Perry Metzger addresses the actual reported terrorist plot from the UK: First he addresses the chemical and logistical plausibility of what the news media have reported the terrorists as planning, and concludes that they would have had an interesting time actually pulling it off without spilling or being detected, unless they brought major constituent parts onboard already mixed, which is something we’ve known for a long time could be done. In other words, this doesn’t look to him like a new threat, so why are airlines and governments reacting as if it was, by adding all sorts of new searches and restrictions on carryon baggage?

And now, on to the fun part of this note. First they came for the nail clippers, but I did not complain for I do not cut my finger nails. Now they’ve come for the shampoo bottles, but I did not complain for I do not wash my hair. What’s next? What will finally stop people in their tracks and make them realize this is all theater and utterly ridiculous? Lets cut the morons off at the pass, and discuss all the other common things you can destroy your favorite aircraft with. Bruce Schneier makes fun of such exercises as “movie plots”, and with good reason. Hollywood, here I come!

On the implausibility of the explosives plot. by Perry E. Metzger, 11 Aug 2006, Interesting People.

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