The Northwest Airlines Flight That Has Become an Internet Phenomenon

Annie Jacobsen’s story about the cross-country flight that inspired terrorism fears (see “How Safe Are the Skies?” below) has turned out to be as polarizing as a Linda Ronstadt concert, provoking one of two responses: Either Jacobsen is a paranoid racist, or she’s a concerned traveler pointing out widely ignored problems with airport security. The story has taken on a life of its own on the Internet, inspiring countless links and commentary (including several thoughtful comments to our first weblog item).

Jacobsen herself followed up with a piece Monday. She wrote about the supportive responses she has received from many in the airline industry, including American Airlines pilot Gary Boettcher, who suspected Jacobsen had witnessed a dry run by terrorists. “Your reprint of this airborne event is not a singular nor isolated experience,” he said. “The terrorists are probing us all the time.” At the other end of the spectrum is Salon’s pilot-columnist Patrick Smith, who wrote this week:  “Speaking as a pilot, air travel columnist, and American, I find Jacobsen’s 3,000-word ghost story of Arab boogeymen among the most overwrought and inflammatory tracts I’ve encountered in some time.” Smith’s column, in turn, is provoking its own responses, including an impassioned letter on Poynter.org. Salon knows an Internet story phenomenon when it sees one, and it published yet another article today that explored the many reactions to Jacobsen’s article. My personal take: Whether or not you think Jacobsen is a paranoid racist—that debate ultimately leads nowhere—the safety issues she raises need to be addressed. Among them: Why are passengers allowed to board a flight, with no security screening whatsoever, after having access to silverware? That just doesn’t make sense. The Bush administration and U.S. transportation officials pay a lot of lip service to security issues, but airport security continues to have gaps you could drive a bus through. That needs to change. (Note: If you’re not a subscriber, you’ll have to endure a short commercial before accessing Salon.com.)

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