OUR PROTECTORS AT WORK

Finally, I give you this, presented straight:

Some federal air marshals have been denied entry to flights they are assigned to protect when their names matched those on the terrorist no-fly list, and the agency says it's now taking steps to make sure their agents are allowed to board in the future.

The problem with federal air marshals (FAM) names matching those of suspected terrorists on the no-fly list has persisted for years, say air marshals familiar with the situation.

One air marshal said it has been “a major problem, where guys are denied boarding by the airline.”

“In some cases, planes have departed without any coverage because the airline employees were adamant they would not fly,” the air marshal said. “I've seen guys actually being denied boarding.”

A second air marshal says one agent “has been getting harassed for six years because his exact name is on the no-fly list.”

Six years.  The government is sure working on this.  Studying the problem.  Evaluating solutions.  Crunching the numbers.  Weighing options.  Consulting with experts. 

Feel safer now?

Be back tomorrow, or later tonight if events warrant.  Happy flying.

April 29, 2008.