|
On
a recent trip through the new $2.3 billion McNamara Terminal of
the Detroit Metropolitan Airport, I was shocked to find Northwest
counter agents laughing it up with TSA agents, barely noticing
the customers they were serving. At the TSA-secured luggage check-in,
four agents were gabbing and laughing in a group while a line
of passengers waited. And finally, as I walked through security
I found three TSA agents huddled at the end of the conveyer belt
cajoling and backslapping. I slipped by with barely a notice.
This
complacency scared the hell out of me. Have we learned nothing?
How quickly we forget. How many terrorist attacks do we need on
American soil to keep Americans vigilant?
While
TSA agents are not expected to be superhuman, it is their responsibility
to keep their links in the chain of protection strong.
I
reported my observations to the nearby TSA supervisors on duty.
One quickly ran over to the small group to address the problem.
Is this too little too late? Why aren't TSA supervisors noticing
this loosening of lips before passengers do?
Familiarity
and comfort levels amongst TSA agents seem to be replacing their
first obligation to protect the public with forging relationships
in the public arena. Are we back to square one? Wasn't it this
lackadaisical attitude that let terrorists onto our planes in
the first place?
We're
all in this together. We are all willing to jump out of our seat
at 35,000 feet to subdue some seedy character with sinister intentions.
Let's not wait until it gets that far. Vigilance must start on
the ground.
As
you travel through airports, observe the security protocols to
ensure your safety is protected. Watch those who are watching
you. If you see a problem, report it. TSA supervisors are usually
nearby and are very receptive to your help. Just ask for a TSA
supervisor and report the issue. They'll handle the discipline.
As
you walk to your gate, ponder the reality that your few minutes
of involvement strengthened the chain and conceivably saved thousands
of lives.
The
tool on which terrorists breed and succeed is our complacency.
If they have their way they'll see to it that every one of us
dies. Please, remain vigilant.
To
report a problem to TSA or get more information,call 1-866-289-9673.
(....BACK) |
