Submitted by Timothy A. Skinner (United States), Aug 26, 2006 at 08:55
Mr. Pipes:
Thank you. Your recent article appeared in Hawaii Reporter, and as an expert in transportation issues (specifically aviation) who manages a small but growing airport for the benefit of the public and completing my doctorate in management, I could not agree with your assumptions more.
For 15 of 25 years in the USAF I was responsible for planning and conducting special military airlift and tactical operations and managing airfields throughout the Pacific Theater. Also, and as a member of several aviation organizations and think-tanks I have fostered the same concepts you pose, especially the fact that the TSA can not regulate itself and blame someone else (airport) for their errors. I have told TSA and others in charge, hopping it would sink in, that thinking like a Customs and Boarder agent and having a better understanding of the profile of those who mean us harm is much more effective than treating everyone as guilty until proven innocent by a complete body cavity search in public. Even hardcore criminals are afforded more freedoms.
Keep up the great work.
Warmest Mahalo
Timothy A. Skinner, A.A.E., MBA, MS
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