Airline passengers don’t mind paying small ticket surcharges to cover enhanced security measures at America’s airports.
The user fees relieve overburdened federal taxpayers to the tune of $1 billion-plus annually. That’s only fair.
But there are no ticket surcharges to pay the hundreds of millions of dollars for security at today’s Super Bowl and the upcoming 2002 Winter Olympics.
The United States Secret Service is overseeing 2,000 security personnel guarding 65,000 football fans at the “National Special Security Event” in the Superdome of New Orleans, La.
That’s one local, state or federal guard for every 33 ticket holders—who aren’t paying extra for security. Taxpayers are.
The Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah, will cost $1.8 billion during its month-long run starting Feb. 8. Security alone will cost $300 million—again paid by taxpayers.
Spectators and participants will be protected by 11,000 officers from 60 law-enforcement agencies directed by federal officials. Venue tickets don’t have security surcharges.
Jocks get free rides, so to speak. (3 FEBRUARY 2002)
