Pilots at America's Airlines have an inside perspective on how red tape and politics are getting in the way of airline security. Here's what they've told us.

Despite the will of the people and Congress, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has failed to put in place reasonable safeguards to protect the traveling public. The Federal Flight Deck Officers Association (FFDOA) and Passenger-Cargo Security Group (PCSG) are working to correct these problems, but it seems to be an uphill battle.

While Federal agencies scramble to meet President Obama's demand that armed Federal officers cover substantially more flights, the TSA is refusing to unshackle thousands of Federal officers who are ready, willing, and able to defend our nation's airlines.

Federal Flight Deck Officers (FFDOs) are pilots who have volunteered, passed background and psychological testing, and graduated from a Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. But they are currently required to lock their weapons whenever they are outside of the cockpit.

By Jon Husted

Like many hunters this season, I continued a tradition I started as a youth - deer hunting. Breathing the crisp, cool air and being in nature provides a nice change of pace from the hustle and bustle of the Statehouse. While my work as an elected official is important, it is always nice to take a few hours to enjoy the challenge and practice the discipline of deer hunting.

Recently, I have spoken with several people who were able to start new outdoor traditions with their sons and daughters thanks to Ohio's Apprenticeship Hunting program. The program was created by House Bill 296 during my time as Speaker of the House. I thought it important to give young Ohioans who are accompanied by a fully-licensed mentor, 21 years or older, the opportunity to hunt. With the passage of the measure, the door has been opened to new outdoor sportsmen and women, and allows a time-honored tradition to be more easily passed on to future generations.

By Jeff Knox

In politics, like baseball, there is a time to bunt and a time to swing for the fence. This year is ripe for home runs. The political climate this year offers a unique opportunity for rights advocates to make major gains – both legislatively and politically. To make those gains we need to pull out all of the stops and go big.

The election of Scott Brown in Massachusetts was clear proof that voters are unhappy. Politicians who were already concerned about disgruntled voters are now terrified as they look toward the November elections. Pundits and analysts can spin the Brown victory any way they wish but the facts are clear. Voters are not happy with the way Democrats have exercised control of both houses of Congress and the Presidency. The backlash won't stop at congressional elections and the local politicians know it. Many state legislators rode the wave of Democrat ascendancy to gain control of their state legislatures and as they watch that wave crashing on the rocks, they know they have a serious fight on the way this November.