Fear of Flying? Ryan John

I typically only travel by plane two or three times a year.  Of course, since September 11th, I can't help but remember what happened and consider the possibility of that same event unfolding the day I fly. But then I consider how many commercial plans are flying that day, and the probability factor immediately rules any fear I may have that a terrorist is one of a hundred passengers on my flight.  I'm more afraid of shark attacks when swimming out in the ocean than I am boarding a flight...even after the Abdulmutallab Christmas Day incident.

Of course the incompetency of our intelligence to not put him on a no fly list will be resolved by tighter security and scrutiny at the airports for everyone.  Although his name was in a terrorist database, why wasn't he on a no fly list even after he had been reported by his father who is an extremely prominent and well respected Nigerian?  Maybe the mans opinion of his own son should have been considered a little more heavily.  Why was he allowed to fly without a passport?  And at the very least, why did he not encounter additional screening at the airport that would have easily detected the chemical explosives in his underwear?

When I heard of the potentially tragic event on Christmas I immediately look at it through my conspiratorial lenses.  It's almost like our government is inviting another act of terrorism.  And  I think think that because I assume the people who run the show are very intelligent people.  But when I hear that a guy like this was allowed to fly I have to assume there is more than meets the eye.  Like I said, I'll continue to board a flight calmly for now.  I'd start to feel apprehension if these things start to happen every few months.  However, I'm guessing if that were the case, the FAA would probably just cease commercial flights or curb them significantly.  So, this year I'll travel less because I don't have the money.  Not because I'm afraid to board a flight.