Like Bart said, this is not privatization. This "privatization" only involves the source of the paycheck to the screeners. The same idiots creating this policy (and its loopholes) will still be in charge.

Think about it. Look at how vehemently the Airport Association (whatever the group name is) wants to be exempt from liability. Doesn't that tell anyone how bad things could be in the TSA with claims and lawsuits, etc.? Says a lot to me.

About the OP/guilt trip....I don't have a lot of sympathy. I do not say that because of my bad experiences with individual screeners (yes, by far the minority), but I say that from a common sense approach. Did anyone REALLY think that the TSA would continue in its current form for the long term? How long did anyone think it would take some number crunchers at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue to question spending $5.5 billion a year with no results (I know, that's another argument, but this is politics)?

Technology and common sense are slowly...VERY slowly coming in to replace TSAers. Not everyone, but slowly and surely.