David Ross wrote: > One last word on this then I'll leave it, too. > Australia banned guns, crime shot up (no pun intended). The nice thing about statistics is that you can always find something that will prove your point... Here in Denmark guns have been banned ever since they were invented (or some time just about then), and I'm sorry to report that in this well-developed country (our standard of living is higher than both Australia and the United States by all accepted international ways of measurement) we have very little crime compared to these two countries, and of a much 'milder' nature. The NRA and its supporters must realise that the public arms-race only escalates the nature of the crimes. As Bahadir said, give the pilots side arms and the terrorists will bring explosives next time... Security must be stepped up on the ground to prevent anyone from bringing anything dangerous aboard the aircraft. What good is 1 sky marshall when he is incapacitated by 4 terrorists? And the two pilots in the cockpit will probably also be outnumbered by the terrorists who have also received their share of weapons training. Remember that the armed cockpit door must be opened in order for the pilots to fire their weapons. That will not be a one-way opening!!! Rgds Jan Broe EKCH ATC Fan of the most peaceful, yet effective solutions