Hi, folks,
I'm still feeling "on crusade" about Homeland Security. I composed this letter today.
I'm sending it to friends and family members who have some relevant experience and interests - travel, ethics, politics, business.
I'd appreciate your comments before I send it.

If you are interested in adding your name, I'd be happy to include it.
If not, that's fine. I'd be especially interested to hear if you disagree with certain points, if any of my suggestions seem worse than our current situation, or whether you think it might be unwise to send it where I intend.

Feel free to pass it on, and return comments here or by private email. (ericalady a gmail o com)

Thanks,
Erica

Dear Mr. President, members of Senate and Congress, and Security Administration:

Here's an interesting - and sometimes quite funny - article from the Atlantic about our current travel security program.
http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200811/airport-security

Please consider abolishing the "enhanced" security measures that delay and intimidate American travelers.
These measures may catch fools, but do more to discourage ordinary travelers than to prevent serious new acts of mayhem.

We would all benefit from a return to a sensible security program that

- consistently checks passenger ID's against flight lists and no-fly lists; and creates due process for legitimate travelers to clear their name in case of confusion with suspected terrorists.

- relies only on government-issued ID's that are available to any legitimate traveler, rather than private flight clubs or credit cards.

- prohibits only actual weapons like guns, sprays, and explosives; not "weapons" of personal hygeine or ordinary pocket tools.

- prohibits dangerous chemicals only based on trained sniffers (dogs) or on-site substance tests, rather than appearance.
(Modern chemical technology provides culture and chemical ID grids that can be used effectively with minimal training.)

- provides a method for legitimate travelers to declare and securely check their dangerous posessions, such as tools, medical equipment, sporting and hunting gear.

- is not a barrier to legitimate business by air, land, or sea. We need to encourage enterprise in this economic crisis.


Right now, passengers can easily see one another as fellow sheep, being herded through indignities together, deprived of self-calming activities like knitting or grooming. Each has more in common with harassed fellow travelers than with security officials. When the public is treated like "the enemy," they are unlikely to volunteer additional information that might help avert danger.

To enlist the average passenger's aid, we need to treat them as valued friends, allies, and independent observers. We need to respect and foster their capabilities of perception, and of heroism in the face of danger. Instead of a bored request to "take your shoes off," what about a friendly, "See anything we should know about today?"
We might even consider asking travelers for a solemn oath, with thumbprint seal, to emphasize the experience of sacred trust. Papers and cards are easily faked or stolen; but loyalty still means something to a large number of Americans.

Passenger training could be provided in the form of a series of entertaining videos, games, and articles.
(These would need to be well-made, with skilled actors, humor and drama; licensed clips from commercial films might be a good way to create quality "edutainment.") Films could be available for pre-flight entertainment in airports, and for download at the time of online ticket purchase.
If they're funny and catchy enough, such training tools may become a popular entertainment like the "School House Rock" cartoons that still circulate online. http://www.wikio.com/video/919488
See also this ladder safety training clip with Charlie Chaplin, and contrast it with other OSHA videos you may have watched: http://www.lni.wa.gov/Safety/TrainTools/Videos/Library/catalog.asp?VideoID=V0316

You have masses of people arriving at their gates early, with nothing to do but stare at each other.
What about offering free kid's "spy quiz" or "scavenger hunt" pages that invite them to play detective:
"How many people do you see with identical bags?"
"Do you see anyone coming out of the bathroom looking different than they went in?"
"Count the colors of people's coats as they go by. What color is most common today? What clothing is most unusual?"
"What do spies look like in movies and books? How would you disguise yourself if you wanted to be a spy, but not look like one?"
"How many different languages can you hear? Ask your parents or a fellow traveler to teach you a new word or phrase."
"Do you see anyone trying to hide something?"
"How do other travelers protect their tickets, purses, or bags?"
"Do you see any bags being left alone anywhere? If so, tell us right away!"
and of course,
"Be safe. Don't let anyone touch your bags, don't take anything from a stranger, and stay close to your family or travel companions."

Rewards could be offered (in the form of free upgrades or refreshments, coupons, or a raffle for bigger rewards) to travelers providing useful information (not just arrest - also prevention of theft or abuse, or a lost-and-found child or item).

Let American travelers be alert and dedicated; let us be eagles instead of sheep. If everyone at the airport was having as much fun as the customs beagle, the world would be a better place.
(Though I think we should try to achieve this without the drug-laced chew toys.)

When we recruit the entire American traveling public to serve as eyes and ears, and support them with smart security systems and an attitude of respect and shared trust, we can have a substantially more observant, meaningful, and cost-effective system.

Thank you for your consideration and ongoing efforts. You hold an important trust, and one deserving of support.

Yours,

Erica Wisner
Portland, Oregon
[phone]
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ericalady[email]gmail