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I was listening to the radio on my way to work this morning when
the news segment came on. One of the news items they discussed was
a new revelation at one of the United State's busiest airports, Los Angeles
International Airport.
Last week, the popular airport's Board of Airport Commissioners
approved a proposal that would allow celebrities, sports stars, politicians,
business executives and other ridiculously rich people the luxury
of maneuvering around the airport without the harassment of the
paparazzi. Averaging $1,800 per trip, the world's one percent will now
be able to enter through a private gate, avoid airport traffic and wait
far away from the rush of "normal" people at the airport's central terminal.
They will also get the luxury of hanging at a private lounge,
away from the airport's regular hustle and bustle.
A private celebrity security firm will build and run the lounge, which
is estimated to bring in $34 million for the airport over 10 years.
In a world with so many other important issues on our minds, especially
when it comes to airline safety, I asked myself, "who cares?!"
Maybe I'm insensitive for not giving a hoot about the privacy and
safety of celebrities (who hire their own security for that anyway). But
what about the privacy and safety of everyone else? Where are the improvements
for the "every day person" going through the airport?