US security measures trigger vehement resentment

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Thursday, January 15, 2004

US security measures trigger vehement resentment

Recently, the series of security measures taken by the United States have triggered much dispute worldwide. Fingerprint-leaving supporters stress that from the viewpoint of biomedicine, fingerprints are the only means of genetic code identification. Opponents claimed it a sheer "racialist action" that "violates human rights" and "hurts people's dignity".

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A man on official business flying around the world recently told the reporter angrily that "I will get angry with anybody who says the world has become safer after the 'September 11' incident!"

Don't get heated, isn't it that numerous measures have been taken to ensure safety? Especially since last Christmas Eve, intelligence about lurking terrorists has led to the cancellation of several French and British flights to America; beginning from January 5, travelers from most countries around the world are required to leave their fingerprints and photos upon their entry into America; foreign airlines are requested to assign armed security personnel to their US-bound planes. A new regulation even stipulates that crew members flying over the United States should tell their passengers once every two hours not to gather outside the toilet, or any other spots on the plane!

"The more this kind of measures", the more I feel unsafe, for they only bring psychological fatigue to me!" argued the man.

To be frank, many people hold the same view. Recently, the series of security measures taken by the United States have triggered much dispute worldwide. Fingerprint-leaving supporters stress that from the viewpoint of biomedicine, fingerprints are the only means of genetic code identification. Opponents claimed it a sheer "racialist action" that "violates human rights" and "hurts people's dignity". Reaction from Brazil is particularly strong, which even asked Americans entering the country also to leave their fingerprints.

Countries are divided in their opinion about the stipulation that armed security personnel are required to be assigned to their US-bound planes. Israel, Germany, France and Switzerland do not have much objection but Portugal, Sweden, Denmark, South Africa and Thailand express firm opposition, thinking that the move would only cause bigger danger and disorder. Spokesman for the South Africa Airway, which has 28 flights every week for Atlanta and New York, said they would rather cancel their flights than "yielding" to US requests. Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra made it clear on January 6 that he would not allow assignment of armed guards on his country's flights. "We don't need to go that far". Although the British government has always sided with America, the British Airways and pilots' trade union are much worried about this: should the crew know in advance the disposition of security men in plain clothes on the plane? Will these men arrogantly interfere with the normal work of the crew? Do union members have the right to choose flights without security personnel?

Some other critics claimed that there was a strong political flavor behind these new security measures of America, which was closely linked with the US presidential election scheduled for November. A EU air transportation official called these measures completely "unilateralist and reckless". A director from the International Air Transportation Association said that people actually are unafraid of flying but these new measures of America had brought their flying pleasure to naught, "isn't this an action taken by the Bush administration with an aim to get points in the election this year"?

When people in this world are locked in endless quarrels, the successful landing of "Spirits" on Mars turned their eyes to space. Since it seems that nowhere in the world is safe, a major US newspaper wrote a commentary entitled "Take us all to Mars". But is it so amusing in Mars? Not necessarily! A large batch of international cartoonists, with great inspiration, drew a Mars vehicle or "an entrance to Mars", there fingerprints are also required; or the following question is asked by "people" on Mars, "why do Americans come here since we don't have WMD or oil?" or it is surprised to see the sudden appearance of the long hidden Ben Laden...

The world was plunged into utter chaos after "September 11". Safety is indeed a major matter for human beings on earth, it is only natural to ensure the safety of the nationals of a country by every possible means. Though it is evident that stricter security measures have been adopted, why many people have visibly lost their sense of security? Why there are not fundamental policies healing the global insecurity? Failure to tackle the problem from the root will only lead to exhaustion. America will be safe only after all people are safe. An arrogant and arbitrary attitude that cares nothing but one's own security would only weaken his safety, and it's thought-provoking that even Brazil, which has always been mild in diplomacy, asked Americans to "leave your fingerprints".

By People's Daily Online

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