Here's something to think about. One thing I haven't mentioned here, or in my profile, yet (because it isn't a major thing for me) is that I am totally blind. I was thinking about the whole issue of the extra measures taken after both 9/11 and the plot that was thwarted yesterday in Brittain.

After 9/11 when I traveled by air, the security people have taken my long white cane from me. To me, this is a invaluable tool. It is, for me, an extension of my hand...and I use my hands now (a lot) since my eyes no longer work. At first, I wasn't so sure I liked this. I am an independent person who believes in the ability of blind people to function independently in society. Please, don't misunderstand. When I say this, I don't mean I won't accept help...I am just selective about the kind of help since I can do most things for myself.

Anyway, I digress. As I thought about the new security measures, and the thwarted plot, I realized how glad I am they actually inspect my cane. Why? Because, while I wouldn't fit a terrorist profile, what if some sick-minded individual who does fit such a profile decided to pretend to be blind in order to gain passage to an aircraft with explosives undetected because they hid them in a blind person's white cane? I have nothing to hide, so I have nothing to fear in letting them inspect my cane, and nothing to gain by resisting such an inspection. Let them wand me (and my cane), let them frisk me, take my cane and x-ray it (or even me). I don't care. As long as I can fly safely, I think the inconvenience is worth it.

Alan