If you can't count on people disagreeing, what can you count on?

Those behind the foiled plot allegedly planned to use liquid explosives packed in carry-on luggage to down planes bound for the United States from Britain. So, in addition to tighter overall airport security and a heightened state of alert, a new rule was put in place: No liquids of any kind on board any flights. No bottled water, no toothpaste, no lotion, noäanything sort of liquid. Users responding to stories about the measures at MaineToday.com fell into two philosophical camps:

This is the price of safety.

Enough, already!

Linda was among those taking the new rules in stride:

"I am pleased to know that we are taking precautions. I will be traveling in November and I want to know that my safety is in good hands. I keep water with me at all times. I am sure that if I need water on the plane, I will be taken care of and my flight will land safely."

Peace of mind is worth at least a 99-cent bottle of shampoo and a travel-size tube of Crest, isn't it? A lot of you felt that such an inconvenience was a small price to pay to ensure that you'll arrive at your destination safely. Others, not so much.

Stephanie didn't appreciate the measures, no matter how good the intentions behind them were:

"This is getting out of hand. How am I expected to travel with several kids, no sippy cups, none of their preferred beverages, no hand sanitizer, no ChapStick, no water, no ear drops, and no hand creme? The thought of it is enough to make me want to cancel my upcoming trip."

Frankly, the thought of having to bring all of those things would make me think twice about flying, but to each his or her own. Stephanie's comment illustrates one thing about flying: Flying isn't exactly enjoyable for a lot of people and they'll do whatever they can to make it bearable ‚ whether it means packing a good book or a bottle of water. More restrictions on creature comforts might keep more people grounded. A few of you even said as much.

To that, some of you had this to say: Cry me a river.

Andrew was one person urging those complaining to get a little on the matter:

"Will it suck having to check a shaving kit and/or toiletries onto your check-in bag as opposed to carry on? Yes. Do you want to hear that someone was able to sneak explosives and down a plane using items that could be smuggled onto a plane in a toiletry bag?"

Well, when you put it that way, it does sort of make complaining about not being allowed to bring along your Burt's Bees hand salve petty. I mean, who would want to think that planes were downed because of their ability to have soft, supple hands in flight? Not this traveler.

But are people complaining about the new restrictions just being whiny ‚ or have the measures finally gone too far? More importantly, will the new restrictions really make us safer?

Some of you didn't think so, and that was your biggest objection to them.

Chris wanted those checking their water and toothpaste to pack a little bit of skepticism:

"People who believe the restrictions make us safer are fooling themselves. Now all a terrorist has to do is secrete the chemical containers in body cavities. So should we add body cavity searches to the airline security inspection?"

While it might seem only prudent to respond to the threat du jour with appropriate measures, is taking such reactive measures accomplishing anything but making us feel safer? By the time we've all claimed our shampoo along with the rest of our checked baggage, it's likely potential terrorists might have devised another tactic. On the flip side, it would be irresponsible for transportation and government officials not to respond in kind to known threats, no matter how token the response may seem.

And as far as the new carry on restrictions go, for all the inconveniences they mightmay cause, they might actually make flying smoother. Leave it to some people to see the bright side of things. Like Steve:

"I think the time is approaching where the FAA will just have to say "no carry-ons" period. Just get on the plane and sit down. Think how much faster the plane would get boarded (and exited)." No more waiting for that guy in front of you to just find a spot for that bag that is way too big for the overhead compartment already?

Maybe we can live with these restrictions after all.

Colleen Stone can be reached by e-mail, but if you have a comment about this piece, please post it below.