RE: we have enough laws here….

Look, the arguments are self evident.

There is more gun crime in the US than in the EU – with a larger populace.

Need I say more?? You cannot subjugate a national policy with hypothetical “what if” scenarios.

I never said the “handprint” control was practical – but surely, it would merit further research, together with a commitment to implement it “in principle”, if the flaws could be overcome. A country with the funds and mind power of the US could easily make this workable, if the will was there.

Also, the UN does indeed have the authority to impose standards!

RE: Pic Of The Day-Pride Of England

Does commercial aviation get any better?

RE: I don’t like Mondays

I do recall a system invented by gun manufacturers, whereby a gun would only fire upon a handprint recognition by the registered owner.

The implications would presumably be:

1. Only the registered owner could fire. If more stringent tests (psychological, criminal record etc) were required, this would certainly reduce the odds of a massacre.

2. No resale possible.

Therefore proliferation would be reduced sigificantly. Those guns available, would most likely not be used for a crime.

I concede that criminal gangs (mafia, etc) might “hack” the controls – but even so, I do not think that the mafia commits mass shootings of school children or stockbrokers!!

I recall that Charlton Heston and the national rifle association bitterly opposed this. The media over here seemed mystified as to why it was opposed, as am I!

Amending the constitution – being a Brit, and not knowing a great deal about the US constitutional process, I can only presume that such an amendment would require a referendum??

By the way – in my opinion – this system should certainly be introduced ASAP and it should also be extended to the police. In fact, the UN should require that all fireamrms made in the world have this system.

Mongu.

RE: What to expect

I’m off to MEL in June – just booked the tix, but only economy class unfortunately. Really not looking forward to the flight – it just cannot be healthy!!

What is needed is some decent alternatives. Emirates had a nice idea of breaking flights up in Dubai and Singapore, meaning less time at once in a poky little seat. But their timetables are really, really bad. If you want to leave London in the evening (ie. after work and after a connecting flight) then Emirates don’t seem to offer an option??

Also – I wanted to try out one of the “premium economy” seats like with the BA Traveller+ cabin – but no one actually seems to offer them on Aussie routes. Strange, for such long flights.

1 final gripe – the only airlines that do offer these seats (from LHR, just BA and Virgin I think) charge extortionate prices for them – about the same as online travel agents quote for full biz class fares!

RE: Your worst flight……

Not sure if this strictly counts:

About a decade ago, when the BAE ATP first started being a regular fixture, a few of them had dodgy landings, usually involving the nose gear collapsing on landing. I saw that happen once, in the Isle of Man.

I have flown on these aircraft many, many times since and no problems whatsoever (other than coffee on the lap or stingy legroom!)

RE: The Boeing 757

If anyone is obsessed with a particular make, it is you!

Granted, the 757 is indeed a great aircraft. Strangely, I also happen to like the 747 and 767. AND – AND the A320 series. If you have a particular point of view, feel free to say so. Otherwise, like I said, bog off back to Kentucky and screw your sister – or whatever it is you happen to enjoy in your spare time.

RE: What happened in Jennin?

Genocide is never acceptable and although the sequence of events is hotly debated, it cannot be denied that effectively the Israeli military is targeting civilian areas. This must not be allowed to stand.

It is time for the world at large to smash the US-Israeli axis of evil and sort this mess out. It could be a big, big test for the EU.