If there were any lessons from the 60's, other than drug use isn't a career path, it is that changing the power structure is most effectively accomplished from within the system.

Protests didn't end the Vietnam war, votes did. The protests only kept focus on the issue.

Another important lesson is that change didn't come overnight. The protests started in 1967, the war didn't end until 1972.

The same applies to TSA reform or any other political effort. A committed and vocal grass roots movement forms that articulates a problem and appeals to the masses at a visceral level.

The movement identifies sympathetic politicians and supports them financially, politically (rallies, campaigning, etc.) or ideally both.

All of those things are in play here. There are a core of elected officials who are vocal opponents of TSA's abuse and deceit. Their ranks are growing at both the Federal and State level.

These officials and TSA's bumbling are keeping the issue in the media and, based on the continuing coverage, are apparently appealing to the masses.

We only need to support those who champion our cause (donation$, letters and turn out), persist in our efforts and allow enough time for them to complete the mission before conceding defeat.

Let's not forget it's only been four and half months since we were blindsided with this lunacy and now TSA is back on their heels on a daily basis. They're adding ATD software to the NoS, retesting x-ray emissions and under constant attack in the press. Basically they're in bunker mode.

They may be publicly exhibiting bravado, but their actions betray a lot of scrambling behind the scenes. Blogger Bob's presentation to the Ad Council illustrates that they knew there would be "venting" and expected it to quell with acquiescence. What they didn't anticipate was a rising level of outrage as awareness of this abuse increased. Apparently they missed the stories on the effectiveness of social media in the 21st century.

For what its worth I'll continue to comment wherever there is a TSA article, write to politicians who support this effort and contribute to those officials and organizations who defend our rights.

I take comfort in knowing that there are others here who are doing the same and and am encouraged by the number of new members that have joined us.

This is an endurance contest and it's waaaay too early to think about throwing in the towel.