Disarm Pilots?

The Obama administration is quietly taking steps to shut down the program that qualifies commercial airline pilots to carry firearms in jetliner cockpits.

Now, I don't know about you, but I'm feeling a bit more safe knowing that if some lunatic tries to take over a commerical airline with a box cutter (as did happen in the tragic 9/11 attacks) that the airline pilot flying the plane I'm on has a gun to ward off attacks.

The administration recently diverted $2 million from a program to train and certify pilots to carry firearms safely while on duty. Instead, it is using the money to hire additional field inspectors to help discipline pilots who step out of line, according to a report in Tuesday’s Washington Times.

(Ok I need to insert "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?" in here about right now)

A Times editorial condemned the Obama administration's action, calling it “completely unnecessary harassment of the pilots.”

Since Obama took office, the approval process for certifying pilots to carry firearms has ground to a halt, the newspaper reports. Pilots are afraid to speak out about the behind-the-scenes maneuverings, for fear of retaliation, according to the newspaper. No cases have been reported in which pilots have brandished a weapon inappropriately or otherwise abused their eligibility to carry firearms.

Hmmm, maybe we won't be as safe on future flights!