The Transportation Security Agency’s now implemented ban on cigarette/cigar lighters on aircraft — probably with matchbooks soon to follow — reminds me of the comments a few years ago by an Israeli security expert (recall that Israel hasn’t had an aircraft-based terrorist incident in many years).

The Israeli’s remarks went to the heart of the problem. He said (I paraphrase, I’m sure): Your problem is you look for weapons, we look for terrorists.

So, while TSA shakes down 80-year-old grandmothers, searches their luggage, inspects their shoes, and confiscates their nail clippers, and now their lighters, that same agency declines to “profile” Middle East passengers as potential terrorists — despite the fact that so far all the terrorists have been Muslim. And most from the Middle East.

Israel security has it right. From the time a vehicle enters the airport environs, it and its passengers are under surveillance. Find the terrorist and you can disable the weapon.

Meanwhile, we, in the most free nation in the world, search hard and fast for nail clippers — and cigarette lighters. What’s wrong with this picture?

Michael J. MacDonald

Whispering Pines