Sue and the Giant Wave

Yesterday my friend Sue and I went to Old Orchard Beach to visit my backyard beach...she had an unfortunate incident occur while admiring the view.

Video of Africa

Some have asked me why do I create a movie about Africa. I reply, "Why not?" I love the breathtaking views of the various landscapes; the remarkable sights of the wildlife; and the moving images of its people. I have a friend whose dream it is to become a nurse practicioner and work in Africa for Doctors Without Borders. I cannot think of many dreams that are nobler than that. I hope to visit my friend one day to view the lives she will change with such a labor of love. It is a fine thing to say to someone "Someday, I will come to see you in Africa."

Evolution of Security

One of the things I strive for is fairness. Injustice bristles me and I tend to speak out in some form--either a blog, my radio show, or just in person. My first post to this blog discussed how I felt compelled to just shut my mouth in the face of what I saw as insensitivity of TSA officers in Tampa International Airport. Well, one of the things that I like to do is mention when things are positive as well. To that end, this posting is in recognition of what the TSA is doing right.

Several months ago, the TSA realized they needed to do better. The level of outcry had reached a breaking point. They finally responded by creating a blog. Now, I know that many people will think "Whoopdeedo!" What was amazing about this blog, however, was that it provided a venue for customers to speak their mind. People, like me, began to post in earnest of just being able to speak out. What was equally as nice is that they allowed for people to post anonymously so those amongst us who are truly afraid or paranoid need not panic. I, for one, posted as Big Red and did so with pride. I might be too wise to complain in line at the airport, but I am not afraid to exercise my first amendment right when my travel plans are not at risk. This blog was made available for everyone to review--the average citizen, foreign and national press, and even terrorists. This is what America is all about. We are an open society.

After listening to customers on the blog, and in the airports, the TSA has begun to respond. They are in what they called "evolution". They are transforming the way we check in at the airports--with ideas ranging from adding soothing lighting and music, to providing opportunities to repackage our belongings without feeling hassled. The lines will run far smoother according to their new plans--permitting passengers to move at their own pace. Those who are in a rush and prepared can leapfrog ahead of those of us who are frazzled and trying to compose ourselves. This is a positive thing. I for one will be eagerly looking forward to seeing the changes that are brought about.

I would caution all of us to be patient because change always brings some difficulty until all the participants adjust. But I think the TSA, today, deserves some credit for their efforts.

Consenting Silence

When I was recently in Tampa, I watched as TSA officers assisted an elderly man up out of his wheelchair and patted him down. I did not have a problem with that. They simultaneously checked out his wheelchair, which I had no issue with either. I did, however, find it incredibly disturbing that they proceeded to try and drag him through the metal detector, despite the fact that he obviously lacked the ability to walk. He was so weak, so feeble, and so clearly disabled that I was terribly disturbed by the lack of consideration and apparent ignorance of these officers. The poor old man trembled and teetered over even with two TSA officers holding onto his arms. His family members kept trying to speak to him, with encouragement and reassurances. They also kept telling the officers he could not walk. When he fell into the side of metal detector--negating the results--the officers were frustrated and another TSA employee came over to help them put him back into the wheelchair. They then took him away, stating they'll have to search him more thoroughly. I did not speak up, though I wanted to. I prudently decided that I did not wish to be subjected to further security myself, or perhaps be refused boarding altogether. This is not America. I am a patriot, I love my country, and I am willing to endure some additonal levels of security for safety, but what we have done is trade one type of terror for another. Intimdiation and subtle fear have become an insidious part of security at our airports and this treatment is unwarrented for the vast majority of us. America was attacked on 9/11and we, the people, are America. We deserve better.