Last week my head spun around when I read about an eight-year old American boy who by all appearances and contrary to TSA's denial, is on the 'no-fly' list because he has the same name as a person who apparently is on the list.
That story was completely ridiculous and frustrating to read.
Now there is another story making me scratch my head in the name of common sense: Robert Munsch, world-famous Canadian author of such notable children's books as The Paperbag Princess and I Love You Forever, has changed the topic of his upcoming release because his publisher fears the story might unintentionally promote kiddy terrorism by encouraging kids to bring their loveys (yes, even this kind) onto planes.
Okay, they didn't exactly say that the book would promote Terrorism, Jr. (trademark pending) but, bottom-line, isn't that how it reads? And have they even read his book 'Angela's Airplane' where Angela HIJACKS A PLANE?!? Obviously that was written pre-911.
Here's the scoop: even though his past work has featured precocious kids on airplanes, Robert Munsch's pending book about a child smuggling dolls onto a plane had to be put on hold in light of last month's 'underwear bomber' (which, in a simpler time, might itself have been the name of a kids' book). In a recent Toronto Star article Munsch said "Scholastic calls me up in a panic saying, 'Hold everything, that kid couldn't smuggle anything onto the plane, she's lucky to get onto the plane herself.' "
That's right. Best to not give kids any weird ideas about traveling with their comfort objects. That shit could be dangerous.
And judging from the story we posted last week, he's right about kids having trouble getting on planes in the first place. I'm surprised they aren't making us fly naked these days. Oh crap, I shouldn't type that lest I wind up on a TSA watch list - didn't some guy just get arrested for joking about air terrorism on Twitter?
Luckily for children everywhere Robert Munsch has a binder full of book ideas and he just selected another topic for his next release. Perhaps he will save the 'Doll Smuggler' for a time when the airlines and the world in general start exercising a little common sense.
Good grief! I mean... really... good grief! It's so unfortunate that we have to be subjected to such extreme measures at the airport now. On a flight back from D.C. a few months ago, my 4 year old had a favourite rubber ball with him - filled with liquid and sparkles and fishes. Airport security saw it, and took it away from him. "HE CANNOT BRING THIS ON THE PLANE! WE HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THE LIQUID IS!" My son was crying his head off... "Why did they take my ball, mom? What did I do wrong?" It was SO hard to explain to him that some bad people did very bad things on a few planes and that life as we know it had to change when traveling now. Sigh. And my youngest son, who just turned 2, hates taking off his shoes. Doesn't get why he has to do it!
Last week, we went to Florida. Both my boys were frisked at security at the Ottawa airport. It was SO SO laughable, I couldn't even be upset. Have you ever seen a 23 month old (he just turned 2 yesterday!) being patted down? OMG. Hilarious. And so ridiculous!
Posted by: Loukia | 01/19/2010 at 03:40 PM
@Loukia -- I KNOW! Its like common sense has gone on vacation. And I bet it didnt take a plane to get there.
Posted by: motherbumper | 01/19/2010 at 05:21 PM
They're not going to make us travel naked -they're going to use anesthesiologists to keep us unconscious.
Its just ludicrous.
Did you know that flight attendants can no longer tell you where you are or how much time is left in the flight. For example, let's say your flying over the Grand Canyon and you ask the flight attendant "Is that the Grand Canyon" they will reply "I can't answer that, its against safety regulations"... here's the kicker though if you are on a flight to or from the US and flying over say Greenland -they can't tell you that that's Greenland if you ask. Flying from say Mexico to England -no problem, those flight attendants are allowed
Posted by: Brenda Adler | 01/20/2010 at 10:07 AM
@Brenda Adler - That anaesthesiology theory sounds very plausible in my opinion. I think it was also in a Stephen King novel which you know, is a great indicator of our future. Everything about air travel has become ludicrous. EVERYTHING. Remember when it was just the price that was ludicrous? *sigh* those were the days.
Posted by: motherbumper | 01/20/2010 at 10:11 AM