Arguments against TSA screenings are ridiculous

Okay, so over the last couple of days, the Transportation Security Administration whose sole purpose is to protect the American people, is coming under heavy fire for its screening procedures.

These arguments are ridiculous, most of which the media is jumping all over and sensationalizing to hook viewers' attention.

I fly periodically, and I've never had a problem with the TSA security screening procedure. I've had my bags rummaged through, I've had the pat down, and I've even gone through the full body scanner. It's no big deal. I repeat, IT'S NO BIG DEAL!

All of these people looking to start a witch hunt with the TSA are exactly the same ones who will have their phones locked to speed dial ready to call into CNN when, God forbid, another terrorist attack occurs on American soil. I believe the word for these types of folks are hypocrites.

Indeed, a new pole shows that 48 percent of Americans see the new pat-downs as justified, while 50 percent say they go too far. When it comes to security and safety 45,000 miles above the earth, I'm fine with whatever it takes to make sure some holy Jihadist doesn't have the opportunity to blow me out of the sky.

It's amazing to me that people hired to protect U.S. citizens are reportedly being punched, kicked and shoved during pat-downs. It was even reported that one woman headbutted a screener who was searching her laptop. Some screeners are even being accused of molesting passengers. Molesting passengers? GIVE ME A BREAK!

Look folks, if you are worried about a pat-down, do yourselves and all of us a favor and leave items like phones, belts and heavy jewelry in their carry-ons when going through security, and then take them out after going through security. The only reason you might get a pat-down is because your new phone is setting off the metal detector.

Maybe I'm biased because my dad is a TSA screener, but I know he's out there everyday making sure people he may never see again in his lifetime remain safe.

The bottom line is be safe out there this holiday season, allow yourself some extra time at the airport, and try to keep your patience when the guy in front of you wearing his "Don't touch my junk" T-shirt is making you late for your flight because he won't let the TSA check his pockets.

It's not the TSA that's the problem, think about it.

D.L.

Home for the Holidays is nearly here

By Dave Merchant
Heritage Newspapers

The Christmas and New Year holidays are right around the corner, and the Village of Dexter is looking to shine once again this year as it comes alive with festive spirit.

The “Home for the Holidays” Christmas Festival will be held on Dec. 4. It will begin with breakfast with Santa at the Lighthouse Cafe from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. with a special menu for children.

Mary Pierce, director of Think Dexter First, said the event use to be called “Victorian Christmas” until her group took it over in 2006.

“We decided to go with the theme of ‘home for the holidays.’ Our goal was to cut out the things that weren't profitable,” she said.

The holiday craft bazaars will be held at St. Andrew's Church, the Dexter Senior Center and the Dexter Area Historical Museum from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Santa will be at the gazebo at Monument Park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Holiday Hustle 5K run/walk for charity will begin at 4 p.m. at Central Street near Monument Park. Participants can register online at www.runholiday5k.com.

Pierce said the race is one of the more popular events for the festival. Proceeds benefit the Dexter Senior Center, Dexter Lions Club, ABC Athletic Group and Faith in Action.

“We ask each runner to bring a can of food to donate as well,” she said. “Every item gets a ticket and that ticket is a chance to win a prize.”

She said some of the prizes are donated by LaFontaine Automotive Group of Dexter.

Pierce said last year, event organizers collected enough food to fill a U-Haul truck, and she is hoping for more this year.

Dexter's annual tree lighting ceremony will begin at Monument Park at 6 p.m.
Pierce said that many of the restaurants will give discounts to customers who present their race tickets throughout December.

“It will be good for a month if they get it stamped,” she said.

She said carolers will be walking down the street and singing every 10 to 15 minutes. The event has been very popular, and even up until three or four years ago there were roughly 2,000 runners signed up for the 5K run

“I always think it is a good problem when people say there is nowhere to park,” she said. “Our goal is to have an interest for everyone.”

There is an all-day roaming ice sculpture carving and exhibit downtown, which is sponsored by area businesses.

Think Dexter First encourages all visitors to shop locally throughout the weekend festivities. For more information visit www.dexterholiday.com.

New coffee house in Chelsea

The City of Chelsea welcomed its newest business member on Tuesday morning as the Biggby Coffee shop at 1171 Main Street Suite #1 opened for business to the public. The store has been a dream of owner Chris Kosmet from Jackson for well over a year.
“I was looking for a business to open and I was really happy I found a Michigan based company,” Kosmet said. “They were at the top of my list. I love coffee and I love the atmosphere.”
The business employs 16 part-time workers and is open Monday through Saturday from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. On Sunday the shop hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
“So far the community has welcomed us well,” he said. “Chelsea is a great community and I have always loved the Common Grill.”
The coffee shop has 27 seats and does not have a drive-thru. The ordinance in this part of Chelsea only allows drive-ins for pharmacies. H&R Block originally had this location but they were able to work something out with the landlord so Biggby Coffee could have the end spot in the mall.
“The City of Chelsea Zoning Commission, Washtenaw County Health Department have all been very helpful in the process,” he said.
Bob Pierce, director of the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce said it is always nice when a new business opens in the community.
“I think it is always exciting to open a new business,” Pierce said. “It is a good location for a good coffee shop. I am very impressed with the owner and his staff and how they were very involved in the community before it opened. They wanted to join the Chamber and have become good corporate citizens.”
Mike Jackson, president of the Chelsea Chamber of Commerce said he is excited anytime a new franchise opens in the area.
“It is nice to have an independent business owner,” Jackson said.
Kosmet’s mother and co-owner, Vicki, said the process of opening a business is a lot.
“There is a lot to do to get it open,” Vicki said. “Chelsea was a good location for us from Jackson. I have a daughter that lives in Saline and one in Ypsilanti so we come through Chelsea a lot.”

Japanese delegation visits Chelsea, Dexter

(Above) Dr. Michael D. Fetters of the Family Medicine @ Domino's Farms Japanese Family Health Program, Muramatsu Fujio, mayor of Mori Town, Shawn Keough, Dexter Village president, and Junichi Ota, mayor of Kimugawa, as well as a Japanese delegation, visited Dexter and were given a special tour of the apple cider making process at Dexter Cider Mill on Nov. 18.





(Above) Chelsea Mayor Jason Lindauer accepts a gift of pottery from Fujio Muramatsu, mayor of Mori Town, while Junichi Ota, mayor of Kikugawa, looks on. The Japanese mayors and medical dignitaries were part of a delegation that visited the Chelsea District Library and Chelsea Community Hospital on Nov. 18 to learn more about family practice medicine.

Dexter is a nice place to visit

I guess the best thing for me to say is hello and I hope I do a good job with the Dexter Leader for the short time I am going to be here. Since taking over for the injured Sean Dalton I have met some interesting and very nice people in the community.
I am not use to traveling as far as I have been to get to events and meetings but I will do the best I can.
The Village of Dexter is an interesting place that has brought me back to some of my earlier days as a reporter. When I first started out I was covering the school board and crime at a daily paper in Kansas. After many years and quite a few sports games and features I find myself back doing the same thing. The schools in this area are fantastic and so far all the people and students I have met are good as well.
The Dexter Village Council is also very good at what they do. I have enjoyed learning about the projects in the community as well as many other issues in the area.
I look forward to also helping in Chelsea and getting even more stories from out there. The best thing any reporter can have is sources and people with ideas.
Please get in touch with me by email or phone if you have any ideas for stories (good or bad) I will listen and not judge.
My email is address is dmerchant@heritage.com.