There were several stories this week about traveling, the TSA, and the ever-increasing security theater employed at the nation’s airports.

A man went through Las Vegas airport and the explosive residue on his clothing was never detected.

A man was questioned by immigration and the TSA about the meaning of his t-shirt.

Maybe they took the t-shirt literally?

Reading books is now some sort of danger as well. United Airlines passenger, Vance Gilbert, was reading a book about old airplanes. The flight crew freaked out and the plane was returned to the gate.

The plane went all the way out to the take-off point, in the queue for take-off. All the while I noticed a lot of phone pinging back and forth between the flight attendants. The young woman flight attendant was also crouched next to and conversing seriously to a dead-heading pilot about 4 seats up on the other side. The plane then proceeded to turn around and head all the way back to the gate. Once at the gate, the jet bridge was positioned. The Captain announced, “We have a minor issue, and we will continue our departure once it’s resolved.” He left the aircraft.

After about 5-10 minutes, 2 Mass State Policemen, 1 or 2 TSA Agents… come down the aisle and motion me to get off of the plane. I do not remember if they called me by name.

The police questioned Mr. Gilbert and quickly determined that the flight attendants were idiots. Mr. Gilbert was allowed to return to the plane, though his journey was not so smooth.

We were now at least, after re-queuing, over an hour late. No one looked me in the eye, flight attendants, passengers. I missed my next connection, and had to cancel that portion of the flight… rent a car ($270) plus fuel ($30) to my work (lost 1/2 wages = $100), and I was afraid to read for the next two flights…

What’s my take-away from this experience as a taxpayer, United Airlines patron, Black Man, teacher, mentor, American? I was brokenhearted and speechless as I overheard my friend’s wife try to explain to her kids what happened and what he and I were talking about over dinner. They never did get why.

Any rational person doesn’t get why either. There was absolutely no reason to ever question Mr. Gilbert. While not everyone is a plane enthusiast, it’s not that difficult to walk up to him, ask if you can have a look at his book, ask him about his book, or any other manner of engaging in conversation and one would see that Mr. Gilbert and his book on WWI planes was not a threat.

Also, terrorists don’t research how to destroy planes on an actual plane. They learn that information beforehand and typically don’t “wing it” as they go.