August 15, 2006

Back from the UK Drama

I just spent the last week in the UK, and lucky me, I arrived a day before the Heathrow drama took place so I got off lightly. I got back yesterday night so I managed to fly back home the day they had lowered the threat to critical. That still meant clear plastic bags, no liquid and limited items as handbaggage. I still managed to purchase a book once checked in; "1000 places to see before you die". How appropriate.

Nothing strange about flying, apart from perhaps x-raying my shoes and a few delays here and there. I wonder if this will be the default travel style of the future or if it is something that will pass? there is talk that Australia might propose a ban on handluggage permanently.

The people working in security at Heathrow told me they thought x-raying shoes was stupid.

On the news one could hear reports that BAA and other airports around Britain had urged the British Government to lower the security threat alert.

So I ask myself... why keep on x-raying summer flip flops and the likes?

What better way to create and instill fear in a general public? Now not only will we look suspiciously at anyone Asian or Arab, Muslim or as often mistaken for one, Sikhs, but they have also placed the threat in something as ordinary as shoes. It is quite brilliant... fear is a great, subtle weapon and convincing device.

14 comments:

nzm said...

It's quite pathetic really - as well as searching small children.

Shaykhspeara Sha'ira said...

Yeah, there was a family infront of me and all the small kids with their cute little fip flops had to take them off and get them x-rayed. Now there's a "hardened criminal".

BuJ said...

we're under threat.. we're all in danger but luckly our government is taking care of the situation and they will do whatever to protect us from terrorists.. the shoe x-raying is only for your protection.. remember we're at war with terrorism....

Shaykhspeara Sha'ira said...

Thank you Mr. Blair, I mean Buj. lol

Destitute Rebel said...

Shaira dont you know its for our own good. If they didnt do that who would protect us.

Shaykhspeara Sha'ira said...

Yes who indeed...

Arabized said...

anyone see the movie v for vendetta?

Shaykhspeara Sha'ira said...

Actually biz I haven't yet although I want to. How come? Is it good?

BuJ said...

biz.. i have seen it.. it's good but sad... and it is just a movie-adaptation of the real life we live today.
crap.

Shaykhspeara Sha'ira said...

Wow, some strong emotions there. Sometimes life is crap...I agree...but good part is, crap is not forever :)

EXSENO said...

V for Vendetta, I saw it. Yes it's very good. If I got the meaning correctly it is aout Fearing your government it is not always for you. It can be your worst terrorist.

Shaykhspeara Sha'ira said...

Well then I would say the movie is more than accurate for the times we live in now.

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