Knives on a Plane

Recently, the TSA decide we can carry knives on planes again. 

My new knife 

I’m going to enjoy this, because a while after the 9/11 attack, I accidentally had a pocketknife with me in an airport.  The X-ray people were all in a flurry when they detected it, and the woman who confronted me acted like I was a menace to society.  So I lost that one. 

More recently, I forgot again.  This time, the TSA acted much more routinely about it, and the young man who pointed it out asked me in a friendly manner if I had anyone out in the lobby I could give it to.  Since I didn’t, I also lost that one. 

Now the TSA has said we can carry knives on planes again!  (Be careful to make sure your knife falls within their guidelines, like the new one pictured above that I bought a couple weeks ago.)  In fact, the former TSA chief gave this statement: 

“They ought to let everything on that is sharp and pointy. Battle axes, machetes ... bring anything you want that is pointy and sharp because while you may be able to commit an act of violence, you will not be able to take over the plane. It is as simple as that.” 

So as long as the pilots are protected, it doesn’t matter if some hypothetical individual terrorizes the passengers, according to this man I quoted.  (My careful language is in case Homeland Security looks at my blog.) 

But I’m looking forward to the next easing of the rules.