And, as far as Iâm concerned, anything is considered ãbenignä until shown to be ãmalignant.ä And I believe Dr. Brown deserves the courtesy of fairness.

Of course, anyone in the public is open to scrutiny.

Meanwhile, giving the man his due, Iâm not willing to don judgeâs robes and declare Dr. Brown guilty or innocent of anything. In fact, Iâd rather our investigators and media devote time to drugs, assaults, and solutions to major problems. I think the point in this alleged reported unproven controversial confusing incident has been made.

Moreover, I think the role of the security people is to look for terrorists or other potentially harmful flyers. And, with that assumption, as a psychologist, I would advise: look for someone who looks mean or exhibits suicidal ideation (among other things ÷ you know the profile). Likely not a dapper looking professional in a nice suit.

Admittedly, not all bad people look bad. But Iâm not a bit scared when I see Dr. Brown on a flight with me. And if the security person doesnât know him, Iâd be surprised·you know how it is around here·we all know just about everybody.

Well, Iâll bet my next 10 years salary (a safe one) that Dr. Brown is not suicidal. Signs include diminished activity and interest (definitely not), lack of goals for the future (most certainly not ÷ like his politics or not, Dr. Brown is a mover). Finally, someone whoâs suicidal tends to give away his treasures (I havenât noticed that).

And, from my own experience, coming and going here can be a bit uncomfortable ÷ especially for someone with bad knees (but, as a news article reported, Dr. Brown reminds that there are only 11 days when passengers suffer boarding problems from rain).

However, consider knees. Every time I go down those airport stairs laden with computer bag and camera (stuck together to appear as one carry on) and a hand bag, I hold up hundreds of people. And then, trudging up to the plane, here I go (or donât) again.

So recently I asked a security guard if I could join others I had seen taking the elevator downstairs. Suddenly, I appeared suspect. I was ordered sharply to a chair and then promptly ignored for about 10 minutes. I decided since boarding had commenced Iâd simply take the stairs, so I stood up. ãSit down, immediately!ä a uniformed woman shouted. By this time I had an audience of passengers. A few minutes later I queried whether I could just take the stairs. I was ordered: ãStay where you are.ä Oh, all right!

Finally, I was searched and escorted by someone past a group of my curious friends, to whom I just smiled and waved.

Now, security is important. In fact, as one of the original members of the ãMan Will Never Fly Clubä, I support any search and have never objected, as anyone can testify. In fact, I thank them, quite seriously.

However, Iâm afraid that psychological research shows that sometimes all of us have a tendency to ãoverdoä our roles.

Briefly, Iâm going to remind you of a very famous psychology experiment conducted by Philip Zimbardo, PhD (who I saw at APA recently). Among his most major studies was ãthe Stanford Prison Experiment.ä

Students were randomly selected to play roles of guards and students for two weeks in an area of the university set up with prison conditions. As it turned out, the student ãguardsä became so aggressive and abusive and the student ãprisonersä so passive and depressed, the experiment had to be halted before it was finished. Moreover, this experiment has been replicated internationally with the same results.

The point Iâm making here is that we all have a propensity to get ãcarried awayä when given a role of either power or subordination. (Put me in my nurseâs uniform and Iâll happily stick you with needles ÷ but not otherwise. Remember itâs a role·plus, no free advice either ÷ youâd pay for your head of lettuce). Roles are just that and they can be done efficiently ÷ and even more so ÷ with a smile.

Meanwhile, regarding my issue, I bought a backpack. Thanks, Iâll take the stairs.

For the airport, Iâd suggest that video cameras be installed, and get on with it. That would assure no argument.