Do this man's suggestions make sense or is it over-reaction to security threats?

Trains Magazine General Discussion
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As an American who has lived in Israel for 46 years, since the age of 20, and as a journalist who has covered sensitive security matters for the past 30 years, I feel an obligation to share security concerns with America at this time.

Based on experience with the civilian front at war in Israel, there are levels of precaution and preparedness that it would be worthy – and could be life saving – to share with the US at this time.

Why now?

Because the current US led military attack on the city of Mosul, the jewel of the Islamic State and its last stronghold in Iraq, may generate ISIS reprisals against US citizens on US soil.

This is a time that American citizens should turn to the US government and US Congress to demand that precautionary measures be adopted throughout the country.

One of the cardinal rules of thumb in the Middle East culture of conflict is that reprisal against civilian lives can be expected, even if, and sometimes preferably if, the revenge may cost the life of the attacker.

This not a time to engage in denial.

Expect such an attack from a determined foe like the Islamic State.

What are some standard security measures taken in Israel – as a matter of course – that can be implemented to help US citizens cope with the premonition of terror attacks?

-All modes of transport must be protected with guards, especially intercity trains.

-Guards must be immediately placed at all public buildings, places of worship, hospitals, campaign rallies, sporting events, restaurants, amu

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Sacrificing our constitutional rights for perceived safety is an action nobody should be expected to perform.

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We have nothing to fear but fear itself.

As horrific as the attacks of 9/11 were, in fact, they were very limited. I don’t think some of these folks realize just how big this country is.

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“Those who surrender freedom for security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one.”

I side with Ben.

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The inhabitants of the Middle East are genetically defective!

They have no compromise gene as the rest of humanity does. The have been at war with each other since the dawn of recorded history and most likely will continue those actions until the end of humanity.

If a wall needs built, it is around the Middle East, with a dome to make sure the hate doesn’t bubble over the top of the wall.

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Not sure about the “centuries of war” being more prevalent in the Mideast in contrast with European/US history since 1500. However, several flashpoint issues exist, one since 1945, which have little likelihood of reaching a solution as long as outsiders meddle and prop up the opposing actors.

So-called security measures are often early steps toward a police state.

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Here in Israel we do face the kind of attacks this newspaper man is referring to. Putting aside the conditions in the West Bank and in Gaza, where one must look over one’s shoulder and be very careful in what one says, even in very private situations, in Israel i do not believe the kind of security measures he is recommending have led in any way to a police state. There are newspapers and TV and radio commentators who crticize government policies, and some cases their salaries are actually paid from tax revenues earmarked for specific services and programs. What it would involve is what has been discussed already, extending the kind of security one experiences at airports to other locations of massive gatherings of people. It is not a question of a police state but rather a loss of personal freedom through great inconvenience. in israel, railroad stations are guarded like airports, and people and luggage do pass through detectors. But the national railroad system is a closed system, grade crossings are very few in number, and I don’t think this journalist realizes how difficult this idea would be to apply to the USA long-distance, corridor, and commuter networks.

My understanding that some Universities in the USA and Canada started doing this several years ago, that entry to their campuses requires a security check. I think grade schools and kindergardens specifically should have this kind of security in North America.

At the same time, common sense could be applied, rather than political correctness at all costs. I’ve been going in and going out of the Hebrew U. campus for the last 20-1/2 years. A lot of the security guards know me. So most of the time, I breeze right through. When one stops me I know he is new on the job, and a patiently wait while my briefcase is opened. possibly even my laptop, and identification examined. Even at my own Yeshiva, i sometimes have to explain to a new guard who I am and go through t

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I liked the good old Near East, somebody else’s problem, not ours.

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JEEZE! Where to start? Talk abut potentially, politically charged… Dave Klepper deserves an answer As an American ex-Pat, who by his own admission has lived in Israel and abroad for 46 years.

So my guess is, his experience with life here is not much more current than maybe Vietnam era, or Post Vietnam era. Certainly, things have changed, and possibly drastically in his experiences. Especially, since 9/11/2001; He does not mention traveling back here for visits; I would assume he has been back, but unknown how familiar he is with the current civil and political climate in the USA.

Starting with his last question,first: As to Public Transportation; Out here in Central Kansas, some local communities and counties have some local bus transportation services ( some free and some by subscripton(?). Wichita has an intra-city, governemt sponsored/fare supported bus operation. And of course, most families have their own personal transportation resources. Guards, my guess, is that the police respond to incidents as needed(?). Can’t speak to presence of private security forces; I know some are armed and some are not, depending on how their services are contracted. I work (parttime) at the local VA Hospital, They are served by an armed, Federal Uniformed Police Dept. One does seem to see a growing number of armed civilians (Constitutional Carry [Open and CC] legal here in Kansas). Certainly, a difference in daily living, as compared to some living in or around some of the country’s Major urban areas?

As to the Local Public Schools and Universities: It seems that there are requirements for ID Badges ( worn on neck lanyards). Most Public Schools have one ‘monitored’ entrance during school hours, and some schools monitor students coming in at start, and end of schiool day ( Teachers assigned to Doorways).

Many schools have a local Police Dept supplied, armed ’

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A quote with which Brother Klepper may not be familiar:

“I would never attack mainland America. There would be a rifle behind every blade of grass.” Isoroku Yamamoto, FAdm, IJN.

Granted that New York City’s law-abiding population has long been disarmed, out here in the Old West there are many places, including major cities, where one can go about one’s business with iron on both hips. Only the Federal controls on transportation prevent that from extending to planes and trains.

Judging by the news, a lot of would be and wannabe ISIS/ISIL fighters have been having close encounters with a very effective anti-terrorist underground. Before long, they’ll surpass drug users as the major part of our prison population…

Chuck

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One of the principles of war is surprise. It gets old, and terrifying, really quickly. This is what Israel has endured. To think that any other self-respecting populace insisting on some rudimentary security and predictability won’t adopt their methods ere long is a bit naive, methinks.

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When Abraham sent Hagar and Ishmael away God said he would protect them and they would be a great nation, “who will be a thorn in the side of Israel forever”. Nobody is going to solve this.

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“The police are not here to create disorder, they’re here to preserve disorder.” - Richard J. Daley

Seems the more police we have to more Crime there is…The public will push back when the boot is on there head.

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That Mayor Daley quote is appropriate since I just learned that Tom Hayden passed away. Not many of the Chicago 7 are left anymore.

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To set the reocord straight, I moved fro New York City to Jerusalem in the summer of '96. In addition to NY, considerable portions of my life were spent in Cambridge, Mass., For Bragg, NC, Westmont, IL., and Detroit and its suburb Southfieild. Before 1996, I visited Israel often, starting in 1960. Born in NYC in Jan.'32. Been to all 48, but not Hawaii or Alaska.

Glad to know the current extent of security at USA schools. Seems OKto me.

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+1

I only wish more Americans had the clearness of sight to see things the way you do. Well done sir.

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THAT really is the main problem. Which is how we have made ourselves target.

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There, “fixed”.

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I guess I don’t understand how the second amendment covers a bomb under the seat of a commuter train, but then I lack insight.

Israel is an armed camp, with enemies sworn to destroy her right next door. America is not that. terrorists took down the World Trade Center, and hit the pentagon, but those are high visibility targets. I have zero fear they will blow up the Capitol Limited between Pittburgh and Cleveland. I don;t feel the lack of metal detectors and someone inspecting my shoes to get on that train.

WHy not blow up the DC Metro right under the mall? How would security go about preventing that? Inspect everyone who enters the system? Metal detectors everywhere? What if two separate people carry bottles of relatively innocent precursors to nerve gas? They meet in the depot/station/ rail car/wherever, mix their chemicals, et voila, ricin gas. We need to inspect every foot of track every day, because a bomb under a bridge could take out an Acela train. Having sidearms on every passenger doesn;t stop those threats.

But why would they blow up a commuter train when they could bring down a loaded 747? I don’t fear terrorists at the local grade school, I fear the estranged father out to get at the wife. I fear the deranged teenager who stole grandpa’s rifle. COULD ISIS come to my town? Sure. Are they likley to? No.

When I was younger, people hijacked airplanes to Cuba. With relations thawing between the USA and Cuba perhaps it is less of a problem, but I really doubt anyone ever hijacked a train to Cuba.

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Well said. A note of factual sanity in a maelstrom of fear-mongering hysteria for political gain.