Just an FYI, for all of those darker-skinned types who think the system is only out to get them...it's out to get the rest of us, too!

I had completed several trips since 11 September, but mine this week was unique. Due to flight schedules and such, I was flying on two separate one-ways on two airlines, rather than an RT. Combine this with (1) male, (2) traveling alone, and (3) no checked baggage, (4) ticket booked only two days in advance of travel. I guess that set off a few alarm bells, 'cause BOY was security a hassle.

Outbound: At JFK's hideously layed out Delta terminal, you pass through security at the entrance to the building. (What you do if you want to purchase a ticket, I have no idead.) Made it through with no problem, checked in, went to my gate. Then right as boarding began, I was called by name to approach the counter. "Good morning Mr. X. We are performing a random passenger screen. I need you to empty your pockets and place your bags here on the table for examination." Random my ...!

Return trip on jetBlue from New Orleans. My boarding pass was marked with black "S" at the top - the mark of Cain, I would later learn. At security, I was manually examined with a handheld metal detector and my bags were rooted through by the staff. Then at the gate, as everyone boarded, I was AGAIN taken aside for the manual metal check and to have my bags rooted through. "In case someone brought something past security and gave it to you."

Everybody on both sides was very polite, but I have to say I was a bit fed up after my third complete check in two days. Not to mention that it's a little humiliating to have your undies layed out as all of

Incidentally, I am blond, very white, very clean-cut, and was rather smartly dressed on both sides. That's not the stuff their looking for. So for those who think it's all about race - I can personally assert that it ain't.