An airline pilot denounces security flaws in US airports

PILOT EXPOSING AIRPORT SECURITY FLAWS 

Security measures in airports continue to cause controversy in the U.S. Many passengers have been sending in videos denouncing body scans and intrusive pat down searches and now an airline pilot is criticizing airport security. He has recorded several films in San Francisco on his mobile phone, showing how; in particular, ground staff can easily enter the security zone with a badge and do not undergo any other control. The pilot has refused to reveal his identity. 

But he was sanctioned for these videos. Federal agents confiscated a handgun from his home that had been issued to him as part of an anti-terrorist program. He is accused of divulging sensitive information in these videos that have since been withdrawn from the web.

On his web site, the pilot says he simply wanted to make people aware of the flaws in airport security and is asking web users to contact their Member of Congress and ask for necessary measures to be taken. 

Christopher Elliot is a specialist in passenger rights and supports this initiative.   He thinks current measures give the public a false sense of security and they are not sufficiently protected from potential terrorist attacks. 

And Jeffrey Prince, a consultant in airport security, admits that there are problems. He does feel however that the pilot should have discussed this delicate situation with trade unions or security professionals. 

XENOPHOBIC DEMONSTRATIONS IN ISRAEL 

« Send back the foreigners that have infiltrated our society » was just one of the slogans chanted at an anti-immigrant demonstration in a neighbourhood of Tel Aviv on the 21^st December. Extremists are accusing foreigners of corrupting Israeli society and there have been several attacks on immigrants in recent weeks.

Far right activists gathered in Tel Aviv to protest the arrival of migrant workers in their neighbourhood. These residents of Hatikva in the southern part of the city blame the migrants for the rise in crime in the area.

The country’s Arab communities are also victims of xenophobia. A petition launched by a far right religious party sparked protests like here in Bat Yam where landlords were discouraged from renting out property to foreigners and also Arab Israelis who demonstrators feel are threatening their religion.

In view of this increase in racist feeling, some have taken their defense and are calling for parliament to take action. In this post, Israeli activist Shimon Klein describes the current situation in the country as unacceptable. He says xenophobia is like a cancer on Israeli society and the authorities must deal with it immediately. Others have organized counter demonstrations to protest against this discrimination of foreigners. 

The situation has prompted these Eritrean refugees in Israel to post this open letter online. The immigrants are concerned about the current climate and want to reassure people that they pose no threat to the country. 

BROTHERS BRICK 

The bedroom belonging to Andy, the only human character in Toy Story and also a Terminator bust both built in LEGO. The site “brothers-brick.com” is for LEGO enthusiasts and displays the best creations, classified by theme. The site is also posting the latest news on the toy and proves that LEGO is not just for children.  

PLAY CHESS WITH MARCEL DUCHAMP 

With ‘Playing Duchamp’ you can play chess with artist and chess enthusiast Marcel Duchamp. This program was set up by the artist Scott Kildall and simulates games played by the man who revolutionized 20^th century art. Each game comes with commentary by a chess expert and Marcel Duchamp himself. It’s an original way to combine art and play.

VIDEO OF THE DAY 

The Wikileaks affair and the release of US diplomatic cables continue to inspire web users. This rap track is the latest creation and recaps everything that has happened since the revelations were posted by Julian Assange’s web site … reactions from politicians, cyber-attacks on Wikileaks and also its enemies, Assange’s arrest, - the rapper, Robert Foster, has thought of everything. The track is available on the site “thejuicemedia.com”.