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A Scrimmage Before Gameday

After September 11, 2001, all airports in the United States of America were mandated to improve their "airport safety;" in short, improvements to make certain that terrorists and bombs do not have a chance to enter an airplane. Interestingly enough, I read an article, written by Jeanne Meserve and Mike M. Ahlers, about a fake bomb that passed airport security. Jason, a red team tester from the Transportation Security Administration, strapped a fake bomb to his lower back and proceed to follow the normal procedures. When walking through the metal detector the alarm sounded, not because of the bomb but for a different reason; he had metal screws in his knee. Jason then was asked to move to the side where he was then searched with a wand and padded down. When the security officer felt his lower back, Jason then explained it was a back brace for his "bum back" - he was then allowed to enter the airport where he would have boarded his plane.

This was absolutely shocking. After seven years of constant banter about airport safety, this proves that the airports are not as safe as they should be. Either procedures are not being followed or standards are not being met, which leaves loop holes for terrorists to find. Honestly, something must be done to make a hundred percent sure that the events of 9/11 will not occur again. If events like this one keeps up, I'm not sure how safe our country is or will be in the future. A red team leader commented, "Today ... was a scrimmage; every day, every time a passenger is coming through [airport security] -- that is game day;" i sure hope the team does not chock on these game days, otherwise there will be serious problems, (2007 Meserve). *To watch the video of Jason being searched click this link: Jason's video.

Another second article, similar to this one, is about a loaded gun that passed through security. Mr. George Scott Hinkle realized he had a loaded gun on him as he entered the airport, so he reported back to security and reported the error that was made. Unfortunately, he was then charged by the police with possession of a firearm in an airport terminal. Whether or not this is fair is up to one's own opinion.