The TSA, an acronym that means frustration and delays (to slow admittance). Just mentioning the acronym brings instant anxiety to someone soon to travel or traveling. But, let’s take a different view of this agency and try a positive spin.
When you next travel, take a quick look at the passengers traveling today. You have every scenery of dress possible going through the airport, and the most popular seems to be those in sweets or pajamas. Quite a few look like they just woke up at the curb to catch their flight, and some seem to bring all their personal belongings in a backpack. What’s up with this deterioration in dress and etiquette?
So I’m thinking, "Hey, these folks from TSA are probably doing us a great favor since the etiquette in behavior and dress has deteriorated greatly since it was established in response to the September 11, 2001 attacks."
Without this level of security, and some will debate this, people would be trying to board their plane with whatever livestock they consider pets (ie. chickens, pigs, goats, rabbits), guns, and every other type of costume worthy of a circus parade. I know they can’t control the clothing aspect of those traveling, but they do have a long list of prohibited carry-on’s, such as chainsaws, knifes, tweezers, flame throwers, samurai swords etc. So let’s thank them for removing these and other household weapons from becoming a threat to air safety. If you want to travel with your favorite farm pet, take the bus.
But, the more pressing topic is: why has this form of travel deteriorated so badly? Blame low cost providers that make it so any bum at an intersection standing for a few hours can either buy a case of beer or get a one -way ticket to see his mother.
So, next time you pass through our airports, say hello to our friendly force of TSA employees. After all, they have to meet, greet, and guide this parade of circus people every day. They do so with a smile and a pair of disposable latex blue gloves so they can protect themselves from becoming a daily CDC disease outbreak.
They are an eager bunch of well- trained employees of the government that can easily switch into a masseuse or masseur for a quick body search, which I highly recommend if time allows. They take their jobs seriously, but any advancement seems to be limited because of the forced breaks they must take.
Combine all of this and they still have to make sure no undesirables pass through our airports to enjoy an over-priced smoothie or franchise burger. Maybe if we eliminated all the fine amenities, we could resolve this security problem.
I doubt it, but let’s give these fines folks a break next time you visit a US airport. Begin by brushing your teeth, try combing your hair and have all the basic documents out and available for their speedy review. If you have time before arriving, take a shower and spare your fellow passenger of your unique perfume. Wear something more appealing that what you would wear to a paintball tournament and thank them for doing a thankless job.
So, just maybe the TSA isn’t so bad after all. Let’s try being extra friendly and brush up on our hygiene and see if this helps improve the atmosphere at our airports.
