Napolitano, The System Failed

By now, many of you know there was a flight from Amsterdam to Detroit, Michigan that experienced a terrorist attack. Thankfully there were passengers on board that subdued the terrorist and foiled his plan to destroy the airplane and kill the 289 people on board. When asked about the incident, Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano said “The system worked.” She couldn’t be more wrong and has succumbed to criticism, retracted her statement, and agreed that the system indeed did not work.
                The security procedures at the airport were not followed. This man paid for a one way ticket overseas in cash and had no luggage. He was reported by his own father to the U.S. Embassy for radical activity and was on several security watch lists, including a no fly list from one country. There is said to be more than enough information to give this man special attention before being allowed to board an airplane.
               It has been made clear that officials have no idea how to prevent further events like this from happening. Today, following the attack, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) began making rule changes for passengers on board the airplanes. They suggested that passengers not be allowed to leave their seats during the last hour of the flight and they must sit there with their hands visible. They too have proven susceptible to criticism and have made those rules the captain’s prerogative. These simple minded suggestions are proof that they have no idea where the system failed. The terrorist had his bomb making materials in his underwear and I have no doubt that he would have been fine detonating it well before one hour remained in the flight. It might ease some stress levels for travelers if they would recognize where the system failed so they can address that rather than creating some ridiculous hoops for passengers to jump through.