Estraya\'s comments, though barbed, are appreciated - especially in that he or she took time to read my musings. The reference to me as a \"so-called journalist\" took me somewhat by surprise, however, as I have never considered or promoted myself as such. My intent was to produce an \"essay\", as opposed to a news item.  
 
I quickly consulted Wikipedia to be sure that I was not mistaken in my understanding of the meaning of the terms \"journalist,\" \"journalism,\" and \"essay.\" By definition, I am not a journalist, as I do not practice journalism (nor, do I aspire to do so). 
 
I appeal to no less an authority than Aldous Huxley concerning the matter of essays: \"...The essay is a literary device for saying almost everything about almost anything. By tradition, almost by definition, the essay is a short piece, and it is therefore impossible to give all things full play within the limits of a single essay. ...There are... ...personal essayists, who write fragments of reflective autobiography and who look at the world through the keyhole of anecdote and description.\" ...To which I must confess - guilty of attempting same! 
 
Had there been an actual IED on my flight, of course, my keyhole would have assumed a considerably different shape and size... doubtless, it would have puckered into invisibility! 
 
The fact remains, however, that - bomb or no bomb - the recent experience in Charlotte is but one personalized example of the present Theater of the Absurd in which each of us is forced to play out his or her part... At what point will we object to the increasingly intrusive and totalitarian actions of our government? At what point will we surrender the last vestiges of common sense, liberty, and human decency in the quest for \"security\"? It will be interesting to see what the tipping point will be in the days and months ahead. 
 
Thanks again for commenting.

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