One of the things we noted is that there seemed to be a bit of frustration built into the process. TSA pre-check, a process for which you have to (a) pay (b) fill out a ridiculous government form and (c) go through a personal interview – where the silly person expected me to know off the top of my head whether we went to Italy in 2005 or 2006.
Hell, I don’t know what I had for supper last night. Nobody told me that there was a test. I thought it was one of those stupid “Do you swear you aren’t a terrorist,” things (which, in essence it was. Do they really think that the terrorists aren’t going to lie?).
By being pre-screened as a non-terrorist (and paying the appropriate fee), you’re supposed to get a few perks – something most Americans find annoying, since we think that government services for which everyone pays ought to be available equally, but that’s another blog – in this case including the ability to go through TSA without having to take out your computer and liquids or take off your shoes or belt.
After going through all of this, we’ve adopted the philosophy to guide us as to what action to take in response to idiotic bureaucracy – specifically “WWRD” – What would Ralph do?
Those who know our friend Ralph understand that he has the ability to immediately assess a situation and determine when it’s worth the effort to throw a fit and when to capitulate and follow the bureaucratic mandate. It provides us with a mantra upon which to meditate when standing in lines (like those at TSA) that are backed up 50 yards while one (ONE!) agent deals with everything and Eight (or more) others stand back talking about the ball game, last night’s date, who goes on break next or whatever else it is that they use to occupy their time.
We made it through, though, had a snack and a break in a nice lounge, and are now ready to pack it up for the next part of the journey.
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