[andrewb]

Originally Posted by jambutty

We are all taking for granted that the security services were telling the whole truth. Remember a while back when Heathrow was surrounded by heavy armour, no less, because of a ‘security alert’. Just exactly how many ‘terrorists’ were brought to book then? Where were the rocket launchers that were supposed to bring down a plane as it landed or took off?

Then there was the intense search of that house for a chemical bomb that wasn’t there.

Obviously at the time there was intelligence suggesting otherwise. You'd be the first person to jump up and say something if they didn't act when they had recieved intelligence.

By a strange coincidence it was only the other day that the introduction of ID cards was back on the agenda. Then yesterday some Minister was pointing out that we the general public would have to accept a reduction in personal freedom and liberties as part of the battle against terrorism. And now we have this major alert because the security services stated that there MIGHT be bombs in hand luggage on up to 10 planes leaving for the USA.

Strange coincidence? Erm, the police don't listen to orders from our Government. You seem to be suggesting that really nothing was going to happen at all and that they're doing this to get ID cards passed, do you know how sillly that sounds?

To counter this threat the authorities decreed that only certain items contained in a clear plastic bag (supplied by the airport) would be allowed as ‘hand luggage’ with the remainder going into the hold with the main baggage. Strange how the airport just happened to have clear plastic bags to hand for this purpose. Or was it strange? Just how many bomb making bits of equipment have been found? No one is saying. Is that because nothing has been found?

Strange how they 'just happened to have clear plastic bags to hand for this purpose'
WHAT? Just think about what you're saying, first of all how hard is it to aquire plasic bags if you don't already have them?
Second, do you not think they plan things like this in advance? They knew about the threat for a while, and im sure the airports have planned stuff like this since 9/11 at least.
Nothings been found because nobody said it was going to happen today, it could be tomorrow, it could be next week. They are there to stop copycat attacks.

If the terrorist leaders had more than half a brain cell between them, and I’m sure that they are a darned sight cleverer than most of us, they would know that by committing an explosive atrocity would only get the people’s backs up and a resolve not to give in. However false alarms with an occasional real event would keep the security services stretched beyond breaking point and frighten the hell out of the public. Even farmer Giles up in the hills.

They don't have more than half a brain sell between them do they, they're blowing each other up for gods sake.