Those Rat Bastard Terrorists

I woke up this morning on news that a massive terrorist plot had been thwarted by British authorities.  It seems that an unknown number of terrorists planned to board planes in Europe headed for the US and explode them using liquid explosives disguised as shampoo, toothpaste, or some other typical liquid.  Twenty-one have been arrested so far. 

As we approach the five-year anniversary of 9/11, I’m not surprised terrorist activities are on the increase.  I always found it interesting that insurgents, rebels, and even the entrenched “rebels,” such as the Soviet & Cuban communists, seemed to have such an affinity for anniversaries and birthdays.  In my younger day, they celebrated such events by rolling out all their phallic symbols (missiles), having everyone dress up in military dress uniform, and parading down the square—any square, with goose-step precision.  Ah, those were the good old days of oppression.

But, the major thing that concerns me will startle women all over the country this morning, way ahead of their caffeine absorption—hand carried liquids will no longer be allowed on the plane.  What this means:

• No liquids or gels are allowed in carry-on baggage. This includes beverages, shampoo, toothpaste, lotions, sunscreen, or creams. Such items should be put into checked luggage, consumed or discarded.
• Exceptions are granted for infant formula, breast milk or juice for infants traveling. Prescription drugs and insulin are also allowed with proper identification.
• The government recommends that passengers pack light to speed up the process of going through security. Long delays are being reported.
• Carry-on bags are being checked at the gate.

What?  Most of us seasoned travelers do not check our bags and carry one small roller bag and another “small bag” full of those necessities such as our shampoo and toothpaste—of course we carry those on—the airline will lose our checked suitcase!  Also, most of us buy very “specialized” product and what this will mean is that we either will have to wait for our checked bags – which also means waiting in long lines to check said bag, or going without our product and going with those little hotel bottles of shampoo—and oh, no those just won’t do!  I envision massive uprisings across the country as this knowledge dawns on American women as this day goes on. 

The terrorist uses surprise and stealth, and the only way to defeat that is by having accurate and timely intelligence. ~ Bill Nelson

Published on: Aug 10, 2006