Whooop!

Our media is amazing. A major, imminent plot to blow commercial airliners between Britain and America to smithereens foiled; thousands of lives saved; intelligence techniques implemented since 9/11 successfully employed to uncover these plans, and what makes front page news? The personal trauma of those who must endure the sudden new restrictions on air travel. The delays caused by heightened security. The frustration of airline travelers over the delays and the sudden ban of carrying common products onto the plane.

Yes, media is reporting facts about the case as they become known. We can acknowledge that. But why this secondary fixation on air travelers moaning over having to dispose of personal items, particularly liquids? (“A senior congressional source said it is believed the plotters planned to mix a British sports drink with a gel-like substance to make a potent explosive that could be ignited with an MP3 player or cell phone.” -- amazing) How many reports have there been about disgust over these new “silly” security requirements?

Normal citizens might well wonder where the reports are that commend these successful intelligence efforts. Where is the acknowledgement that those serious about the reality of this war have just saved thousands of innocent lives? Does anyone imagine that Sen. Chuck Schumer (D – New York), vacationing in England and other European nations, will acknowledge that the steps taken by the Bush administration to fight this war might have saved the lives of his wife and him?

Well, chuckschants and friends tip our hats and say “THANK YOU” to the intelligence, police, and military forces of America and allies. We especially say “THANK YOU” to the British forces who saved literally thousands of lives. Or, reverting to an earlier period in my life, issuing a Texas Aggie “WHOOP!” as I listened to the stories of this plot unfold.