Originally Posted by
Bart
Herein lies the problem. From a purely pragmatic view, believe it or not, I do agree with you that the numbers don't support the effort. However, same was true on 9/10/2001. All it takes is one little aw-sh*t to wipe out a whole bunch of so-far-so-good efforts.
No, it takes CYA because no one wants to be held responsible for an event like that.
However, I'm curious what you would replace TSA & the FAMs with (assuming you advocate disbanding these agencies). Or is it your contention that no screening is necessary simply because the statistics don't support that any terrorist threat is imminent? In other words, let's collectively roll the dice and take our chances.
Screening's necessary, but it's focused on the wrong things. People have attempted to bring guns and other prohibited items on planes (what's on the list is another discussion) on a regular basis. These should be screened for. What we need to drop is the stupidity for the one off's like liquid and baggie carnival, shoe carnivals and the like.
Invest in the technology needed to do the job right while balancing civil liberties. I agree you guys should have better x-rays. WTMD and HHMD should stay. Puffers and swabs should be used much more often. If there are issues with the machines, figure out how to make them work because they DO work, it's the maintenance kink that needs to be worked out. Don't revert back to methods that have no chance at working because they dont' want to fix it.
I can go on, blah, blah, but I've already stated the other stuff (even above) many times before.
Super