Originally Posted by Analise
This is an opinion of which I disagree wholeheartedly. I think those who cry "illusion" are those who are angry with the terrible inconveniences which going through security now is. Such anger and disruption harbor accusations of constitutional improprieties. One could argue the same thing if cops stopped every driver at a particular location on a highway causing huge backups and tested them extensively for sobriety---even though they themselves are tea-totalers.
For whatever reason, I go through no more "inconvenience" when travelling via US carriers today than pre-9/11; however, I do pay for the inconvenience caused to others and for the charade that is called "security" today. This "security" amounts to a substantial national tax long-term with a medium-term dog & pony show that is likely to get worse before it gets better (cost- and efficiency-wise).
I suspect that "security" is still playing the elusive "catch-up" game and that what we have today -- given the foolish policy decisions in regards to
"security" (read: domestic and international security) -- is an even greater security threat than pre-9/11 or at anytime in the months immediately following. The security situation is worse and has been made worse due to poor domestic policy choices and horrendous international policy ones.
Anyone familiar with reports that no less than a dozen or two Chechen battle-hardened extremists have possibly crossed over from Mexico to the US after having acquired TX or FL drivers' licenses. Apparently, after the Putin-Bush deal of oil-for-Chechens, they got "motivated". ... and none of the "security" measures widely in place today will prevent what we saw strike Russian passenger planes earlier this year.