Yesterday I was selected to take part in one of the most absurd pieces of security theater I’ve ever seen.

I was subject to a “random” gate pat-down upon boarding my flight from ORD. One of three TSA employees (the other two just watched), after taking over a minute to change his gloves, patted me down, finding my wallet, lip balm, and cell phone. My bags went un-inspected, as did the bulging shirt pocket that had wires with buttons hanging out of it.

What on Earth did this piece of theater accomplish, besides delay me and satisfy someone’s power trip?

Edit: Of course 10 people or so in two groups*, plus at least one person in a wheelchair, were pre-boarded, completely skipping the theater.

*: One one which was a colorfully-robed group of Hare Krishnas, but that's not really relevant (just interesting, I enjoyed a visit to their Mumbai temple many years back), IMO.