If the new security measures actually made flying any safer, that would be one thing (although I’d argue that they’d still be unacceptable, since they’re sacrificing one group’s safety for the sake of another’s). But they don’t. If someone willing to give his life to terrorize air travelers actually managed to build a working bomb and get it as far as the airport, he could just detonate it in the airport itself, prior to the security checkpoint. It would have the same effect.

I also find the pat-downs no laughing matter.

Doing this to a child of 13 (the age it starts) who is just entering puberty, could be downright traumatic. If a child has been sexually molested, (about 1 in 4 girls has been, and 1 in 10 boys), the incident could be a horrible public humiliation, and an additional scar, as they are not allowed to say NO. And the radiation is most dangerous to developing children. I would not allow a stranger to touch my child in that manner, for any reason whatsoever.

I do not fly much, but now I would prefer to drive across the continent than fly. I do not like my right to travel freely within my own country contingent upon relinquishing my right to refuse unlawful searches. I do not like the trend toward a police state. Those who would sacrifice freedom for security, deserve neither.

“I understood the joke. I just didn’t think it was funny. That’s a risk you run when you make jokes about sexual assault – some people don’t find that sort of thing amusing.”

“Not being amused” is a risk you run when you read free content in the public domain.

Besides, if the message you were trying to convey with your “joke” was “TSA enhanced patdowns are a terrible overreach and need to be stopped,” that’s not how it came across. What comes across is, “Hey, maybe TSA patdowns aren’t so bad because women probably like being felt up by random guys, heh heh heh.”

More radical would be to swap some kids around. One of mine switches places with one of yours so they have someone different to play with for a time.

Now combine the CB with switched kids: My kid in this car can talk with my kid in that car . . .

I would suggest that Trent have someone re read what he writes before he posts it, but I don’t think Trent really reads the comments.

And especially relevant now-a-days… DO NOT FOLLOW THE GPS BLINDLY!!!

@ Michelle, in WI we have rest stops along the interstate that have a heated building with restrooms and vending machines. Some also have indoor tables for meals. Nothing fancy, but I bring a blanket for the floor or some cleaning wipes to clean off a table to have a meal on. We also eat meals with no utensils, like string cheese, crackers, pre made sandwiches raisins pretzels, carrot sticks so clean up is minimal except for washing hands and maybe a few napkins.

Snow picnicking would delight my husband (I, on the other hand, am not a snow person) – you’d need something waterproof to sit on & put your food on, warm clothes, & a warm drink if not warm food (thermoses, if you can’t find a roadside rest with fire pits/barbecues). I’m guessing the kids would find it a huge adventure.

I guess I’m just thankful I’ve never had to take a long road trip with so many people that’s even an option.

I’m also in the “drink water, stop frequently enough” camp.