More Consumers, Workers Shoplift as Economy Slows

Retail and law enforcement experts are seeing a steady and alarming increased rate in shoplifting at retail chains. According to Diane Swonk, chief economist at Mesirow Financial, “Wages aren’t keeping up with inflation, especially the price of food and energy…it just leaves less money for everything else, and that breeds a lot of temptation.” These temptations along with rising prices, growing debt, and fewer store clerks are among the many reasons why consumer and employee theft is at a rise this year. As long as the economy remains weak, many experts think the trend will persist. "When the economy is down, shoplifting and other crime go up," says Mark Zandi, chief economist of Moody's Economy.com. "People are losing jobs or moving from a full-time to a part-time job. But they still have the mortgage to pay and the credit cards to pay."

Source: USA Today

‘Black Diamond’ Program Sorts Passengers at Airports by Travel Experience

The Transportation Security Administration’s recently announced its new “Black Diamond” program that calls for passengers to segregate themselves into color-coded security lines based on their traveling expertise. Named for the ski-resort term for expert trails, the program is in effect at more than 20 U.S. airports. It calls for travelers to voluntarily go to different lanes, black for “experts,” meaning frequent fliers who pack light, know the security drill and won’t hold up the line; blue for “casual travelers” who fly just a few times a year and may not be familiar with all the new rules; and green for families with children or others needing special help. TSA screeners won’t initially police the lines, the system is voluntary and everyone will receive the same level of screening no matter the lane.

Learn more at www.tsa.gov

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Lawmaker Wants No Guns at Airports, Cites Ga. Law

The chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee says he might pursue new gun restrictions in response to a recently enacted Georgia law that could allow people to carry concealed firearms in parts of the Atlanta airport. Apparently surprised that some airports long have allowed guns in unsecured areas, Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., said the new Georgia legislation represents a significant hole in national security and poses a threat to travelers. He asked the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to clarify federal law governing weapons in areas outside security checkpoints. In a letter on Monday to TSA Assistant Secretary Kip Hawley, Thompson said that if there are no restrictions, "the committee may seek legislative action to correct this omission". TSA spokesman Christopher White said Tuesday that no federal prohibitions apply to areas outside security checkpoints and that the agency follows local regulations. White said he didn't know how many airports allow firearms and declined to say whether the agency has a position on the matter, maintaining its focus on keeping guns from getting through security. "We work within the framework of local laws," said White. Another issue in Georgia is a law signed by Republican Gov. Sonny Perdue earlier this year that allows residents who have passed criminal background checks to carry concealed weapons onto mass transit, as well as into state parks and restaurants that serve alcohol.

Source: Washington Post

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FACT:  Only 1 out of 700 identity thieves gets caught.

Work Rage On The Rise

Anger in the workplace -- employees and employers who are grumpy, insulting, short-tempered or worse -- is shockingly common and likely growing as Americans cope with woes of rising costs, job uncertainty or overwhelming debt, experts say.

Nearly half of U.S. workers in America report yelling and verbal abuse on the job, with roughly a quarter saying it has driven them to tears, research has shown.

Other research showed one-sixth of workers reported anger at work has led to property damage, while a tenth reported physical violence and fear their workplace might not be safe.

Read the entire article

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QUOTE: "People will pay more to be entertained than educated." - Johnny Carson