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Too Safe

Entry 997, on 2009-04-26 at 22:00:11 (Rating 2, Politics)

A recent proposal to introduce more security for domestic flights in New Zealand doesn't seem to be getting much support from the public. Last year a crazed individual tried to hijack a minor domestic flight but I can't think of any other times that the security of a domestic flight was a concern.

Of course everyone would like assurances of increased security for air travel but you don't get anything positive without some negatives. Having negatives doesn't mean the new actions aren't worth having, we simply have to look at the balance of factors.

Most people seem to think that the new security already in place for international flights is too great a price to pay (in convenience and cost) for the extra safety it provides - at least that's the conclusion I see from anecdotal evidence. Surely domestic flights are even less in need of added security - the public support for this was shown by a recent Herald poll where over 70% thought extra security was unnecessary.

I agree. In fact, I think we try far too hard to protect people from the hazards of modern life in general. Maybe if I was the victim of one of those hazards: a terrorist attack, hijacking, car accident caused by speed or alcohol, etc, I might feel differently but I don't think so.

There are some things worse than having our freedom affected by external problems (like terrorists) - for example restrictions on our freedom from within our own culture - like the type of laws which try to protect us from every little potential hazard.

On the other hand few people would want no security at all, so it is all a matter of balance again. I'm sure the politicians who introduce new restrictive laws think they are doing the right thing and achieving the right balance but I think most of them are wrong. There is such a thing as "too safe".

Comment 1 (2005) by Jim on 2009-04-27 at 21:10:22:

This is now twice in a week I agree with you. Maybe you are finally starting to see sense. People need to be responsible for themselves and the state should back off!

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