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opinion:
our view
Thankful for the
security
The Thanksgiving holiday came and went without much trouble.
The only explosions in this country came after dinner. Airport
security was tighter than those newly expanded waistbands after
one too many helpings of pumpkin pie.
At Los Angeles
International Airport, travelers were told to arrive three
hours prior to their scheduled departure times. Never mind
that the flight was only one hour long.
Cars are still
not allowed inside the terminals. Only shuttle buses. One
line stretched outside the terminal, hundreds of people deep,
with a meager two security guards checking itineraries and
identification before allowing passengers to even step foot
in the airport. After making it through the first line, another
snaked through metal detectors and baggage scanners.
Airport security
wasn't taking any chances on this holiday. Men and women removed
belts, keys, coins and even shoes in what looked like a bizarre
traveler's striptease.
On to the gates,
where travelers had to show itineraries and identification
for the third time. Some also had their carry-on items randomly
checked before boarding. Camouflaged officers with machine
guns strapped tightly across their chests stood on alert.
We can breathe
easier now. Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta is on
the right track. Tighter security may mean longer lines and
more hassle but if safety is the ultimate goal, no one should
be complaining.
We grumbled along
with the rest of holiday travelers but we were relieved at
the way airport security handled itself. After Sept. 11, getting
from one place to another is a huge headache. Maybe this will
make us realize how easy we had it before.
Dealing with a
few hours of headache to possibly extend our lives by years
isn't too much to ask. So get in line and be thankful that
our country is protecting us. These are the prices we pay
for our freedoms.
Mineta said that,
"Patience is a new form of patriotism."
So now we just
have to sit and wait for this war to be over.
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