SELF-QUIZ
From time-to-time I ask myself a serious question just to see what I might say.
Try it. You may be amazed at the ready answers you get, and suprised by a few of them, having been unaware of the fact that you had even considered such possiblities.
Many year ago a GI-friend of mine was designated to man a machine gun location at the far end of the main airport runway where we were stationed. We had a manpower shortage at that phase during the World War II and we pulled duty alone rather than in pairs. His place was exceptionally lonely. Enemy bombers flew high overhead intent on targets hundreds of miles inland from our coastal location, so we seldom had raids of any kind. Someone asked him: "What do you do just to stay awake all night?" I remember his reply: "Is ask myself questions and , boy, do I get some stupid answers!"
It makes good sense, however, for us to consult our inner selves before we simply rely on others to decide what we think and do. To rely entirely on outside guidance can prove costly. After all, who knows more about what is in your head and heart - your dreams, aspirations and ideals - than yourself?
Ask yourself questions and listen to what you say.
For instance, at this moment, how do you feel about aircraft safety? Is it safe to fly commercially once again? Are your ready to do so?
You know about delays at the airport, and about all the stress and complaints from customers about inspections procedures, but your inner mind will clue you in on the fiact that it was only this week, January 3, 2003, that total luggage screening was put into effect at all airports in the United States - not September 11, 2001. Not only does my inner self tell me about such "quick responses", but it also reminds me that I don't, as a rule, fly anyway so the entire question is more-or-less moot for me save for any concerns I may have for others who do fly through necessity.
Ask yourself how you feel abouy the Canadian border?
How about these five, or "eight" or, maybe even "nineteen"..(there's that nasty number again!) "aliens" who, in some mysterious manner, "crossed" the Canadian border and entered the United States on Christmas Eve and haven't been seen since?
How, pray tell, me, did this quintet of "Arabic featured" men, Octet, or , or whatever "nineteen" would be ...get across the border untapped. We know they names, have their photographs, know their life history, and know the passports they used are fakes. Our F.B.I. and others are looking for them ,we are told, not to arrest them, but simply to "talk with them."
I'd like for them to be looking for whomever allowed the five to cross the border. Somebody, or some legal loophole gadgetry, held up a "Welcome"sign inviting them to come in.
A.L.M. January 3, 2003 [c505wds]
