Originally Posted by JS
Where do you live? Inside of the CSG or VLD or ABY airport?
The fact of the matter is that it is not possible to fly on a commercial airline anywhere in the U.S. without dealing with the TSA. It is quite easy to avoid flying on Delta unless you insist on using one of a handful of regional airports.
In my particular circumstances flying from a different airport is not feasible.
Originally Posted by JS
There are very few regulated monopolies left from which you cannot escape. Even cable can be avoided by using satellite, and local telephone can be avoided by using a cell phone. That leaves you with electricity, water and the Post Office, none of which harrass and threaten its customers on a daily basis like the TSA.
Let me try to make my points clear.
1. I agree that the TSA needs to make major changes. There needs to be a reevaluation of policies so that screeners can focus on serious potential threats and not be distracted by trivialities. Policies need to be applied consistently in all US airports. TSA personnel need to be screened more carefully before being hired and trained and supervised more carefully afterwards.
2. The above notwithstanding, pre TSA airport security was also riddled with inconsistency, incompetence, and ignorance. (In 1984 I flew from London with my then 5'1", 95 lb., 14 year old daughter. In Newark, she was stopped at the security checkpoint because of the punk-style bracelet and belt she was wearing. Couldn't board until her luggage was pulled off the plane and her "weapons" were packed. Mind you, she'd been wearing them when we passed through security at LGW.)
3. Any time that employees (public or private) are put in positions of power, some of them will be tempted to abuse that power. Hence, the need for screening, training and supervision.
4. In my experience, most large private service providers are no more responsive to customer/client needs that are government agencies. The trend in both private and public sectors to automate, outsource and downsize customer service does not work in the public interest. Given the current shaky financial status of many corporations, it may not serve the long-term corporate interest, either.
5. Sure, I can, for example, have a cell phone and avoid the local provider. But if I get crummy service from either, what have I gained?