http://www.usatoday.com/travel/colum...security_N.htm

"Like many Americans, I grudgingly accepted that the events of 9/11 had radically—if not permanently—transformed air travel in this country. I tried to take a longer view than most and philosophically adapted to the creeping security lines, the lists of prohibited carry-on items and the intrusive screening procedures.

Of course, I've always agreed with Benjamin Franklin: "Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." But while I may have been reluctant to give up liberty, I was willing to give up convenience, all in the name of the greater good.

But after spending six months investigating aviation security for Consumer Reports, it's become clear to me that airline security procedures in 2008 are raising more questions now than when the Transportation Security Administration was formed in November 2001. Our investigation found that even after six years of intense scrutiny, the TSA suffers from what we termed "major security lapses." In many ways, the hype and the hassles are not balanced by effective procedures.

Little wonder that the report, which was published in the February 2008 issue of Consumer Reports and is also available online, is entitled: "Air Security: Why You're Not As Safe As You Think."