In August of this year, when I flew back to Jackson from New Mexico with my two sons the unexpected happened while passing through airport security. Unbeknownst to me, my ever bold and decisive 10 year old had come to the conclusion that my trail pack was better than his own backpack. Without consulting me he had taken my pack out of the back of my Jeep and swapped his in its place, packing mine with his things for the return trip--this is the pack I keep back there for short hikes when I am out in the wilderness which so abundantly surrounds our house there--the pack which contains items like a first aid kit, pocket knife and water bottle....and, you guessed it.....a box of 50 rounds of .22 caliber ammunition tucked neatly into one of the pockets for those occaisions when I do a little plinking in the desert. I did not discover the backpack swap until airport security discovered the ammo in the backpack as it rode through the x-ray machine. Imagine my horror as the nice uniformed gentleman pulls me aside with the polite question "sir, is this your backpack?". You can imagine the rest of the scenario. After explaining to us the possibility of a fine anywhere from $600.-$25000.00 (yes thousand!), they confiscated the box of ammo, patted me on the rear and permitted us to board the plane--complete with sobbing ten year old, pissed off dad and a darkened mood upon our fellowship.
Pass the months until yesterday. Being a fairly stoic nature, I had decided not to worry about the 25k fine. I had explained the situation to airport security and he had included all that in his report and explained that Homeland security would send me a letter within a month or so with an explanation of the charges against me and the penalty fine (did I mention it could be as high as 25k?). Well, the dreaded correspondence finally showed up like a snake in my P.O. box yesterday. I guess someone in the govt. likes me. Not only had they dropped the amount to $250.00 but if I pay it within 30 days, I only pay half. I believe I may go buy $125.00 worth of food and liquour tonight just to celebrate. Praise Jesus.
Pass the months until yesterday. Being a fairly stoic nature, I had decided not to worry about the 25k fine. I had explained the situation to airport security and he had included all that in his report and explained that Homeland security would send me a letter within a month or so with an explanation of the charges against me and the penalty fine (did I mention it could be as high as 25k?). Well, the dreaded correspondence finally showed up like a snake in my P.O. box yesterday. I guess someone in the govt. likes me. Not only had they dropped the amount to $250.00 but if I pay it within 30 days, I only pay half. I believe I may go buy $125.00 worth of food and liquour tonight just to celebrate. Praise Jesus.
