As I mentioned in a previous post, not only is the technology already there, so are the machines! Faculty at my alma mater designed and built a machine to detect all types of chemicals and organic compounds instantly without any sample preparation. Their machine is small, cheap and could easily be integrated into the screening process.

However, until logic returns to the screening process itself, no matter of machines or technology will help. Remember - the TSA won't even let you carry on a sealed bottle of liquid you just purchased from an airside vendor.

How many bottles or jars containing liquids or gels does the average passenger carry with them? 5? 10? Will they need to sample every single container? How long will that process take?

Is the threat still realistic? What if the specific threat or process identified by the threat morphs and becomes undetectable by the new technology they just spend a billion dollars on?

I see more taxpayer waste and more tail chasing in our future