I agree. I think most of the problems FTers have with TSA are policy-based, not personnel-based. I have seen far fewer dim bulbs now than I did in the Wackenhut-Argenbright-ITS days. The difference now--and what makes FTers cranky--is the added rules and the lack of adherence to those rules in some instances. Neither of those would change under a privatized scheme. A private screener is no more or less likely to ignore or misconstrue what constitutes a "profiled shoe" than one on government payroll.

I would argue that having screeners on TSA payroll has benefits for when things do go wrong. For one, there's at least accountability of a governmental nature. Private contractors don't have to publish rulemaking notices in the Federal Register or respond to FOIA requests. The government does. You get to elect the people who have ultimate control over the DHS payroll...you do not get to elect the Wackenhut CEO. If you want a good example of how lack of accountability to the public can cause big problems, go back and read about the Washington Metro Transit PD's crusade against french fries and talking loudly.