Airport Security

At Luton Airport, years before the Twin Towers fell, I remonstrated with one of a pair of armed security guards who was standing around with his sub-machine gun held horizontally. Worse, he was pointing it at my wife's ear as we sat waiting for our flight.

"That's all right sir," he replied. "It's not loaded."

Basic rule of guns: never point them at anyone, especially if you think there are no bullets in them. "Empty" guns kill people every year when someone presses the trigger for a laugh. Second thought: What's the use of an armed security guard whose gun isn't loaded?

His oppo, somewhat older, held his weapon with the barrel pointing down.

So, what was that all about? I think I know the answer but would appreciate reading what other people have to say.