Originally Posted by
Majuki
I agree. While I have little objection on health grounds for the MMW, I still think that the machines slow down lines, infringe on liberties, are a waste of money and provide only a small increase in security. In some ways, one could argue that the machines provide less security since metal objects that a WTMD would detect could pass through undetected with the scanners.
Many here would argue exactly that--WBI and ATD technology in particular leaves us less safe than ever, as several YouTube videos show how easy it is to defeat. Much more difficult to defeat a WTMD/HHMD combo, with targeted pat-downs if you defeat those two. The biggest threat to American aircraft that would go through the checkpoint isn't a sophisticated plastic/liquid explosive; it's someone carrying a knife.
Ironically, the TSA makes sure to boast about the "good catch" when a TSO catches a knife, but whenever a celebrity comes out and says, "Oh, hey, look what I accidentally took through security with me," the TSA's response is that knives are not a threat.