Dress code red

Washington Monthly, Oct, 2004 by Charles Peters

On July 17, The New York Times ran an interesting story about how air marshals are required to follow a rigid dress code that demands a coat and tic at all times. This could make sense on flights largely filled with businesspeople. Suppose, however, the plane is going from Hawaii to the mainland United States and is crowded with people wearing those open-necked Hawaiian shirts. Indeed, travelers have learned to dress comfortably for all long distance flights. Even on short hauls, especially during the summer and on weekends, the tie-wearers can stand out. And if the marshals can be identified, terrorists know which planes not to hijack.

I was struck by the Times story because I had read its practically identical twin in The Washington Times of July 9. Unfortunately, the New York paper failed to acknowledge the original, written by Audrey Hudson. In August, Hudson wrote another story about marshals, reporting that they are on less than 5 percent of daily U.S. flights. I'm waiting for The New York Time' version to appear. Only this time I hope they give Hudson the credit she deserves.