The elevation of the system

to federal status is but one part to make improvements. As has been pointed

out, the current system has its flaws, even if the employees are federalized.

The screening process only checks what is physically susceptible to electronic

detection. It does nothing for and is totally ignorant of any FBI or other

law enforcement watch lists.

Federalizing the system should

also include what is presently in place at all airports for arriving

international flights. A system which scans passports for the INS currently

exists. We need to install the same apparatus at airports for all departing

flights as well, and make enhancements to include multiple federal and

local agency databases into one system, and the result would be a better

way of predetermining who the bad guys are, and profiling those who need

serious questioning and search.

Any lesser system will always

provide an opportunity for those intent on doing harm. Of course, we would

all be required to carry smart-card passports for all domestic, as well

as international, travel, but that is a small price to pay for the best

system available.

We had four airliners turned

into weapons as a result of our failures to properly screen those who

boarded. The business of protecting our nation from harm is the business

of the federal government and the Department of Defense. The business

of domestic and international criminal policing is the business of the

FBI and the CIA. The business of protecting our shores, who is allowed

into the country, and what can be brought in are all the responsibility

of the INS, Customs, and the Coast Guard all federal agencies.

Protecting us from harm aboard

certified U.S. carriers is now part of our national defense.

Juan Matute

Peachtree City

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