When you walk into a fine jewelry store, there's a security guard standing by the door. And you may not consciously think about him/her, but your perception of the store changes. You probably realize that there are high-worth items inside, precious things that need guarded, and you know that management has arranged security because of their value.
In your home, at night, you probably lock the doors. You want to keep your loved ones safe, even though you probably live in a safe neighborhood. Same with your car- I bet you lock your car even when you leave it for only a few minutes. As the owner of that car, you want to ensure its (and your) security.
Security on an airplane is quite a different thing. We don't protect our valuables- I've seen too many people leave their computer or cell phone or purse in their seat when they go to the bathroom. Parents leave small children alone to fly unaccompanied. People even leave a drink unattended for a moment when sitting next to a total stranger. But the most difficult thing for me to comprehend is how we are so intolerant of airport security screening procedures, impatient with crew members, inattentive to safety briefings, and yet outraged at the current state of threat.
Being a Good Global Citizen means increasing your situational awareness. The first step is to make yourself aware of issues, particularly threatening issues, and then acting and behaving in ways that protect and enrich our lives. Our personal security is at risk every time we step outside of our house (indeed, you must believe it is a risk even inside your own house- because you lock your doors). This security risk increases exponentially the farther we get from home, as we immerse ourselves in other cultures, go up into the air, expose ourselves to the elements. This is not to say that you should not take such risks- in fact, quite the opposite. I believe you don't truly grow and understand this world until you get out there in it and live it fully, meet new people, see things that will make your brain work hard to understand. But as you do so, you need you increase your situational awareness. Be cautious. Be observant. UNDERSTAND what is going on around you.
So increasing our situational awareness is the first step to security. Airlines have put themselves in a tough position. They have become victims. As an industry, they sit nearly idle waiting for someone else to ensure their security. Yes, indeed the crew members do have some security and safety training. But unlike Tiffany's, they do not personally employ security guards. I would argue that a plane full of passengers contains inventory far more valuable that that inside a retail store. I think the only real solution to airline security is for airlines to employ, as crew members, company security guards. These would be two (or five or ten or one) more crew members who get scheduled for flights like pilots and flight attendants and ensure, both visibly and invisibly, the safety of the passengers. The costs would not be as extreme as the amount of money our government spends (effectively??) on airport security. And make no mistake, the cost of your airline ticket ensures your SAFE TRAVEL from point A to point B. It does not (and never has) read in your ticket's fine print that the airline owes you food, blankets, or entertainment. If you want these things, bring them with you. An airline ticket only brings you safe travel. It's time to put the safety back in that statement.
arks the beginning of the season of Advent- a time of preparation, gratitude and grace. This is a wonderful time to look inward and reflect upon how prepared we are for the future and the great things that are to come.
