It became clear some time ago that the Tribune and I disagree on what should be done at O’Hare International Airport. But in light of the war on the United States, I would think the Tribune would want to carefully consider its position.
Instead of continuing to push a multibillion-dollar expansion project (“George Ryan’s gutsy decision,” Editorial, Oct. 19), why not lead the charge to ensure airport safety? Until the public feels safe in our airports and aboard aircraft, people won’t be returning to the “friendly skies.”
Recent local media reports revealed only 5 percent of the baggage at O’Hare is checked for bombs and other weapons. Countless news stories have emerged about untrained personnel with criminal backgrounds manning the security checkpoints. These are lapses in airport security that must not be tolerated if we expect the public to return to the air. We need trained and trustworthy security personnel scrutinizing passengers and their carry-on items. We need to check every piece of luggage using the most sophisticated equipment. We must take aggressive–and perhaps costly–measures to improve safety.
Currently the airlines are reducing schedules, laying off tens of thousands of employees and facing financial ruin. It seems unlikely they could commit now to multibillion-dollar airport expansion projects. And, certainly, that burden should not be placed on the taxpayers.
Before proceeding on any airport expansion projects, we must restore the public’s confidence in air travel.
