No Knives On Planes – NADA/F Opposes Loosening of TSA Rules
Back on March 13, we sent the following press release about the TSA plan to loosen the rules around the prohibited items. Shortly thereafter, flight attendants, airlines, screeners and the public came out against the loosening of the rules too.
Head of the TSA, John Pistole, announced a delay in implementation. Senators Schumer and Murkowski requested the inspector general to look into the TSA decision making.
But, since Pistole has no actual plans to reverse course, it warrants repeating. Although the delay was supposed to be 60 days, the feedback deadline is May 17. Please continue to send the message to your representatives. No Knives on Planes! Pistole is Wrong! There has been no transparency of which “stakeholders” approved this change!
RELEASE
National Aviation Disaster Family Members Opposed to TSA Poor Decision to Allow Passengers to Carry Pocket Knives, Baseball Bats and Golf Clubs on Commercial Airline Flights!
The National Air Disaster Alliance/Foundation (NADA/F), founded by air crash survivors and family members, is shocked and strongly opposed to the TSA (Transportation Security Agency) decision to allow passengers to carry pocket knives and more on board aircraft. TSA is responsible for the safety and security measures, and can find other ways to be cost effective. All levels of our U.S. government need to realize that Aviation Safety and Security is National Security. TSA said passenger knives conform to international standards. However, it was the U.S. that was attacked on 9/11, and the U.S must lead with the highest levels of Aviation Security.
I share with you, comments from our NADA/F Board Members and Members, and let their words be the Voice of the Victims for TSA to continue to ban knives and weapons from flights, and protect the traveling public.
Matt Ziemkiewicz, President, NADA/F
Brother to Flight Attendant Jill Ziemkiewicz, TWA 800
TSA Administrator John Pistole said, “Razor blades and box-cutters, like those used by the 9/11 terrorists, will still be banned. There is too much emotion involved with those.” This is not an emotional issue, and shows revisionist history at its worst. Knives on planes are a real and demonstrated danger. Flight Attendants and passengers are the last line of defense, and commercial aviation must be safe and secure. We do need to be able to travel without fear.
–Diane Horning, NADA/F Board Member
Mother of Matthew Horning, killed September 11, 2001
Have we gone nuts? We have come full circle into banning these because they caused 9/11, into now being told and believing that the threat is over? What was it that caused 9/11?
Ahh… I remember now. “A failure of imagination…”
–Kathy and Gordon Haberman, NADA/F Board Members
Parents of Andrea Haberman, 9/11 World Trade Center
As parents of our daughter who died on 9/11, we are opposed to the change to allow pocket knives on commercial airplanes. It was widely reported in the initial aftermath of 9/11 that the hijackers used box cutters, but none were ever found, and the actual weapons used were never confirmed, per the 9/11 Commission Report.
Does Mr. Pistole have a loss of memory? Is 9/11 no longer viewed as a catastrophic event? Mr. Pistole said stakeholders are aware of the change. What stakeholders support allowing knives on planes? The TSA must ensure that all possible measures be taken to avoid such a disaster again. The ban on knives and weapons should not be changed.
–Thomas & Joann Meehan, NADA/F Members
Parents of Coleen Ann Meehan Barkow, 9/11 World Trade Center
We know that TSA is trying to save money, but at what horrible price?
–Barbara McFann
Widow of Ted McFann, Delta Captain
