Bart, as I have said before, I have a lot of respect for you. But please allow me to address your tirade piece by piece.
Originally Posted by Bart
The contempt for screeners some folks in this forum have is pretty obvious.
I have contempt only for bad screeners and supervisors who are on a power trip. For the most part, the ones that I come across (2-3 times a week) are pretty professional. I try not to confuse the inane TSA policies with the people whose job it is to carry them out.
Originally Posted by Bart
Of course, the bravado these folks tend to exhibit is pretty shallow. Consider this: picking on people who are doing their job doesn't require much intelligence or courage.
I'm not sure why you say that. At the very least, it requires enough courage to say that you are going to register your protest (against the system and not necessariily against the person who is implementing it) even if it means that you are going to get on the super-secret TSA "hit list" and get the dreaded SSSS every time you fly. I have often taken the risk of missing my flight when I come across a TSA "barker" who insists that all pax remove their shoes.
Originally Posted by Bart
Going against the grain of the reality of airport security screening is as productive as pissing against the wind.
Ever heard of Gandhi or Martin Luther King? Imagine if they had curled up and died just because they were afraid of "pissing against the wind."
Originally Posted by Bart
But some folks gain a measure of satisfaction by doing it nonetheless. You're not very impressive.
Neither are you when you stoop to these broad attacks.
Originally Posted by Bart
I will treat everyone who passes through my checkpoint with the utmost courtesy and respect. While I share my personal views in here, I maintain a professional decorum when I'm on the job. I don't get into philosophical discussions or debates and focus exclusively on getting you through the checkpoint as efficiently as possible while making sure you are properly cleared of carrying any prohibited items or weapons.
Good for you, and I mean no sarcasm.
Originally Posted by Bart
Some folks are first class in name only, but I've encountered a great many people who are just plain classy.
Again, to repeat what I said in an earlier post, we are a cross-section of society. Your comment could apply equally well to TSA personnel.