You're right, they didn't. But come on, do you remember going through what they called airport security in the 90's? There were people working there that couldn't get hired at Burger King!

Of course the TSA is far from perfect. It's a government agency, so a certain level of incompetence and dumb decisions are required . With that said, I don't think anyone can dispute that the security checkpoints are more secure now than they were pre-9/11. And not just because box cutters are not allowed on planes. TSA staff are much more vigilant and professional than the old screeners ever were.

I'm not saying the checkpoints *are* secure. A very determined terrorist with sufficient resources and intelligence can eventually get through.

As things are today, TSA ends up keeping out the really unsophisticated terrorists and hijackers. Far from perfect but better than nothing (and better than pre-9/11). If we REALLY want to do airport security right, we need to keep out bad people and not just bad objects. That means more intensive passenger interviews and screening like they do in TLV. Israel is a prime example of how to keep terrorists off airplanes. The question is: will the public put up with a 2 - 3 hr checkin process to fly from LA to Vegas?

I really doubt it.