Bart, I appreciate the information that you provide here. I respect that you are one of the people who are trying to bring a bit more reason and dignity to this system.

Still I am chilled by this particular part of your advice. While this is a good strategy in any social interaction, the implication of their being negative consequences for someone staying within the law and yet doesn't smile and allows themselves a "smart remark" is troublesome. It bespeaks of advice to be subservient to authority even when it is abused.

I may choose to smile, but why should be a necessary strategy to avoid trouble?

I may not make a "smart remark," but why should exercising my right to free speech be something to something to avoid in order to avoid retaliation. We all have a right to express indignation in a not threatening way even if it is confrontative. We all have a right to confront authority when it errs without bowing, smiling and scraping.

Again thanks for the practical advice and for your good work. I simply lament the implications of the kind of role the citizenry is expected to adopt with any public servant - screener, LEO, who ever.

I have grave concerns over the direction in which our country is drifting in this regard.