How can you even try to call them effective when you and your suntan lotion just took a trip together? They KNEW they had something come up on the x-ray, but never FOUND it and let you go anyway. If this was truly a "security" operation, your luggage wouldn't be allowed anywhere until they figured out exactly what they had seen on x-ray to begin with. The fact they let you through indicates they know as well as we do that the entire thing is a charade wasting money and time == yours and mine

and BTW, on the topic of the safe traveler program - there is no way I'd the government license to stick their nose further into my personal affairs -- and to pay for it besides? I don't think so!!