And that, at the end of the day, is the problem with this program (which, BTW, has been discussed at length numerous times over the past year).

A rational organization led by competent, intelligent, calm people might be able to make this work. TSA and its leadership aren't any of those things.

There are screams about patdowns of 6-yr-olds and removing diapers from dying senior citizens, but Pistole's statement refers to keeping shoes on and laptops in bags. (He made similar statements the last time around, and earlier than that Nappy said something like "apparently people are upset about removing shoes".) If they are that ignorant about the main concerns of passengers, how can they implement a reasonable trusted traveler program?

TDCs already have challenges recognizing NEXUS or understanding passport cards as ID. How will they cope with the additional complication of trusted travelers?

Screeners make up their own rules, supervisors claim "we're allowed to do it differently here." Why would anyone think that a trusted traveler is really going to be exempt from anything? I agree with iowakatie; as soon as someone with a metal implant sets off the WTMD, they're going to get the full treatment, regardless.

You can't trust these people with your wallet or watch or laptop. Why would you trust this organization to handle your personal data?

As noted in the other thread, 95-year-olds with leukemia and 6-year-olds going to visit grandma are unlikely to qualify for trusted traveler status (or are unlikely to apply).

As I've said before, this further discriminates against foreign visitors to the US.