Originally Posted by
ND Sol
Remind me again how showing ID without checking it against any list whatsoever enhances security?
And why should a person be treated differently if they refuse to show ID versus saying they lost it?
It does't. Oh wait, yes it does...it enhances the airlines' security in the form of revenue protection.
Beginning Saturday, June 21, 2008 passengers that willfully refuse to provide identification at security checkpoint will be denied access to the secure area of airports. This change will apply exclusively to individuals that simply refuse to provide any identification or assist transportation security officers in ascertaining their identity.
Saying you lost your ID, wallet stolen etc. makes you a victim. Victims
always 
cooperate with authorities, after all, they're there to help. So if you are the hapless victim, then you would do everything--even giving up personal data like name, DOB, place of birth, SSN, blood type etc--to assist TSA in identifying you so you can catch your flight.
OTOH if you're just some privacy crackpot who refuses to play the Emperor's game, well then you're not flying anywhere and were it up to them, you'd be off to the local jail for not respecting their autho-ra-tay.