And as of now, tours of the White House are still are closed!

It is now being reported that lines at our Nation’s Airports are getting slower and slower and longer and longer—all due, supposedly, to the infamous “sequester.” I just received a copy of an e-mail from one of the travel agents who works with me, warning her customers to be ready for these long lines and possible missed connections. She cares that much about Her travelers and wanted them to be forewarned.

On February 13th Janet Napolitano, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security wrote: “Sequestration would roll back border security, increase wait times at our nation’s land ports of entry and airports, affect aviation and maritime safety and security, leave critical infrastructure vulnerable to attacks, hamper disaster response time and our Surge Force capabilities, and significantly scale back cybersecurity infrastructure protections that have been developed in recent years”

So I guess we should have known. This two percent cut in future spending (sequestration) was going to be devastating. Being in the Travel Industry I should have been better prepared and warning my travelers that this was true, not just hype (scare tactics) and bound to happen……

But then I learned that just two days before the “cuts” were to take place, the TSA announced it had awarded a $50 million one-year contract for new uniforms for airport screeners. A TSA fact sheet issued to employees reads: “TSA will provide your initial uniform issue consisting of 3 long sleeve shirts, 3 short sleeve shirts, 2 pairs of trousers, 2 ties, and one belt, sweater, socks, and jacket.”

Now if you Google the number of screeners that the TSA says it employs—and I do not know if this includes or excludes the ones they claim they are going to furlough—or if the ones who are supposedly going to be furloughed still get the free clothes—around 50,000 screeners. If my math is correct, that means, we the taxpayers, are paying $1000.00 per screener so they can look better while we stand in longer and longer lines that are moving slower and slower!!

I wonder why, we the taxpayers, weren’t also stuck with the cost to include the shoes and underwear.

And as of now, tours of the White House are still closed!

Pray for me. I’ll pray for you.

Jim

Oh, and according to the TSA fact sheet you do not need to tell them your size—agents will be measured—custom fitted?? My jeans and my Tuxedos come right off the rack.