It used to be ridiculous. Anyway, not many people know what a P-38 is or are willing to admit that they're old enough to admit it!

It all boils down to risk management, and in this regard, I give TSA a grade of C. In some areas, I think TSA has the right approach but in others, it's wrapped around the axle on theoretical dangers rather than accepting the statistical risk of those dangers. Examples: lighters, scissors, penknives, money clips with blades, one-way travel tickets and the entire SSSS selectee passenger screening process.

In all fairness to TSA, some of the blame for the current state of affairs has to be shared by the public in general. Keeping in mind that the screeners who screened the terrorists did not violate any procedure. Arguments can be made that they could have done their jobs better, but given what we know now, they pretty much stuck to FAA screening policy as it existed at that time. However, it was after 9/11 that the news stories came out about how something like 4 knives, 3 grenades and 1 handgun were successfully smuggled through security at one airport in one instance and another similiar event occurred at yet another airport. Then came the stories of how a number of screeners weren't even US citizens, etc. The public demand was for some improvement in airport security screening and the debate over private contractor and federal screeners tilted in favor of federal screeners. Now it's a matter of being careful of what you ask for because you just might get it! And the public seems to be saying (at least in this forum) that screening is too intrusive and inflexible. Well, make up your minds! LOL.

There is middle ground, but I don't know how soon it will be before we reach it. People forget what it was that got us here (not talking about the events of 9/11 but the public outcry of 9/11). And while I do have my own contempt for the bureaucrats who infest TSA and criticize them from the inside, I do have to admit that I feel a bit of compassion for these weenies who have to deal with and respond to public pressure. It's not easy, but then, they should have known that before getting into it. It all comes with the territory.

As for the P-38 thing...HOOAH!!

RANGERS LEAD THE WAY!