twitter's Journal: Domestic Flight Rule Changes Worse Than Reported.

Disturbing details about proposed air travel rule changes are being uncovered by rights activists. Those of you who thought the changes would never happen because they are so stupid are in for a rude surprise.

Edward Hasbrouk, The Practical Nomad blogger who's been fighting the plan (and who testified about it at a TSA hearing) [says] "The international Advance Passenger Information System rules were published, as 'final' effective February 19,2008, with no further opportunity for public comment even on the changes from the original proposal."

"The Secure Flight proposal also includes new and odious requirements that travelers display their government-issued credentials — not to government agents, but to airline personnel (staff or contractors), whenever the Department of Homeland Security orders the airline to demand them " That alone will create a huge potential for abuse. "The proposed Secure Flight rules would leave travelers hopelessly at the mercy of any identity thief who claims to be an airline contractor (subcontractor, sub-subcontractor, etc.) demanding 'Your papers, please!' anywhere in an airport."

"In addition, the proposed rules would leave the airlines free to keep all the information obtained from travelers under government coercion, even after they've passed it on to the government. Your personal data would continue to be considered, at least in America, solely their property. Not yours..."

It seems the emphasis in Project for the New American Century was on "New America" rather than "American Century." If the US is going to bring rule of law and "democracy" to the rest of the world, we should what those words mean. In the mean time, it's citizens will be reduced to taking the bus or driving. It's better for the environment and it's going to be both faster and less invasive.