MaybeThe TSA is Succeeding?
 

I know that many of us here have questioned the value of the TSA. (With apologies, I am using the term here to refer generically to "new and increased airport security" rather than to the specific individuals employed by that agency.) After all, many people have said "it is worth it to me to be safe" and "how do you know what they have prevented."?

I just realized that since 9/11:

- Unlike Spain, not one terrorist bomb has exploded on board a passenger train in the U.S.

- Unlike Japan, there has not been any Sarin (or other bio/chem attack) on a subway in the U.S.

- Unlike Israel, Ireland and others, not one terrorist bomb has exploded in a restaurant, airport, department store or shopping mall in the U.S.

- Unlike Russia, not one school has been the subject of a terrorist hostage attack.

So, it would appear that the TSA is succeeding. Or am I missing something in my logic?

Yes, what you are describing is called the Post Hoc Fallacy or "post hoc ergo propter hoc." Just because something occurs after something else does not mean that it was caused by that something else. It could've been caused by it or not, but the fact that one thing happens before another doesn't prove that it caused it.

I agree with whirledtraveler.

Some random thoughts and questions:

Al qaeda attacked us in 1993 (WTC) and didn't attack us again on US soil until 2001. And we had no TSA nor "Department of Homeland Security."

So if we go another 8 years after September 11 before we suffer another al qaeda attack on US soil (which would be in 2009), will the TSA be deemed a success or failure?

Maybe my magic rock is the reason no terrorists have attacked us on US soil since September 11. I know it's why I've not been attacked by tigers or space aliens.

Even if the TSA (and all the other anti-terrorist government reorganization, like DHS and the Patriot Act) has prevented an attack, whether it has been worth it is still a legitimate question.

Oh yeah, I definitely credit "new and increased airport security" and the TSA for the fact that our trains, subways, restaurants, stores, and schools have not suffered terrorist attacks. :rolleyes:

Too Amorphous
 

Based on the first 2 responses my attempt at sarcasm didn't come through.

You'll have to forgive us; we're a little bit too serious here for our own good sometimes! :)

And hey, nice one. :D

Actually, it did and I know I was chuckling here in the A Terminal AA AC...however, your logic is just slightly impaired...it is my golden-hued Gap Hula Girls boxer shorts that I always wear when flying that is holding off all attempts at terrorism here in the dear old Homeland...and in the name of Homelandism, I shall continue to wear them till they turn to threads and drop to the floor during an SSSS triggered grope-down.

Rest peacefully Homeland, the boxers have miles to go before they wear out.

Thank goodness. I was concerned you weren't being sarcastic! ;)

Everyone knows, as I posted originally in TravelBuzz, that the current secure environment has been due to my sneeze on 9/12/01. As stated before, my sneeze is stong and resolute on security. According to media reports, the TSA has let, into the secure area of US airports, all kinds of weapons. My sneeze has let in no weapons. Therefore, my sneeze makes us safer than the TSA. Do you want another terrorist attack on US soil? If not, support my sneeze. Those are your options; you're with my sneeze or you're with the terrorists.

Ooops... Sorry about that. I do the straight-faced humor thing all the time, but I never look for it. :(

I gotcha
 

Right away, but you'll have to take my word for it.

Where can I buy one of these rocks you're talking about? I'd like to carry one with me.

Ha. What would happen if you are carrying a rock throught the checkpoint, TSA sees it and asks what it is for, after teling you it could be used as a weapon so is not allowed. I'd love to see their reaction when you explain it is to keep you safe from terrorists. Oh the irony.

Are rocks on the prohibited list?

Nope
 

Prior to 9/11 they were. They are not now though. We see lots of rocks in bags: Geods, Chrystal, petrified wood, etc. Even the occassional bowling ball.

I'm skeptical of your claim that rocks were prohibited prior to September 11, 2001. Any links or citation to back it up? My magic rock traveled extensively prior to the terrorist attacks, without challenge.