This will probably sound crazy although that could be because we are so influenced by the political correctness about us that serves as blinders.
I believe that the airport security procedures we have exist primarily to impress the innocent traveller with how safe the government makes him. I can't believe determined terrorists won't find a way to take over a flight again in spite of security as they have before in spite of security.
Air marshals are reportedly complaining that needless regulations force them to be too obvious. They believe that they can be converged on and taken out first after having been easily identified in a terrorist attack on an airliner.
Instead of relying on, essentially, a few security guards and ostentatious airport procedures that treat grandma as a terrorist, I would feel safer if I could or other passengers could carry pistols concealed on flights.
What I'm speculating about is letting those who already have concealed carry permits purchase specialized training and have a chance to demonstrate a reasonable level of competency to get an add on to their permits. The purpose would be to carry for their own personal defense and they would have to show they aren't a risk to innocents, air marshals or a hazard to an aircraft.
I'm not saying we don't need air marshals and I'm not saying every passenger should be armed. It would suffice for any potential terrorists to know there could be 10, 20 or 30 or more ordinary people carrying and that there is no way to know which passengers are.
And airport procedures need to allow everyone to board normally without showing who is getting special treatment.
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