|
Published: June 26, 2007 04:04 pm
Let troops decide — 06/27/07
Airport overreacts in declaring homemade goodies off limits
Chalk up another worthy project that has fallen victim to our litigious society: Cookies, fudge and other homemade goodies for the troops passing through Bangor International Airport in Maine, either going to or coming from Iraq and Afghanistan.
According to the Associated Press, since 2003 volunteers known as the Maine Troop Greeters have been welcoming troops coming through the airport with homemade cookies, brownies, fudge and other assorted treats like strawberries and Girl Scout cookies. The airport even allocated a room to the volunteers, who have welcomed almost 500,000 troops as a way to show support and thanks.
However, the room was provided before airport authorities became concerned about liability issues and the fact that the homemade goodies were not under the same “strict regulations on food preparation, temperature control and handling” that govern the airport’s concessionaires, the AP reported.
While we certainly can understand the fear of being sued, we think banning the practice is an overreaction. Here in Kentucky, food that is sold is held to higher standards than that which is given away. That’s why Sister Bertha’s famous banana pudding and Brother Hank’s delicious homemade apple pie are favorites at a church’s potluck dinner but banned at dinners for which the church charges.
We say let the troops decide. Tell the soldiers that the cookies and other goodies offered them by the Troop Greeters have been made in the volunteers’ own kitchens, free of any federal, state or local supervision, and that, even though almost a half-million of their fellow soldiers have eaten them without harm, the troops do so at their own risk.
Once informed, we suspect most soldiers not only will decide to partake of the goodies but will appreciate that some thoughtful strangers have made the arrivals a bit merrier and their departures a little less sad. After all, for those either returning from a year or more in a war zone or heading into battle, we suspect eating a piece of fudge from someone’s kitchen does not sound all that risky.
|
|
|
|

 |
|
PRIMARY COUNSELOR
Full time. In Ashland. Responsibilities include individual counseling and case management. Degree and related exp...>MORE
LIC. INS. AGENTS
Part Time/Full Time, for local OH, KY, WV counties. Top commission. Local office support. 606-324-4499. ...>MORE
NOW HIRING
F/T Warehouse Personnel. Apply at 4250 Winchester Ave. ...>MORE
See all ads |
| Premium Cars, RVs and Boats |
CARS FOR SALE
CADILLAC- ‘01 DHS, 61k, $6,990. ‘01 Buick Century, 78k, $6,990. ‘99 Tahoe 4x4, $3,990. ‘03 Ford Windstar, 85k, $5,990. (...>MORE
HARLEY FOR SALE
2001 Super Glide. Must see! $5,995. Call 606-232-6319. ...>MORE
GMC PICKUP FOR SALE
1997 Sierra 2500 ext. cab, 4WD, extra heavy duty, loaded, auto. Rebuilt title but had very little damage, low mi., $11,9...>MORE
See all ads |
|
CABINS FOR SALE
CABINS- (8) on wooded lots. 1 mile from Grayson Lake. Also 2 wooded lots suitable for cabins. 606-474-9164....>MORE
See all ads |
|
MOTORCYCLE FOR SALE
BIG DOG- ‘01 Wolf, 16k mi, 1 owner, must see! $8,995. 606-232-6319. ...>MORE
DOGS FOR SALE
CHIHUAHUAS- Poodles & Yorkies. 740-532-7300; 894-5485; 740-237-6300...>MORE
FURNITURE FOR SALE
Couch and chair & half, microfiber, stain resistant, excellent condition Dining room suite, hutch, table & 6 chairs. 606...>MORE
See all ads |
|
 |
|