I read this morning that the British had arrested some twenty people, mostly British citizens, and busted a terror plot to blow up several airplanes en route from the UK to the US. The plan, as far as I’ve been able to gather, was to mix a sports drink with some sort of chemical paste and ignite it with an MP3 player.
It’s a great thing that the British, I think with help from Pakistan, were able to bust the plot. Hundreds of people could have been killed and there’s no telling what sort of effect a successful terrorist mission would have had on the world economy, as much as September 11th hurt our economy. It’s a reminder that these people are out there, still plotting to kill innocent people.
I can’t help but wonder what sort of effect the attempted terror plot will have on the future. Already people have been banned from taking drinks and a number of other things on planes. Here’s a list of carry on rule changes:
- No liquids, including any beverage.
- No gels.
- No shampoo.
- No lotion (including lotion of the suntan persuation).
- No toothpaste
- No lipgloss.
- Baby formula and juice are permitted. Amanda heard that you had to taste it in front of authorities, but I’ve read since she heard this that that’s only a rumor.
- Perscription medicines and some other non-prescription medicines are also allowed.
So here’s the problem with all that. One airplane traveling rule my wife lives by is that you bring basic supplies with you in a carry on bag in case your luggage is lost or delayed. For example, if you’ve got all your basic supplies; toothpaste, mouthwash, maybe deodorant, in your checked luggage and you’re going to be gone for a while, you’re SOL if your baggage gets misplaced, as happened to my sister recently. The airports should do something to make sure their luggage service is better and more efficient.
From what I’m hearing though, people don’t mind the inconvenience for now, but they’re hoping it’s a temporary thing. Our housemate is leaving for France in a few weeks, so I guess I’ll hear about how it goes from her.
Anyway, I’m very glad this terror plot was discovered and foiled. It’s caused mayhem at airports worldwide, with long delays everywhere, the new carry on rules, worry, etc. but it’s all worth the alternative, if the alternative was hundreds of people being blown to bits above the Atlantic Ocean.