But first, Democrats are sneaky. Can't always tell by looking. Why don't you propose branding them with a "D" on the forehead to make it easier for personnel people to do their jobs well.

Second, guns, everyone with guns, are maybe not an answer to violence.

And, third, if they did arm pilots the dumbest thing they could do is tell people. The guns should be a surprise to the bad guys, and that means the good guys, too. That's not very hard to see, I wouldn't think. The only reason to tell people about them is for deterrence, and I don't think that would deter many of your basic terrorist types.

What happens when everyone knows theres a gun on the airplane. Some people think the only way to get at them is to knock on the door and ask, or barge in. And, if you can prevent that you are better off with a gun, to be used at your disgression. Don't think they will knock and ask.

I think a determined terrorist organization could find a workaround, and would go for the guns if they knew they were there. And maybe get them. There are many that could play out other than the classical barge in on the pilots. Heretofore they've barged in because they could.

Cabin personnel come and go. There are ways in. What about a terrorist cabin attendent? What about a first class passenger following one in? Or 4 first class passengers moving at once when the door opened?

And, pilots are strapped in, tiny areas, not much room to manuever. They aren't standing out in front of the swinging doors, hands on hips, waiting for a guy in black clothes on a black horse to ride into town.

Now, these people who studied this issue, presumably Tom Ridge, Mineta, et al. Do you think they are deliberately endangering airline passengers and crews?

Or do you think they believe the passengers and crews are safer without guns on the plane?

Or maybe that there are guns and they don't believe it's any of our business?

My guess is that they considered it and believe that overall everyone is safer without guns than with. But that if guns are desireable, then everyone is safer without everyone knowing about it.

Arf