At OKC on Feb 13 about 3pm..... 4 TSA agents come to the gate about 30 mins before departure.....(I figure it's the usual luggage re-check).....The airline gate agent announces that "TSA is here to do random pat-downs prior to boarding". I ask a TSA agent, "Did I hear correcectly that it's pat-downs before boarding?"....."He answers "Yes".

What are the group's thoughts about pat-downs at the gate.....in a very public place.....with people you will be sitting next to for hours watching?
Appropriateness? Efficacy?

This idea of pat-downs at the gate is new to me!