ruthless compassion

Sent to Virgin America this morning:

I write to you, my preferred airline in hopes that you can help me remain a customer. I typically fly 3-4 round trips with you per year, all of which are recreational, and I am consistently happy to fly on Virgin America.

I have decided to limit my optional air travel until the current state of security theater is scaled back. I believe that you are position to advocate for passengers' rights and reasonable, appropriate treatment from the TSA.

I want effective, evidence-based security measures that improve safety without invading every passenger's right to privacy. The new full-body scanners do not qualify, based on the research I have read, and are costly and offensive. The recently "enhanced" pat-downs are invasive and meet the legal definition of sexual battery.

As much as I love travel, and enjoy flying with Virgin America specifically, I am unwilling to undergo routine sexual battery for the privilege.

I hope Virgin can help, as I hope to be flying with you again someday soon.

Quote of the day, from Maurice Sendak:

Once a little boy sent me a charming card with a little drawing on it. I loved it. I answer all my children’s letters — sometimes very hastily — but this one I lingered over. I sent him a card and I drew a picture of a Wild Thing on it. I wrote, “Dear Jim: I loved your card.” Then I got a letter back from his mother and she said, “Jim loved your card so much he ate it.” That to me was one of the highest compliments I’ve ever received. He didn’t care that it was an original Maurice Sendak drawing or anything. He saw it, he loved it, he ate it.

What's made you smile today?

What infrequently-used word would you like to see become part of common parlance?