Originally Posted by michaelchertoff
My issue with this line of reasoning is that it is only true if it is performed in a vacuum... that is, if it is the only element of security.
Well, no.
Even in the context of the "blanket" (such as one can call it that) it adds nothing--one can fake an ID, a history to go with that ID, credit to go with that ID, and still sneak a knife past the TSA.
Aviation security in this country still foolishly chooses to assume it can "identify" a threat.