My wife and I have been thinking about coming to the US for a visit. I haven't been there for almost 3 years, and her last trip was 5 years ago.

I've got several children there, and a lot of grand children scattered around, plus at least two great grandchildren that we'd like to see. That means a fair amount of domestic air travel, on top of the grueling trans-Pacific flight from Asia to the West coast. The air travel situation (security)is so questionable now that it gives us pause. The antics of the Homeland Security people, trying to minimize the Christmas incident, then frantically backpedaling, does not inspire confidence in the air travel security business.

There is the added fact that air travel now, even in the best of circumstances, cannot compare to travel in the '70s when it comes to comfort, or quality of cabin service, and food. I cannot help making the comparison, every time I fly to and in the US. Airline cost cutting and the security situation makes it such a hassle now.

And I think I'd rather be here in Mindanao than in the US, when Israel decides on its own to take out the Iranian nuclear production facilities. We are stocking up on sardines, rice and bottled water.

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