was pretty much on the spot. Airport security is not the same thing as security once in the air. As long as the airport security keeps out bombs, I think we are pretty safe, since the passengers would almost certainly attack anyone who attempted a hijack. I am all in favour of arming any pilots that wish to carry arms, since many pilots are ex-military, and should need little extra training.
I am also in favor of arming the passengers, at least with tazers. I was therefore both amazed and pleased to find an article by Chris Wenham at disenchanted.com that gives my precise opinion, along with a nice sprinkling of humor, and a very clever graphic. Thanks to Chris for saving me some work. I'd be happy to fly Disenchanted Airlines anytime.

I've been wargaming on and off for over two decades, so I was very pleased when the inimitable Instapundit directed me to an article. Wargames article, by Dave Kopel and Glenn Reynolds (the aforementioned Instapundit), said that the US public may actually have more military expertise now than at any other time. I do agree, but as usual, not completely. [Continue reading]

Ken Kesey, one of my generation's cultural icons, died today. He'll be missed.

Friday, 09 Nov 2001

The big question of many Americans seems to be: "will we ever feel safe again?"

No.

Think of this as "tough love". We aren't safe. We never were safe. The only difference between now and September 11 is that now we all know we aren't safe.
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Michael Kinsley (no relation, as far as I know) has written something with which I cannot disagree.
I am a very opinionated person, and I consider myself much more suited to being a columnist than to being a journalist. I have always believed that a reporter should report the facts, and I have been disappointed in most because I have seen too much bias on both sides.
As a result, I've taken to reading news sites from both left and right, in an attempt to get some idea of the facts behind a story. Like Michael, I do find it a bit amusing that the right, who have previously (and accurately) complained of left bias and bragged (Fox still does...inaccurately) that their own reporting was unbiased and fair, is now complaining about--and even condemning--the idea of unbiased journalism.
If I read a reporter, I want facts without the slant. If I want bias, I will read or listen to a columnist. A commentator is supposed to have an opinion. I want reporters to simply give me the facts, and let me form my own opinion.

No rant today. Although I was a bit disappointed that he spent far more time reassuring people who are mostly far more irate than scared, as well as insulting the significant percentage of Americans who are not Christian, Jewish or Muslim, I was nonetheless both pleased and very surprised that he did give some guidance on what we "the people" can do. "Civil defense" on a personal and volunteer level, is something I have been hoping to hear someone (anyone) in the government mention, and had not so far. I consider that portion of President Bush's speech to be a very good indication that the government may not consider us all to be children to be comforted.
So I shan't rant, and I will start collecting information, as soon as it is available, on where/how/when to volunteer to help.

Thursday, 08 Nov 2001

I had a nice rant all ready to post about the US government's "we'll take care of you; just go on as normal but be alert" nonsense, but I've decided to wait until after the President's speech this evening. He is supposed to make some suggestions about what we can do to help. If he tells us to go shopping, you are going to see one serious rant tomorrow!

I suppose it should not be unexpected that members of the government always think in terms of government solutions to problems. We end up with the choice of having the baggage checkers be US employees, or having the government overseeing private companies. From what I've seen of the government employees, I don't think they would be any safer than private employees. The problem is that it is a boring and underpaid job. What we need to do is give them a bit of incentive. John Kass has passed on an excellent idea from one of his readers.

The government should listen to its citizens. There are some good ideas out here!

I've been getting steadily more annoyed with the media fear-mongering that has been going on. I'm obviously not the only one, both John Ziegler and Jill Jacobs have some funny words to say on the subject. After reading these, I decided my intended rant would be a bit redundant.

After seeing this picture of the Taliban Education Minister, I begin to understand why some of those kids don't know anything but fighting.

Monday, 05 Nov 2001

I have found the war blogs to be great sources for interesting news and information on the situation, as well as some of the best commentary around. However, I must admit that I have yet to find anyone whose commentary I agree with all the time, so I thought it might be fun to add yet another voice. I'll leave it up to you to decide where my opinions fall in the politcal 'spectrum'.
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