Amber Alert Amber Alert

It is interesting reflecting on your own assimilation, slowly becoming conditioned over time to change your behavior until you do not realize change has occurred. Only when you remove yourself to a safe haven, hopefully not too late, do you have the opportunity to emerge from your shackles and bask in freedom again. And even then you may not even recognized you have escaped the clutches of the agents of change. I ponder this as I entered SFO for my flight back to Cary to be confronted, yet again, by the blaring the speakers. "We are now at threat security level orange. Please report any suspicious activity or any unattended baggage's."

For those of you who don't have the pleasure of travelling through the US now a days, this has become the norm. A perpetual state of fear and suspicion pervasive at many public institutions. Slowly conditioning travelers to become the next layer of security. To become more cautious and nervous leading to a heightened sense of fear. This is further reinforced through the overbearing presence of security staff and the on-going screening. I have lost count of how many dangerous nail files have been confiscated.

There is an industry of fear gaining the upper hand throughout the country. An industry that benefits from this perpetual state of alertness. The masses in the country. The ones that don't travel seem to go on with their day to day lives without any concerns. The fear mongers gaurding the borders, institutionalizing their police state, relish their new role in spreading doom and gloom. And profiting from it.

Contrast this with the multiple ferry trips we made last week through Victoria. No armed guards, no security screening, no baggage searches or x-ray machines. Liquids and gels; bring them right on board and enjoy the view. Watch the Orca's accross the harbour. Just march on board, drop off your luggage and relax. It was quite the pleasant change. The atmosphere was friendly, engaging and relaxing. There was a feeling of peace and bliss. I only realize this now as yet another security alert is broadcast through the airport.

Fortunately we had our own Amber alerts in Victoria. Several of them at the Swan Pub. I toast you BC for common sense, a sense of community and the ability to resist the fear mongers who would have you succumb. Essentially achieving in proxy what they claim to protect us from.