Bush also took the time to suggest improvements sought by his administration to make commercial flights safer and more resistent to hijacking attempts.

Among these changes is putting sky marshals back on planes. These plain-clothes, armed and unidentified officials were at one time common on flights, but were gradually phased out. Now they will be back, and in greater numbers than ever before.

Other needed improvements would include strengthening the door to the cockpit and possibly putting cameras in the passenger cabin that would allow the cockpit crew to observe what is happening. Bush has also suggested putting a sign marked 'Exit' on the cockpit door to fool terrorists into being afraid to open it.

"It would work for me," he laughed.

Bush would also like to see the federal government more involved in the security of airports, but hesitated to suggest the feds take the whole process over.

In a surprising move, the president has voiced his disapproval of pilots carrying guns. There has been recent urgings from the pilots union that it's members wish to arm themselves for protection.

Bush's move angered staunch Republican Charlton Heston, famous actor and mouth-piece for the powerful National Rifle Association.

"I can't believe he isn't for the arming of pilots," seethed Heston, who once played Moses. "I would do it in a minute. Hell, I'd allow every man, woman, child and infant to carry a gun who gets on a plane; then the skies will be that much safer."

Republican Trent Lott agrees somewhat with Heston, and has written the White House to suggest that guns be stored in safe compartments above travelers heads. Then, when a terrorist action occurs, the guns would drop down, much like oxygen masks do during emergencies.