I rarely post on TSS, but I think I have a couple things to say about this, so here goes:

To me, it is not about the TSOs, but rather the problem lies with the TSA. As one poster above stated, there is simply no accountability. This, of course, is a common problem when we ask allow there to be an effective government monopoly. There are some cases where a government monopoly is warranted: the classic example is national defense. There are some cases where it is idiotic: the classic example is the monopoly on First Class mail.

I think airport security falls somewhere in between the two, but so much closer to mail than defense. Also, remember that even local law enforcement faces competition. Think of all the people who move to the suburbs or another city because there is too much crime in a particular place.

Unfortunately, we have legislated that the TSA gets to provide a monopoly on airport security. Since they don't have to compete with anything but poor substitutes such as driving or taking Amtrak, they really never have to get better, or even do a good job.

Can you imagine of Walmart or Whole Foods allowed lines to form the way TSA does? Can you imagine what would happen if your accountant was fuzzy on the tax rules when preparing your return? None of them would be around too long.

Let's fix the TSA by getting rid of the TSA and replacing it with competitive security. They will pay their employees more, they will cost less, and they will do a better job.