A Green Banned From Flying
Another curious point in WHY was Ms. Oden denied to travel is that the airline officials claim that she didn’t cooperate with the search. If you read her statement (provided in the discussion list) she says, “I did cooperate”. There was a National Guardsman who was “attacking” her by spouting his views of pro-war and thought she was on the side of terrorists. Obviously there was a lack of communication and disagreement on viewpoints. But this being a “free” country we are allowed to disagree, and anyone acting as the military should not force their ideas on us. What is most unfortunate in this situation is that National Guard person had power, which he used over Ms. Oden. He was the one who ultimately denied her air travel. He is the one who should be held responsible. At least that is what I can conclude from the evidence of reports and Ms. Oden’s own statement.
A few weeks later Ms. Oden was informed by the airlines that her money will be refunded and she will be allowed to travel out of that airport at a later date. Her denial was just for that one day. This adds further proof that it was due to a lack of confidence in the security check, whether it was the official doing the check or Ms. Oden who didn’t comply.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the only time an American has been denied access to an airplane recently. We must be careful that we, as a country, don’t head down that “slippery slope” of elitism and homogenization, that in order to make ourselves safe we have to deny access to anyone who doesn’t “look like us” or “think like us”. If we do, then we are in a sorry state indeed. Let’s not give up the freedom to be an individual for the sake of paranoia.
Pamela Gordon
More Info:
For more information on Ms Oden’s trial and tribulations:
“We are forming a national Bill of Rights Defense Committee, and invite all of you and/or groups you’re affiliated with to help us form such a coalition based on defense of our civil liberties. Please email back saying you’ll be part of this new coalition of groups and individuals, and include your name and phone number. Then we can call a meeting to decide what to do.”
Contact us: Bill of Rights Defense Committee 11-11-01
C/o Nancy Oden
PO Box 186
Jonesboro, Maine 04648
Latest Articles