TexasCHLforum.com

If you are uncomfortable with something you see in public and think it’s a risk that should be investigated, then report it. If not, then leave it alone. To me it’s a simple as that.

In this particular case (backpacks), sure they’ve been used to commit terrorist acts in Europe, but a pack by itself does not equate to the risk of terrorism, anymore then carrying a gun equates to a violent act. It’s not the pack that should be the cause of concern, it’s the circumstances surrounding the pack that should matter. Remember, backpacks don’t kill people, people kill people.

Look at the circumstances, profile the individual, if your internal radar shows a blip, then report it to someone responsible for security. After all, you are the last line of defense for yours and your family’s safety…better to err on the side of safety then to bury a loved one…

If you’re on the other side of the equation, and want to carry a bag, then carry it. As far as I know there are no laws against it. Understand that there will be folks that will be uncomfortable with the situation, but like everyone is comfortable with concealed carry, and you don’t let that get in your way. Just understand it may raise concerns in the present environment and opens you up to profiling. If security comes to “investigate� since some civilian profiled you, cooperate. It will pass quickly if you don’t make a big deal out of it and everyone gets to continue to go about their business. If you don’t want to deal with it, then don’t carry a bag…your choice.

I tend to look at it from the point if either side overreacts, then at some level the terrorists have a victory. But if both sides react reasonably, and with the overall interest of society in mind, then that’s no victory for the terrorist.

And keep in mind, that while terror is a truly evil thing, it’s a very rare thing when compared to car crashes, ladder accidents, robbery, sexual assault, kidnapping, deadly falls in the bathtub, and a host of other things that can have extremely detrimental impacts on your life. Even in Israel, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq you are more likely to die due to something other then terror. In the current US, it’s very unlikely.

React to the possibility…increase your awareness…be politically incorrect and profile…but don’t overreact…keep the odds in mind, along with the rest of the situation, and make your judgment call.