QUESTION OF THE WEEK
Last week's Question of the Week concerned a plan to give airport security
screeners police-style badges in the hope that it will convey an image of
authority to passengers who may not currently give them respect. The
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is starting to outfit its
48,000 screeners with copper and zinc badges that will be worn on new
police-style, blue uniform shirts. The plan alarmed airport police officers
because they think it could undermine their authority by confusing
passengers. We asked if airport security screeners should be given police-
style badges. Eighteen percent of you said yes and 82 percent said no.
Here's more of what you had to say:
"They aren't trained like police, cannot carry firearms, cannot make
arrests, and don't deserve tin badges of authority. Additionally, the badges
could be stolen, duplicated, and misused to commit crimes. The more symbols
used, the more likely they will fall into the hands of people that will
misuse them." Ron Hoffman
"NO, the screeners already wear distinctive uniforms with insignia
indicating their function which is the point of the proposed badge. So a
traveler knows the screener's job and can see the armed police nearby. If a
traveler chooses to be disrespectful, the police can be summoned quickly
should the actions interfere with security or amount to harassment."
Ron Myers
"No, No, No. They are screeners with minimal experience, training and
education. They deserve common courtesy and the respect they earn. What's
next, armed janitors to enforce recycling laws?" Gary McKenzie
This week's Question of the Week concerns the future of high-speed
railroads in the U.S. A transportation bill recently signed by President
Bush includes $45 million to fund a magnetically levitated, or "maglev"
railroad that would whisk passengers between Anaheim, CA, and Las Vegas,
NV, at speeds up to 300 mph. Magnetically-levitated trains now operate in
Japan and Shanghai, China. Opponents, such as the Federal Railway
Administration, argue that magnetically-levitated trains require erecting
costly new infrastructure and the funds would be better spent upgrading the
nation's existing railways. What do you think? Should the U.S. develop
magnetically-levitated railroads? Yes or no? Submit your answer and post
your comments at:
http://link.abpi.net/l.php?20080701A12.
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