I was an assistant director of a major US Gov't agency for four years. 25 other years in private sector. The lesson I learned was that decisions in any agency are highly politically drived by career status employees who could never make it in a decision oriented private envioonment. Actually what I found frustrating that it is better to make no decision and keep your name out of it that take a stand.

The TSA is no different so expect knee jerk committee reactions that grab a few headlines and are of little value. Unfortunately the grades of a line screener are not ,if at all, much different than mail room, curriers, or other very low level pernonnel. Sadly my secretary's grade was more that double a screener.

I am afraid we will have to live with what ever they come up with and to be glad it is not worse. I agree with all that an oz of toothpaste in pretty lame. Recently I had a knee replaced and the time I spend at screening is unbelieable. I think that if I dawned a turbin and prayed to the east as I went thru I would be theated better. Just waiting for tha day I find a non travel status job.