I completely disagree. We are not at war and trying to justify these un-American Gestapo tactics currently used by the TSA by saying that "extraordinary measures for extraordinary times" are justified is ludicrous. Until Congress declares War, we are not justified in using "extraordinary measures", especially not against our own citizens. The TSA lost all credibility and respect the moment they started acting like thugs.
And I must also disagree with your point that the "hassle factor" is playing a minor role in the economic hardships that US airlines are experiencing. Even if the estimated 3.8 billion dollars per year that the airlines are losing to the "hassle factor" is overestimated by a factor of two, that would still leave nearly 2 billion dollars worth of losses to the airlines. These losses persist because we insist upon making airline travel a miserable, intrusive experience. Hardly a minor role in the overall loss picture. The nearly-criminal thing is that we, the US, are accomplishing the terrorists' mission for them with these un-American and economically suicidal measures.
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by anonplz:
As I've pointed out before, al Qaida declared war on the US, and until hostilities cease, extraordinary measures are called for, after which, these revolting security practices can be discontinued. I for one will give the TSA the benefit of the doubt, although I admit that I am in the minority. That's just the way it goes.
Security checks play a minor role in the economic damage airlines are experiencing right now. People aren't flying for lots of reasons, among them fear, stupid, expensive rules, a bad economy and yes, there is probably a "hassle factor" involved.
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"Give me Liberty or give me Death." - Patrick Henry