Senator Schumer calling for “No Ride List”

In the wake of the killing of Osama bin Laden, New York Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer is calling for a “No Ride List” for train travelers, similar to the “No Fly List” created for airline passengers. The lists are designed for individuals suspected of terrorist activity or pose as a threat to the country’s national security.

The information seized from Osama bin Laden’s compound in Pakistan discovered plans which included targeting railway trains that pass through major cities including Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington D.C. and New York. Because of the lax in security at train stations, Senator Schumer said “that’s why I’m calling for the creation of an Amtrak no ride list. That would take the secure flight program and apply it to Amtrak trains.”

Rather strange that this was not set up in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks ten years ago, don’t you agree?

With nearly 150,000 miles of train and freight track in this country, one could certainly argue the possibility of monitoring and securing the railway system would be difficult. This stretch of train tracks doesn’t even count the subway systems in major cities.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano is insisting that security will be stepped up in all public transportation eventually. What’s next? Do cab and bus drivers have to pat down passengers too?

More than likely, this means that if you wish to travel by plane, train or ship, you’ll be subjected to those invasive pat downs and body scanning machines. We’ve already seen this fiasco from the TSA at airports nationwide.

In general, most Americans understand the government’s role in protecting the country from suspected terrorists. What we don’t need in this country is to have every single form of public transportation controlled by the TSA and give them the right to basically sexually assault people including children. It is quite disgusting.

While Senator Schumer’s idea of a “No Ride List” is certainly debatable, a much better idea for DHS to impose is simple: Profile passengers!