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in 1937
Bob's Corner
My Christmas Spirit flagged a bit Sunday the 18th at the Medford airport, courtesy of TSA, which supposedly stands for Transportation Security Administration. But I think it also could be short for Terribly Silly Actions, or maybe Troubling Safety Activities.
Am I upset? You bet. Not only as a taxpayer, but as a father and grandfather who had to watch his daughter and two grandchildren undergo a ridiculous search by a TSA employee. Yes, I know that we need to be watchful to screen terrorists or other troublemakers.
But come on -- a 37-year-old woman struggling with her 3-year-old and 6-month-old daughters? With a baby carrier and a stroller. Come on! Now I’m tempted to swear, but I will avoid any undue exclamations.
I have to say that I’m sure TSA employees are “only doing their job,” but our baby daughter and grandkids did not deserve the treatment they underwent. For a minimum of 10 minutes, possibly closer to 15, our daughter and her children were minutely examined by a TSA woman employee.
The search was conducted in plain view of part of those already in the boarding area, and in full view of those of us outside the stanchions and ropes to see our loved ones off. Vicki had to shift Ella Valentina from one arm to the next five times so her arms and torso could be checked. What would a mom with two kids be packing? Neither Jan nor I could believe what we were seeing. I’m sure that steam was coming off my head to match the sparks from my eyes.
The employee, wearing latex gloves, also carefully checked around Vicki’s bra. Twice. Our daughter already had removed her shoes, which is normal. But standing there with Ella, while Natalie sat on a small chair nearby, she also had to undo the front of her jeans so the woman could check there too. Arghh!
Even the baby carrier was examined, and a wand was run over Natalie and the baby, not to mention Vicki. I am still steamed about this excessive examination. Then the woman told Natalie that she was going to get her something. But she never came back.
Plus the guy checking ID at the boarding entrance was about as pleasant as an infected tooth.
So this is not much of a Christmas column, although I wish everyone, including TSA employees, a happy holiday season. I believe that common sense must be used for searches (oops, here I go again).
This is, as usual, a time of emotions and devotions, especially for Christians celebrating the birth of Jesus. I am sort of ready for the Big Day, although finding just the right gifts for spouse and offspring is tricky.
I’m still hopeful that the Christmas Spirit will pervade all of 2006, not just Dec. 25; that the attitude of gratitude will continue; that many will find the Golden Rule their personal jewel; and that there will be a continuing birth of peace on Earth and good will toward men.
Feliz Navidad, you all.
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