Peace is Coming - Jon McNaughton

Great Idea for New Airport Security

It's rare that I open or even read forwarded "junk" mail, but I happened to stumble on this. I like it. I really like it. It gave me a good laugh. Here it goes:

Here's a solution to all the controversy over full-body scanners at the airports. Have a booth that you can step into that will not X-ray you, but will detonate any explosive device you may have on you.

It would be a win-win for everyone, and there would be none of this crap about racial profiling. This method would eliminate a long and expensive trial. Justice would be quick and swift. Case closed!

This is so simple that it's brilliant. I can see it now: you're in the airport terminal and you hear a muffled explosion. Shortly thereafter an announcement comes over the PA system: "Attention standby passengers we now have a seat available on flight number..."

The Final Inspection

The Marine stood and faced God,

Which must always come to pass.

He hoped his shoes were shining,

Just as brightly as his brass.


'Step forward now, Marine,

How shall I deal with you?

Have you always turned the other cheek?

To My Church have you been true?'


The soldier squared his shoulders and said,

'No, Lord, I guess I ain't.

Because those of us who carry guns,

Can't always be a saint.


I've had to work most Sundays,

And at times my talk was tough.

And sometimes I've been violent,

Because the world is awfully rough.


But, I never took a penny,

That wasn't mine to keep...

Though I worked a lot of overtime,

When the bills got just too steep.


And I never passed a cry for help,

Though at times I shook with fear.

And sometimes, God, forgive me,

I've wept unmanly tears.


I know I don't deserve a place,

Among the people here.

They never wanted me around,

Except to calm their fears


If you've a place for me here, Lord,

It needn't be so grand.

I never expected or had too much,

But if you don't, I'll understand.


There was a silence all around the throne,

Where the saints had often trod.

As the Marine waited quietly,

For the judgment of his God.


'Step forward now, Marine,

You've borne your burdens well.

Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,

You've done your time in Hell.'


~Author Unknown~

Just one Cigarrette? Just one smoke in the plane? Please?

As a former Federal Air Marshal, I've witnessed someone who couldn't wait to landing to have a smoke. Smoking in flight is a felony, but -- if the "incident" was "just a cigarette" -- does this Qatari diplomat think he has full diplomatic immunity from skilled and alert air marshals who reportedly took him down with force and restraints?

Whatever the case, I'm sure he won't do that again!

More on the United Airlines flight 663 from DC to Denver

A reporter friend told me about the breaking news. I turned on the tube...

Latest word by AC-360: Federal Air Marshal responds. NORAD scrambles F-16s. Potential shoe bomber in mid-flight from DC to Denver is not an incident, just a "mistake" or an inappropriate "joke." Pshaw!I don't see that at all.

A low-level Qatari diplomat spends too much time in the lav.

Anderson Cooper said, "It's amazing in this day and age how quickly a small incident becomes a very big one."

I do not agree with that assessment at all. The crew and the Federal Air Marshals are not charlatans; they're professionals. There's a lot more to this story than is currently being reported. I'm sure of it. We'll learn more as time goes on.

Another Shoe Bomber????

CNN reporting incident on United 663 from Reagan to DIA, someone tried to light shoe on fire. As a former Federal Air Marshal and Iraqi war vet, I understand how difficult it is stopping a dedicated, suicide terrorist. Sadly, it's just a matter of time...

My Brother in India

Check out his family travels here:
Discover, Share, Inspire

A Tribute to Bob Patterson

I recently learned that my dear friend and mentor, Bob Patterson, passed away.

I wrote this about him in my journal several months ago:

If there is one person that I could call my hero and want to emulate desperately, it would be my friend, Bob Patterson. I must confess I've tried to put my finger on exactly why I respect him so much. He is articulate and fun. He has a marvelous sense of humor. He's brilliant and optimistic. My friend has a special way of making me feel comfortable and special every time he communicates with me. He possesses a deep spiritual conviction and love emanates from his countenance. I think that just about sums it up why I admire him so greatly.

Bob's wife, Belva, was one of the sweetest, kindest and most tenderhearted women I believe I've ever associated with. He sent me a brief note not long ago to tell me that she had passed away after an acute battle with terminal lung cancer. My heart was softened with pity and love towards my hero. In the tough, melancholy days prior to her passing, when she was having great difficulty caring for herself and while he was struggling with debilitating cancer himself, he confided in me how much he was learning about what loving his spouse really meant.

In one of his many published writings, long before his own personal struggle with cancer or that of his wife's, he wrote: "There is something particularly sacred in the service of those who continue to work for others when there is very little strength, energy, or time left for them to give. As I've watched those around me struggle with life-changing and life-threatening illnesses, I've seen faith that continually inspires and strengthens my own." ("Millersville or BYU" in Finding God at BYU eds. S. Kent Brown, Kaye T. Hanson, James R. Kearl (Provo: The Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 2001), 94-106.) My friend lived that first-hand in the final days of his sweet companion's passing.

Without a doubt, Bob Patterson, has a multitude of characteristics that I'd like to have and emulate. He is truly one of my greatest heroes.

Bob's obituary