Security: Jobs and the Nation Are Intertwined

Just how long can American unity, supported by grief and fear, anger and patriotism, persist? Only as long as we understand and respect that the well-being and safety of us all are dependent on the well-being and security of each of us.

To recognize, at last, that airport security personnel require decent pay, adequate benefits and training, if we are to expect them to do their work competently, is to begin to recognize our national interdependence. And we can expect and deserve to live in comfort and without fear only when all of us, farm worker and janitor, restaurant worker and security guard, are able to support ourselves and our families and to trust that we are valued for the work we do. For terror can take many paths besides those that run through the arches of airport metal detectors.

Michael H. Weinberg

Pasadena

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I wonder if the president and his brain trust have really thought through the ramifications of shooting down passenger jets (“National Guard to Help With Airport Security,” Sept. 28). Passenger planes approaching LAX are oftentimes placed in holding patterns. The planes are sometimes directed to circle around the downtown area. How are the president or the two designated generals supposed to make a split-second decision about whether or not such a plane is to be shot down? It is somewhat ironic that this new policy was announced on the same day that President Bush spoke at O’Hare encouraging Americans to return to the friendly skies! Talk about mixed messages.

Bob Lentz

Sylmar

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Having just completed a trip to Italy, France and Spain during the recent attack on the U.S., we found the return flight with the added security very comforting and safe. Reading and hearing about the people who have canceled flights and vacations for fear of flying is very disturbing.

Yes, the potential for further airline terrorism is still present, but it has diminished drastically with the tightening of security. I’m determined not to let those heroes on Flight 93, who sacrificed their lives to prevent what would have added another tragedy to the day, die in vain. I may be too old to join the service, but I’m not too old to stand up to bullies the likes of Osama bin Laden.

I will continue to fly and support American business.

Ronald Gelsinger

La Crescenta

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To jump-start airlines and tourism, how about a limited-time offer of free vacation packages, care of the U.S. federal government? We’ll start flying again, we’ll fill up our hotels in a flash, and New York’s Broadway and Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in Anaheim will brim with tourists.

Madhu Thangavelu

Rancho Palos Verdes