Adjusting in a Security World
Okay, raise your hand if you are excited about taking a transatlantic flight these days. What with all the talk about liquid bombs, shoe bombs, no carry-ons, etc., it's enough to freak us out just a little. I mean, remember the days when anyone could walk right up to the gates, whether they had a ticket or not? And you could bring just about anything on board?
Since 9/11, Americans have really woken up to the threat of terrorism. We've been so far behind other countries, and it's about time we are catching up. But there are some who act as if all the new regulations are too much of an inconvenience.
The truth is, we are behind. Way behind.
My first experience with high security at airports and terrorism occurred some 21 years ago. After graduating from high school, my parents and I went on a European vacation.
We took a flight in to Amsterdam. I remember walking through the airport and seeing members of the military with machine guns at various checkpoints. When we were flying out of Oslo, we had to identify our bags before getting on the plane. Every one of the bags was lined up on the tarmac, and the passengers had to go out and point to their bags. It was only once the passenger boarded the plane that their luggage was loaded on.
And then there was that morning in Copenhagen. We were in our hotel, getting ready for the day, when we heard a BOOM! We didn't really think anything of it, and continued getting ready. But when we went out for the day, we found out what had caused that boom.
Just a few blocks from our hotel, there was a terrorist bombing at the offices of Northwest Orient airlines. I remember looking at the building. It was on a corner. The front was totally demolished. Apparently 20-some people were injured, and one passerby was killed.
And the day continued on. We went on to visit the city, go to Tivoli Gardens, and meet up with our Swedish friends who had come to meet us.
Life did not stop.
Here we are, 20 years later. Terrorism still exists. And Americans are adjusting to living with the kinds of security restrictions that Europeans have been living with for decades. Perhaps our media is a bit to blame. If we didn't have every Joe-Schmoe's analysis coming at us 24/7, perhaps it would be easier to adjust. Do we really need the constant reminders?
So next time you go to fly, remember that you can get water on the plane. Your toiletries will do fine in your checked luggage. Take the time on the plane to relax, rather than bombard yourself with the stimulation from your laptop or ipod.
And remember, this isn't new to the world. It's only new to Americans.
Since 9/11, Americans have really woken up to the threat of terrorism. We've been so far behind other countries, and it's about time we are catching up. But there are some who act as if all the new regulations are too much of an inconvenience.
The truth is, we are behind. Way behind.
My first experience with high security at airports and terrorism occurred some 21 years ago. After graduating from high school, my parents and I went on a European vacation.
We took a flight in to Amsterdam. I remember walking through the airport and seeing members of the military with machine guns at various checkpoints. When we were flying out of Oslo, we had to identify our bags before getting on the plane. Every one of the bags was lined up on the tarmac, and the passengers had to go out and point to their bags. It was only once the passenger boarded the plane that their luggage was loaded on.
And then there was that morning in Copenhagen. We were in our hotel, getting ready for the day, when we heard a BOOM! We didn't really think anything of it, and continued getting ready. But when we went out for the day, we found out what had caused that boom.
Just a few blocks from our hotel, there was a terrorist bombing at the offices of Northwest Orient airlines. I remember looking at the building. It was on a corner. The front was totally demolished. Apparently 20-some people were injured, and one passerby was killed.
And the day continued on. We went on to visit the city, go to Tivoli Gardens, and meet up with our Swedish friends who had come to meet us.
Life did not stop.
Here we are, 20 years later. Terrorism still exists. And Americans are adjusting to living with the kinds of security restrictions that Europeans have been living with for decades. Perhaps our media is a bit to blame. If we didn't have every Joe-Schmoe's analysis coming at us 24/7, perhaps it would be easier to adjust. Do we really need the constant reminders?
So next time you go to fly, remember that you can get water on the plane. Your toiletries will do fine in your checked luggage. Take the time on the plane to relax, rather than bombard yourself with the stimulation from your laptop or ipod.
And remember, this isn't new to the world. It's only new to Americans.
posted by Susan | 8:07 AM
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