August 17, 2006

StreetTalk

by Carol Rosen

In light of last week’s arrests in Britain, what do you think of the precautions the government and airlines are taking to protect the public against terrorists?
(Asked the Almaden Library/Community Center)

“As far as I know from what I hear in the media, the government is working effectively to investigate potential terrorism. I think that America should be very grateful to Britain for foiling that major plot last week.”

Bonnie Olmsted, 39
Almaden
Homemaker


“They [the precautions] are probably inadequate because the threat is considerably stronger than what we’re reacting to. I think our government should review what the rest of the world has done, where they [other countries] have results that are indicative of thwarting such tactics.”

Larry Matthews, 67
Almaden
Retired


“I believe they’re enough. I think they realize the danger, and I hope they keep them [the precautions] up. They can take all the time they want to go through things as long as they keep me safe. It only takes a few extra minutes and it might mean [saving] our lives.”

Mary Stump, 78
Almaden
Retired


"If they really want to be sure that the planes won’t blow up, they should follow [the Israeli airline] El Al’s standards. That airline allows people to bring carry-on bags, but they also have an elaborate and lengthy procedure prior to getting onto the airplane, but it takes awhile. However, Americans get annoyed if they are delayed, so I think the government is doing the best they can."

Nancy Kroll
South San Jose
Retired


“They are taking the precautions they think are necessary. I think these precautions are fine. We need to do whatever is necessary.”

Susan Allmon, 43
Almaden
Homemaker


“I’m not exactly sure about all the precautions. From what I’ve read it appears to be a temporary fix that will in time lighten up and go back to normal."

Mike Haidet, 61
Almaden


“I think they are enough because they are trying to keep up with everything that goes down in the world. They are trying to do everything they can. It takes a certain amount of time to catch up with every different way the terrorists come up with sabotaging the airlines.”

Brent Giuffrida, 32
Willow Glen
Appraiser


"I think they are enough, however, these liquid explosives are a whole new thing. I just hope that by the time I travel to Hawaii in September that I’ll be able to bring water on the plane. While I think the new rules are enough, I don’t think that we are prepared for contingency plans. I think it would be nice to have better contingency plans in place, but right now they are doing the best they can with what they have.”

Kimi Giuffrida, 30
Almaden
Bartender