Wednesday, January 05, 2005

The Age of Paranoia

The corporate media has picked up on a recent "rash" of laser vs. aircraft incidents. That is, several pilots across the country report having had laser lights shined into their cockpits from sources on the ground. At first glance at the headlines, one imagines high-powered death rays targeting our airliners. But in fact what we are talking about are laser pointers that may or may not actually be intentionally directed at the planes.

Nevermind that, the media is anxious to find a connection between these incidents and "terrorists". I thought the whole thing smelled of fear-mongering hype from the beginning. Recently, the FBI ruled out these incidents being terrorism. But I'm sure the stories and the resulting fear from the public will continue.

Meanwhile, Richard Roeper takes on the issue in his column in today's Chicago Sun Times.

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