Yes!

I apologize for not clearly writing the paragraph that disappointed you, but rest assured, it wasn't directed at you. You have previously written that you ran to the airplort and volunteered pre-TSA (IIRC, post-September 11). As retired military, it's not likely that you become a screener to feed your family or because it was the highest paid option available to you.

While I don't understand what motivated you to become an airport screener, you are obviously not a power-hungry punk like the ones who smirk as they yell "assist" when I question their "recommendation" to remove my nonprofile shoes (I'm pretty certain they don't meet the profile given that 95% of the WTMD screeners agree with me). These are shoes I've worn for many years and have consistently worn since Richard Reid's stunt. Pretty low incidence of that particular defect in the ranks.

I served my country with honor and I don't get the connection between your admirable service and your disappointment with my paragraph. I most certainly understand the concept of sacrifice and service to one's country. You aren't equating the two, are you? As in TSA employment = Honorable military service??

We've been over it before, probably hundreds of times, but I don't agree that the checkpoints had anything to do with September 11. Many people did see a connection, and the bad-mouthing of the contractors began in earnest. Mineta ordered airport shutdown after after shutdown in response to well-publicized gaffes (unplugged WTMDs, sleeping x-ray screeners or exit monitors) in his campaign to ensure passage of the Act on Nov 19, 2001. His antics also helped cement a connection in many people's minds that the low-paid foreigners (who didn't even speak English, they kept reminding us) were a contributing factor to the success of Atta's terrorist plot.

Here's the crux of my difficulty: I couldn't be convinced to confiscate/divest/prohibit the silly prohibited items on the prohibited items list (excluding the guns, large knives, real weapons, hazmat, etc) for any amount of annual income. Just a philosophical failure of mine, I guess. I similarly couldn't "recommend" that pax remove their shoes, jackets, and other items under pain of full secondary searches. Not for any amount of money. And I have difficulty understanding how others can do it.

Can't imagine anyone prostituting themselves for a paycheck? I knew enlistees who hated the military and only did it 'cause they were out of options. I realize that you aren't prostituting yourself for the federal paycheck. Which really confounds me - WTH would cause someone as upstanding as you to do it?

In any event, my travels don't take me to San Antonio with any regularity. It would be great if you were manning all the checkpoints, at all the airports, but unfortunately, you're just one cog in a 44k employee (or whatever it is today) mistreatment machine.