Originally Posted by Snoopy
Also, whilst I agree that some security "interrogators" may not be up to the task, it is surprising how much does come to light during these interrogations. Many of it is illegal rather than a security risk (smuggling precious stones or other contraband) or just the plain "secret weekend away with the mistress". Of course, none of that is relevant to a security official, however it does allow one to practice the art of judging people's reactions and the way they behave when they are lying..and of course there is the odd occasion when they DO actually catch someone who has malevolent intentions towards the flight itself.
You can bring as many loose diamonds as you want into the US without having to pay any customs duty on them - not illegal. You can have as many mistresses as you want waiting for you at the airport - not illegal. I agree that the majority of what they find out isn't at all relevant to a security official. Let them "practice" their techniques for catching liars on someone else. The government has no business conducting unwarranted prying into my privacy.
"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." - Benjamin Franklin
peace,
~Ben~