Observations from traipsing around the country

My little excursion off to school has given me a look at airport security yet again. I think I’d laugh if it wasn’t so aggravatingly pathetic.

Here’s what happened. I boarded a flight my home town, flew to Houston, Texas. No problem. Houston to Nashville, Tennessee. No problem. Nashville to Cincinnati. Problem. My plane left Nashville late. It looked like I’d be really close to making Cincinnati in time for the flight to my final destination, but that was not to be so. I missed it by about ten minutes. This left me to spend the night in Cincinnati, so I gathered by bags and went to a nearby motel.

I got up the next morning in what I assumed wouldbe plenty of time to make the rescheduled flight and arrived in the airport an hour and a half before my boarding time. After I checked my bags, I turned to head toward the security checkpoint, which was considerable distance through the terminal. I didn’t make it far. There was a TSA employee with a radio directing others like me to the end of a line which snaked through the terminal, down an escalator and back and forth, finally ending at the eight security check stations. I’d estimate there were a thousand people in line. And of course, two of the eight stations were shut down because the TSA’ers who normally man them were outside stopping cars and looking in trunks for bombs.

It took an hour and a half for me to get through security, which left me with a mad dash to make the flight.

A few observations:

1) They were X-raying shoes. Every passenger had to take off his/her shoes and pass them through the scanner. The shoe thing, folks, has BEEN done. Talk about the US military fighting the last war… TSA is looking for the last terrorist they missed.
2) I knew better than to bring my Swiss Army knife which is normally constantly in my pocket, but one guy behind me remembered his, and showed it to a TSA’er before he got to the scanner. They offered the choice of throwing it into the contraband bin or going back to the airline counter and trying to get it put in his checked baggage. Again, LAST WAR! The idea of a plane-full of compliant passengers idly allowing a terrorist to hijack a plane with a box cutter are past. Besides, there are other deadly objects that will pass through security undetected. Even a plain, ordinary credit card is a dangerous weapon in the right hands. The dangerous part is the MIND.
3) Walk through the metal detector. Every soldier who ever took a mine warfare class knows that the Germans invented a mine in WW II which contained only one small metal part: the firing pin. We had our own version when I was in the army, all plastic, except for a firing pin of aluminum, about the size of a pencil eraser. I don’t think the airport metal detector will catch that. Besides, there are too many ways to NOT have any metal at all. Again, the dangerous part is the MIND!
4) Back to the car-checking thing: Do they think that a terrorist is going to have a big box with the words “High Explosives” written on it? Or a big round black ball with a fuze sticking out of the top? See that spare tire? 65 pounds of high explosives. Under the back seat of that van? 400 pounds. And if I wanted to deliver a bomb, I darned sure wouldn’t drive right up to the main entrance in a sedan.

I have little doubt that there will be other terrorist attacks on American soil, but I have little faith in TSA as an organization which will offer a serious hurdle. Oh, yeah, they might catch a couple of stupid ones, but the real thing isn’t fighting the last war. The next one will come as just as big a surprise to us as did theplanes on 9/11.

I guess I’ve finished ranting…

Posted By Bob Young on CSP Gun Talk (I post this verbatim as it is posted there)

I know this kid and his mom. She sent this to me this AM. Thought I would share.

Hello All,

I rarely share what I journal but felt the need to make this public. These are the thoughts that have been coursing through my heart and mind.

My brother, Chris, should have died last Thursday in the Green Zone suicide bombings in Iraq. It was his Dyncorp Team that was killed. His life was spared because he was home on a (surprise) visit so that he could attend the wedding of a childhood friend. This wedding turned out to be not just a joyous occasion, but a life saving event.

Chris is a former Marine. He was honorably discharged on November 20, 2003 after serving our Country for 4 ½ years. The last two and a half years were spent as an Embassy Guard—first in Morocco and last in Copenhagen, Denmark. During this time he continually dealt with anti-American sentiments and threats.

Chris was home for less than 6 months before he decided that he needed to be a part of what was going on in Iraq. He said that it “tore him apart to watch the news and see his brothers (fellow Marines) being killed or wounded.� He strongly felt a need to continue his service to this Country because he believes in what our Military is doing in Iraq. He was also frustrated by the mainstream media’s biased portrayal of the war.

In April, Chris informed us that he had been accepted for Security Guard Training with Dyncorp, a private company contracted by the U.S. government, which serves as International Police Monitors for the United Nations International Police Task Force in Iraq, Bosnia, Eastern Slavonia and the Balkans.

Initially, we were stunned and admittedly concerned, because we knew that if he made it through the intense training program and was subsequently hired, he’d be heading to Iraq. After we had time to think and pray about his decision, we came to realize that this truly was what Chris was called to do. He said he had a peace about his decision and that this gave his life a sense of purpose–something that he hadn’t felt since he left the Marines. When he left for training in May, it was with our full support. We didn’t like to think of the dangers that lay ahead of him, but we stood behind him and were proud of the fact that he was willing to sacrifice the freedoms that most of us take for granted on a daily basis.

You see, my brother “gets it.� He understands the meaning of duty, honor and sacrifice. He understands that much is at stake right now. The September 11th terrorist attacks forever changed things. Chris understands that we can no longer afford to be unwilling to tackle difficult challenges, or to prefer hyper cautious political correctness over boldness. He understands that we can no longer afford to be ambivalent about protecting our Country’s freedoms for fear of offending others. He also understands that we not only need, but already have, a President who will make difficult and perhaps unpopular decisions, to do what is best for this Country rather than for his own political or personal gain. Terrorism is a real and serious issue which HAS to be dealt with.

The 4 men who were killed last week understood these things as well. They recognized the danger they were placing themselves in but each felt strongly that we have to complete what has been started–that which will ultimately give the Iraqi people a chance to move forward….a chance at freedom and democracy.

Chris was very close to each of the men who died in last Thursday’s suicide bombings. These four men—John Pinsonneault (J.P.), Steve Osborne (Ozzie), Eric Miner, and Ferdinand Ibabao—were his family in Iraq. They were his brothers, all of whom he greatly respected and looked up to. They were constantly together—even on their days off. These were the men whose faces we saw in the pictures my brother regularly e-mailed to us….the voices we heard in the background as we talked on the phone……the guys we saw in the webcam as we chatted with Chris via Instant Messenger.

Because they were my brother’s family over there, they became in a way, a part of ours. Their deaths have devastated us beyond words. The realization that my brother should have died…..would have died with them, had it not been for his visit home, has shaken us to the core. Chris had no idea that he would never again see them on this earth, that these would be his last good byes to each.

The Open Market is a place they all frequented during their free time. John, Eric, Steve, and Ferdinand were enjoying their day off by spending it at the Market. Chris purchased some souvenirs there for our family in the days just prior to his departure for home. This was an area frequented by American civilians, even as things were “heating up� in the Green Zone. Chris said that no matter where they were they remained continually alert and on guard— turning their backs to no one, including Iraqi children. There was always at least one person in their group watching their surroundings.

When it was reported that Ferdinand Ibabao was missing and presumed dead, my brother’s theory was that Ferdinand had been in the process of tackling the suicide bomber. He said that Ferdinand was gifted with the ability to see and sense when something dangerous was about to happen. Two years ago, Ferdinand stopped an assassination attempt while working in Kosovo. He spotted a man in the crowd pulling out a gun to shoot an American dignitary. Ferdinand tackled the man and wrestled the gun away from him. A true Hero indeed. As it turned out, Ferdinand’s body was later discovered under some rubble and he is now officially confirmed dead.

Chris has suffered great shock, grief, and anger over the loss of his Team members. He could very easily have said, “That’s it…I’m done…the risks are too high and the cost is too great.� He chose not to take this path…though, most of us would have understood it if he had. He believes that John, Steve, Eric, & Ferdinand—“his fallen brothers—his heroes,� would have wanted him to continue on with what they knew to be an important mission.

Before he left this past Sunday, he was interviewed by a local newspaper reporter. Some of the things he said may very well end up getting him fired because he did not have clearance from his employer before speaking of them. He felt that the risk was worth it because his beliefs are so strong. The remarks he made had to do with where he stands politically. Chris is a strong supporter of President Bush and feels that it is imperative that he remains the Commander in Chief. He feels that a John Kerry win would have devastating consequences, not just for our own country, but for the world at large. Before Chris left, he set a goal for himself to persuade at least 5 people to switch their votes from John Kerry to George Bush. He swiftly met his goal.

Chris and our family took great offense at John Kerry’s recent comments:

“We have to get back to the place we were, where terrorists are not the focus of our lives, but they’re a nuisance. As a former law-enforcement person, I know we’re never going to end prostitution. We’re never going to end illegal gambling. But we’re going to reduce it, organized crime, to a level where it isn’t on the rise. It isn’t threatening people’s lives every day, and fundamentally, it’s something that you continue to fight, but it’s not threatening the fabric of your life.�

It is chilling to think that Mr. Kerry actually believes this. He certainly doesn’t “get it.� Senator Kerry’s perception of the war on terror has gotten increasingly disturbing throughout his entire campaign. Terrorism is a real threat to our Country….not a simple “nuisance.� It never has been and it never will be. I’d like Mr. Kerry to look into the eyes and faces of the families who lost their loved ones last week,,,, into the eyes and faces of the military families who have lost their loved ones….into the eyes and faces of the families who lost their loved ones in the September 11th attacks…..into the eyes and faces of the families who lost their loved ones on the U.S.S. Cole…..and into the eyes and faces of all the other families who have suffered the loss of their loved ones due to acts of terrorism, and tell them, that those who were responsible for those deaths, were mere “nuisances.�

Last time I checked, both gambling and prostitution required willing participation on the part of the “victim.� No one killed by a terrorist is a willing participant. So, would Mr. Kerry please explain to us how terrorism and these two crimes are related? Terrorism is not just a criminal act—it’s a declaration of War! John Kerry thinks that terrorism is more of a law enforcement issue, not a military operation. He does not understand the threat to our Country. John Kerry doesn’t plan to eliminate terrorism—he just wants to reduce it. John Kerry doesn’t seem realize that he’s running to be THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF, not our Chief Prosecutor. John Kerry is the wrong person, in the wrong place, at the wrong time. He does not know how to lead a war against terrorism much less this Country. In our opinion he is spineless and not only did he stick his foot in his mouth with these words, he did so while wearing a shoe bomb.

My brother, along with thousands of others, has chosen to take an active part in protecting the freedoms that we enjoy here in America. It comes with a cost—the greatest being the loss of lives. Unfortunately, this is a reality, and it has been since the founding of this Great Nation. I think America has fast become spoiled and complacent and they’ve forgotten how we’ve come to be the “land of the free and home of the brave.� It comes at the cost of great sacrifice and steadfastness. Those who think we “shouldn’t be over there� (in Iraq) have a very limited world view. They don’t seem to get “the big picture.� They want a quick and tidy fix. Patience has stopped being a virtue. Sacrifice seems to be a “dirty word.� I guess what they want is a war with “drive thru� convenience.

Chris is heading back to a life of CONSTANT danger. He has never revealed much about what he faces each day. Before he left I was able to pull out of him that he has been repeatedly shot at with guns and rocket mortars—one of which landed just five feet away from him and John Pinsonneault– and has found unexploded bombs hidden amongst the sandbags which surround their compound. I cannot tell you how unsettling it is to be talking with my brother on the phone and hear explosions going off in the background. It gets my heart pounding and the prayers going. Chris has also been involved in an accident between the Humvee he was riding in and a civilian’s car. The impact shattered glass down the gun turret and into my brother’s face. Until Ambassador Negroponte’s arrival, my brother and his team slept in tents in front of the temporary Embassy. Currently, they each have their own trailer.

Chris’s Dyncorp Team has spent the last 4 ½ months in Baghdad protecting Ambassadors and dignitaries. His Team was personally chosen by Assistant Ambassador Jefferys. He wanted the best team and Chris’s team was it. I emphasize the word “was� because my brother’s team was instantly reduced to half its size in last Thursday’s suicide bombings. I guess Mr. Jeffery’s will have to settle for second best now. Chris and his team have also guarded Ambassador Negroponte, Paul Bremmer, and Colin Powell. There are other missions that the Team completes but we are not privileged to this information. He has met Tom Brokaw and Peter Jennings and the Iraqi Prime Minister, Ayad Allawi. Chris was also present for the Transfer of Power Ceremony. Chris sees firsthand the progress that is taking place in Iraq.

Chris also acknowledges that there are set backs. He said it is to be expected because the insurgents don’t want freedom and democracy in Iraq. It threatens their cause, so they are going to do everything possible, to try and halt progress in hopes that our Country and its allies will pull their military forces out. It is why we must remain steadfast and it is why we must retain our current Commander in Chief.

I am thankful that there are people in the world like my brother Chris. I am also thankful for John Pinsonneault, Steve Osborne, Eric Miner, and Ferdinand Ibabao. They gave the ultimate sacrifice—they are heroes to my family and me. All who are serving our Country—whichever capacity it may be, are our heroes.

This past Sunday was a very difficult day for my family and me. We have made countless trips to the airport with my brother in the course of 5 years. None have ever been as hard as this one. When we drove him to the airport last May, Chris spoke the words “Don’t worry, I’ll be back.� These words were not offered to us this time. I think the suicide bombings that killed his co-workers taught him that we know not what tomorrow will bring……that we are not invincible…..that life is indeed fragile.

My brother tried to keep the mood light during those last hours we spent with him before he made his way to the departure gate. We savored every minute that we had with him before it was finally time for him to hug us good bye and head to the security gates. The lump that had been in my throat grew increasingly in size as the minutes ticked by. When it was my turn to give him a hug I couldn’t help but help but wonder if this would be for the last time ever. We watched him as he made his way to the security gates. Tears were threatening to spill over but I worked hard at keeping them in check. I wanted to watch him until he was no longer in sight. He made it through the security gates and then turned to wave one final goodbye to us. As he stood there waving, I whispered to him “Go with God Dear Brother….Go with God.� I could no longer stem the flow of tears as we made our way back to the car. I believe that Chris IS settled safely in God’s hands and I have a peace about what he is doing.

By the way. My brother is just 23 years old…….

We are able to sit peacefully in comfortable homes and do as we please because of men like this who go to the brink in our behalf…