Editorial: Good Security Methods should include Profiling - 19 Action News|Cleveland, OH|News, Weather, Sports

Editorial: Good Security Methods should include Profiling

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CLEVELAND, OH (WOIO) - By all accounts, air travelers during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend endured the now infamous TSA security pat-down without incident. 

I'm happy about that but still when I see video of average Americans spread-eagled before uniformed screeners enduring the most invasive inspection this side of a doctor's office, I can't help but think that once again the terrorists have won. They have forced us to sacrifice another portion of our liberty and it doesn't have to be this way.

We don't have to molest little old ladies or children in the security line. The Israelis don't employ these methods what they do instead is profile passengers. Now, the very word "profiling" ignites charges of racism and bigotry in our politically-correct culture but before you join in those accusations consider the fact that the israelis haven't had an airline incident yet in this age of terrorism. And furthermore the Israelis utilize a multi-faceted method of risk assessment that includes personal interviews with each passenger on each flight. 

Yes, religion, race and ethnicity play a role in this risk assessment they should. After all, in the past decade most of those accused in terrorism cases were Muslim and they traced their national or ethnic identity to a handful of specific countries. The security methods now in place at our airports appear more theatrical than practical. It would be better if we recognized that profiling is not a dirty word when it comes to protecting American lives.

Write and let me now what you think. I'm Bill Applegate.

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