Comments on: Let the challenges begin

By: Trevor

Trevor — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 17:11:02 +0000

Unfortunately, Mr. Theus, I feel you are introducing a red herring. Criminals won’t, and don’t follow your bureaucratic ban. And how many concealed carry permit holders have initiated gun violence at Hartsfield-Jackson? I would guess zero.

I’d also guess that I, as a private citizen, am a better shot than 95% of your “trained security professionals” at Hartsfield-Jackson. The “gun free” zone idea is about control, not security.

Futhermore, it is ridiculous to expect people who carry weapons on their person or in their vehicles to find a safe storage location somewhere in Atlanta just so they can pickup or dropoff a friend, family member or business associate.

Hartsfield-Jackson’s designation as a “gun-free” zone is no more useful than a ban on cancer and about as effective. If an armed group of professional terrorists ever decides to attack Hartsfield-Jackson airport, I assure you that your “gun free” zone will only help them to achieve their goals.

I am tired of security theater and officious pronouncements about how the public cannot be trusted with the same tools as government. I wear the uniform and have served in a combat zone. I am no more likely to randomly spray gunfire at Hartsfield-Jackson airport than I was when I lived and worked in downtown Baghdad and I’m insulted by your need to preach. My fellow law-abiding citizens and I, the ones who choose to exercise our carry rights, represent no more threat to the sanctity and security of your airport and its travelers than any of your armed, uniformed employees do.

By: Orzy Theus

Orzy Theus — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:47:33 +0000

Hartsfield-Jackson is a gun-free zone based on sound legal authority and clear common sense. It is also a public safety necessity.

We are in compliance with the public gathering exception found in Georgia law which prohibits firearms in publicly-owned or operated buildings. Because the Airport is owned and operated by the City of Atlanta, we are exercising our legal authority.

The public safety necessity is the reality with which the aviation industry is still operating in a post-9/11 era. Every day the FBI, federal air marshals, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the Atlanta Police Department and other law enforcement are working to ensure that firearms do not pose a danger to air travel.

I believe the common sense factor is clear to most Georgians. Law enforcement is ample at the Airport, and crimes against persons are extremely rare. As one Atlanta Journal-Constitution blogger put it, “Airports are (among) the most secure places these days… There are cops everywhere.” Calling on your common sense, I ask this question: Why jeopardize that security?

Unless you are traveling with a weapon properly secured in checked luggage in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration and TSA regulations or you are a sworn federal, state or local law enforcement officer or armored security personnel, you are not allowed to carry weapons on airport property.

Hartsfield-Jackson’s designation as a gun-free zone is a necessary position that will help ensure the safety of the millions of people who come through the Airport’s doors.

– Senior PR Manager Orzy Theus

By: T F Stern

T F Stern — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 23:37:45 +0000

While it may take a while for the challenges to surface, they will happen; either through natural situations or through a concerted effort by some group or individual intent on forcing the issue.