Awesome news. Check out this story over at Fox News
WASHINGTON — After nearly a week of intense, behind-the-scenes wrangling, congressional negotiators late Tuesday agreed to include in the pending Sept. 11 security bill sweeping liability protections for citizens who report to authorities suspicious activity they fear might be linked to terrorism.
The "John Doe Protections" provision is meant to address the so-called "Flying Imams" case wherein six Muslim clerics in March sued passengers aboard a U.S. Airways flight because the passengers reported them to authorities, leading to their detention. The clerics were later cleared but their lawsuit, many lawmakers feared, would discourage future vigilance among the flying public.
For much more detail and discussion, check out Michelle M.
This is all very well and good. The people have won again. But it is the height of absurdity that we should have to argue for protection for John Does to remain anonymous. I have been flying only US Air since this incident (the flying Imams) and each time the US Air counters at the airport have been very crowded and the flights near full. I think it would be interesting to start an email campaign requesting that all of our elected representatives (House and Senate) start flying only commercial flights. I would truly, truly like to see our representatives go through taking off their shoes, going through security, being wanded, and handing over their toiletries in 2 ounce bottles in plastic bags, especially those who attempted to block the John Doe amendment.
I trust space-A travel in the USAF Air Mobility Command since we pack HEAT and no USAF plane will be hijacked – period.
I trust Germany’s Luftansa and El-Al (Israel)as well. The Germans and Israelis know how to read passports and screen passengers BEFORE you board. The 9-11 Operation Holy Tuesday slaughter of 2,996 Americans and foreigners (120) only cost $500,000 for Al-Qaeda to pull off and still we are pathetic when it comes to airport security.