One day last week, on the way to the airport, we made a quick stop at the bank to cash a check. It was not only necessary to produce my ID, I had to provide a thumbprint as well. Later at the terminal, it was necessary for us to hand the man our driver’s licenses as we checked our luggage. Before being allowed to move through the security line, a woman in uniform asked for them again. After landing, my ID was requested once more at the Avis counter. Carol commented that we had to produce our government-generated photo IDs four times in one day and the day was only half over.
We got to thinking about all the other times we’re asked to show our ID.
Buy an expensive flat screen TV and pay for it by check? Check.
How about paying for it with a credit card? Again, check.
Visit a new physician’s office — your insurance card is not enough. Again you’ll have to prove you are you.
You and I present our cards all year long without so much as a whimper.
So what are people squawking about when it comes to profiling? A police officer from the 102 once told me, “Ask any cop and, if he’s honest, he’ll confide in you that profiling, regardless of the law, is good police work. If all the crime in a community is being committed by six-foot-tall blonde women, does it make any sense to stop short bald men?”
That’s an excellent question and most of us can make an outstanding case for both sides. What’s your thinking on this?
•••
My roommate and I recently returned from our 81st cruise. Number 82 is already booked and within the next day or two and so will cruise number 83. We LOVE cruising. Where else in this world can you visit foreign ports, see shows, consume 11 meals a day and dance the night away all for under $100 a day?
Those of you who are familiar with the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line know that all of their vessels are christened “Something … of the Seas.” There’s the “Liberty of the Seas,” the “Independence of the Seas” and so on. To those of you who think only mature folks like me take cruises, you might want to think again. We were aboard a ship with more 20- and 30-somethings than we’ve ever seen before. And the women? Absolutely gorgeous, super-stunning and sexy like you wouldn’t believe. From the afternoon bikinis to the low-cut evening wear, I saw so much skin that I suggested to the captain that this vessel be renamed the “Cleavage of the Seas.”
For the sake of my health I did make a conscientious effort to reduce my food intake. While aboard, I cut down to only six meals a day. You may recall that I once wrote, after consuming 11 meals each day, “I came aboard as a passenger. Seven days later I disembarked as cargo. They came along with a forklift and …” Any questions? You’ll get answers from my friend Commodore Camille at Theworldawaits@AOL.com. I am StanGershbein@Bellsouth.net wishing you all bon voyage.
