What are people afraid of?
Mar 19th, 2003, 06:10 AM
#62
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Interesting, everything posted between 7:58 and 9:56 last night has been removed, and I know there was very heavy debate in those two hours because I posted about 4 posts after LN, making among other points that travel will never be the same. Trying not to be paranoid and trying to presume that Fodors editors delete posts based solely on tone and appropriateness to travel issues, not according to their own political bent, but it's fascinating that uncle_sam's posts just keep on coming -- and no one could be less travel-related nor worse when it comes to tone.
Mar 19th, 2003, 08:34 AM
#63
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Nina-your response that I have 'won' further supports my original post that you are only trying to provoke an argument. In a discussion, no one wins, just thoughts are exchanged. In an argument, most times there is a winner and a loser. You are not looking for 'valid' reasons for why people are not traveling, you are looking for a reason that pleases YOU. I am in no way afraid to fly. I just believe that there is a time and place for everything. I don't feel that I could enjoy a vacation while the world is in turmoil. I want to be with my family, close to home, and keep well informed. I also don't want the hassle of trying to collect my money if the airline goes belly up before my trip, trying to switch airlines, flights, times. I work very hard to be able to afford my vacations. I'd rather take them when I can actually relax.
Mar 19th, 2003, 09:20 AM
#64
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Nina
I agree with Ellen. IMO you wanted to make a statement that you are somewhat superior because you will still travel while those who have decided not to are somehow less worthy of your respect.
I agree with Ellen. IMO you wanted to make a statement that you are somewhat superior because you will still travel while those who have decided not to are somehow less worthy of your respect.
Mar 19th, 2003, 10:16 AM
#65
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Hi again Nina
It's pretty obvious that most of us are NOT AFRAID to travel. We are preferring to do as the other Ellen says: I want to be with my family, close to home, and keep well informed. We don't want to be "stranded" with our families at home and us "stuck elsewhere".
If we go to war, our children will be headed over there (and many are there right now) and then the casualties will start coming. I don't want a repeat of World War II, the Korean or the Vietnam wars again. I'd like my children to continue to grow in a peaceful manner and eager to take trips to whatever part of the world they choose to visit. There is way to much to lose when war comes and fear of a cancelled vacation is not really one of those losses.
It's pretty obvious that most of us are NOT AFRAID to travel. We are preferring to do as the other Ellen says: I want to be with my family, close to home, and keep well informed. We don't want to be "stranded" with our families at home and us "stuck elsewhere".
If we go to war, our children will be headed over there (and many are there right now) and then the casualties will start coming. I don't want a repeat of World War II, the Korean or the Vietnam wars again. I'd like my children to continue to grow in a peaceful manner and eager to take trips to whatever part of the world they choose to visit. There is way to much to lose when war comes and fear of a cancelled vacation is not really one of those losses.
Mar 19th, 2003, 11:41 AM
#66
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Not wanting to travel right now does not mean someone is afraid to travel. I don't understand how people make that jump in logic. I also don't understand why people are so quick to label others as cowards. I love to travel, and love to fly, but right now am not making any travel plans. I would rather stay close to my family, save some money and see what happens. All the places I want to visit aren't going anywhere. Also, why people like Nina are passing judgement on others about their travel plans without knowing full stories is beyond me. Even if my family had travel plans right now, we would have to cancel them. My husband would not be able to get the leave in any way, shape or form right now with an impending war or once war begins. There really are so many reasons people just opt not to travel now, all of which are valid.
Mar 19th, 2003, 01:20 PM
#67
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My husband and I originally planned a trip to central Europe for our vacation. We didn't book it, but stopped even considering it about two weeks ago. So now we're planning a drive through the Northwest. I feel safer "at home." But what is a safe place? After 9/11, how can anyone feel truly secure anywhere? I live in a small East Coast city that unknowingly sheltered terrorists. I continue to put one foot in front of the other, but for now, only here in the USA.
Mar 19th, 2003, 03:15 PM
#68
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I am not always sure if it is being afraid to travel. The Academy Awards has done away with the Red carpet this year. Perhaps to some it just doesn't "feel right" to be off having a grand old time while others are being bombed, shot at, and goodness knows what. Whether it is innocent Iraqis or our own boys, it all just doesn't feel right to me. Just my opinion. Perhaps it is empathy making people not want to travel at this sad time in history.
Mar 19th, 2003, 08:03 PM
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Afraid to travel?? Hmm considering I have more to worry about just being home, I'm not afraid to travel. Let me state why:
1. I work in the Empire State Building, which we have already had a few scares this week alone.
2. I ride a train to and from work that crosses over the Manhattan Bridge (another target of the terrorists!)
3. My immediate family contains members of the NYPD which is on full alert status.
4. I was in Manhattan on 9/11, my brother was on the same flight that crashed in Pennsylvania the day before!
5. Every single day there is a delay on the roads or the trains due to "police activity".
With this all in mind, I think I need my vacation that I planned 2 weeks ago for this June. If something is going to happen, it's going to happen regardless of where I am, what I'm doing or what is going on, so I figure I may as well just live my life as I planned unless of course something insane happens. If people choose not to travel, it is their choice, and in some ways, I can't blame them.
As for what I REALLY am afraid of:
1. That eventually TV will become nothing but reality shows and competitions (ie Star Search)
2. That Friends will never go off the air
3. Rats
4. That I won't be home when Publisher's Clearing House finally comes with that check
5. Fat people ahead of me on the line to the "all you can eat buffet"
6. Anyone on the road driving a car they can't handle
7. Driving next to big trucks (especially on the NJ turnpike!)
8. That the youth I see on my way to work will be running this country someday!
That's just my 1 cent for this thread!
1. I work in the Empire State Building, which we have already had a few scares this week alone.
2. I ride a train to and from work that crosses over the Manhattan Bridge (another target of the terrorists!)
3. My immediate family contains members of the NYPD which is on full alert status.
4. I was in Manhattan on 9/11, my brother was on the same flight that crashed in Pennsylvania the day before!
5. Every single day there is a delay on the roads or the trains due to "police activity".
With this all in mind, I think I need my vacation that I planned 2 weeks ago for this June. If something is going to happen, it's going to happen regardless of where I am, what I'm doing or what is going on, so I figure I may as well just live my life as I planned unless of course something insane happens. If people choose not to travel, it is their choice, and in some ways, I can't blame them.
As for what I REALLY am afraid of:
1. That eventually TV will become nothing but reality shows and competitions (ie Star Search)
2. That Friends will never go off the air
3. Rats
4. That I won't be home when Publisher's Clearing House finally comes with that check
5. Fat people ahead of me on the line to the "all you can eat buffet"
6. Anyone on the road driving a car they can't handle
7. Driving next to big trucks (especially on the NJ turnpike!)
8. That the youth I see on my way to work will be running this country someday!
That's just my 1 cent for this thread!
Mar 20th, 2003, 04:16 AM
#71
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First of all I'm not passing judgement on anyone. I never called anyone a coward. If I did, please point it out to me. All I asked is WHY people are cancelling travel plans. Don't make innaccurate insinuations.
The reason I "make that jump in logic" from not wanting to travel to being afraid to travel is that people I know who've cancelled plans have stated "I am afraid to travel now". I'm not making any assumptions, that's exactly what they said.
The reason I "make that jump in logic" from not wanting to travel to being afraid to travel is that people I know who've cancelled plans have stated "I am afraid to travel now". I'm not making any assumptions, that's exactly what they said.
Mar 20th, 2003, 04:31 AM
#72
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Nina, it wasn't a bad question, it's just that you come off sounding somewhat superior because you are not afraid to travel during these times. Maybe you don't mean to sound that way, but......
This is a very sad, scary, and worrisome time for our country and people. Everyone handles it differently. I'm traveling in a few weeks within the U.S. and I'm not afraid. I might think twice about flying to Europe, however.
This is a very sad, scary, and worrisome time for our country and people. Everyone handles it differently. I'm traveling in a few weeks within the U.S. and I'm not afraid. I might think twice about flying to Europe, however.
Mar 20th, 2003, 04:33 AM
#73
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I was up late last night watching the news coverage and I could not help but be awed by the courage and bravery of our young men and women in the armed forces. They are right on the front lines and yet, they continue to do their jobs and not let their fear get the best of them. Am I afraid, sometimes. Just like I am sure Todd Beamer and the rest of those on Flight 93 were. They didn't let fear stop them and I will be damned if I am going to let my fear run my life or allow me quit living each day to the fullest.
Mar 20th, 2003, 04:51 AM
#74
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Whether you are going to travel or not, please support our Troops. Here is a website where you can send messages to our troops.
http://anyservicemember.org
http://anyservicemember.org
Mar 20th, 2003, 05:41 AM
#75
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Nina-this seems like a time when we should all stick together, so I would like to apologize for jumping on your post. I really felt that you were being judgemental about the reasons why people were not flying. I think that maybe people just say they are afraid to fly as it is easier than trying to put a finger on the real reason for the anxiety. I don't think it is just getting on a plane that is the issue, it is the combination of things---being away from family, jobs being at risk, dismal stock market, media hype, and the additional security barriers. In a time of sadness, it really seems like to much effort to plan a vacation or change a comfortable routine.
I am also not convinced as to airline safety measures. The grand gesture of having me remove my mephistos for a scan is, pardon me, crap. Get a guard on the flights, get serious about the absurd amount of carry ons, and step up security at the docking areas. But, I guess it is cheaper to just have a 90 year old woman remove her orthopedic shoes.
I am also not convinced as to airline safety measures. The grand gesture of having me remove my mephistos for a scan is, pardon me, crap. Get a guard on the flights, get serious about the absurd amount of carry ons, and step up security at the docking areas. But, I guess it is cheaper to just have a 90 year old woman remove her orthopedic shoes.
Mar 20th, 2003, 06:18 AM
#76
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Thank you Ellen. I really am not being judgemental, I'm really trying to understand the fear (or reasons for not travelling now). I've got several trips planned, and have no intention of cancelling them unless I can be convinced that there is a valid reason to do so. I have people tell me I'm crazy to be flying every day, so I'm wondering if I'm just missing something.
I'm traveling with my kids and husband and I'm glad. I will say I wouldn't feel relaxed being away from them, but other than that, I don't want them to be afraid and I'm trying to figure out if I should be.
Personally I'm more freaked out to be living where I do. My husband said the West side hwy. was like a ghost town when he drove home last night. He's never seen such little traffic at rush hour.
I'm traveling with my kids and husband and I'm glad. I will say I wouldn't feel relaxed being away from them, but other than that, I don't want them to be afraid and I'm trying to figure out if I should be.
Personally I'm more freaked out to be living where I do. My husband said the West side hwy. was like a ghost town when he drove home last night. He's never seen such little traffic at rush hour.
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