New York plane crash

Re “NYC Crash Puts Flight Path in Politicians’ Sights,” Oct. 13

Regardless of the cause of the crash, the fact that it occurred conclusively proves that the anti-terrorism measures that the Bush administration has put into place are not effective in preventing planes from crashing into New York skyscrapers.

When is the government going to recognize that its focus on commercial air passengers, coupled with its “everyone is a potential suspect” mentality, serves to divert manpower and attention from the task of identifying individuals and groups posing an actual risk? Sadly, this crash clearly demonstrates that heightened screening of my lip gloss and contact lens solution has not made us any safer.

PAMELA HOBBS

Los Angeles