The story in today's Windsor Star about a senior lady's encounter in Calgary with an airport security person who forced her to reveal her prosthetic breast and accused her of lying is extremely troubling.
Most security people and border officers are courteous and helpful and understand that they have a job to do and it is NOT harassing travelers. However, there are a few who get carried away with their authority or who are having a bad day and take it out on the travelers. There must be a mechanism put into place to stop this before it leads to a serious backlash that could harm security at our borders and airports.
I suggest that a pamphlet be handed out at all border crossings and airports with a survey about how travelers are treated by the security personnel and a guarantee that people who complain will not be harassed in the future. There should also be large signs posted that clearly state that the security measures and personnel are there to serve a specific purpose and are required to treat people courteously and with respect. It might also be useful to occasionally have a senior staff member observing the process and correcting any unwarranted action by security personnel. All security personnel should be required to wear an easily read badge that contains either their name or other method of identifying them in case a complaint is made against them.
I applaud the work of our hard working border and security personnel and appreciate their efforts in keeping us safe, but even they must be embarrassed by some of their coworkers who are giving them a bad name.
by Richard Rosenthal
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Monday, January 3, 2011
Happy Every Day
A friend wished me "happy every day" recently and it struck a chord. It seems that the spirit of the holidays can be short lived and sometimes hollow. Like being asked, "How are you" and not waiting for an answer. An automatic greeting without necessarily any real meaning.
I would like to think that people would be happier and more productive if they approached life like each day was a special one, after all, each day is. Each day brings new opportunities to continue to grow and serve our community. Each day brings new opportunities to learn and share our gifts of knowledge, passion and compassion.
So let us try to make each day in 2011 the special one it is.
by Richard Rosenthal
I would like to think that people would be happier and more productive if they approached life like each day was a special one, after all, each day is. Each day brings new opportunities to continue to grow and serve our community. Each day brings new opportunities to learn and share our gifts of knowledge, passion and compassion.
So let us try to make each day in 2011 the special one it is.
by Richard Rosenthal
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