With respect, you ought to also. You might appear more docile and compliant than the average traveler.

If that was the case then you're correct.

The word "brutalized" was just rather unspecific, that's all.

Actually it's neither, but the fact that you think this bunch of shouting overbearing amateurs is "security" is certainly a frightening thought.

If it were truly security, we'd let the military handle it and be done with this once and for all.

As you can probably guess, I did not enjoy writing about it. This is why I tried to "get away with" a non-specific word.

The military?

That's another standard comment I don't get... the first being all the complaints about the TSA.. (Not saying the complaints aren't valid.. just that I have never had anything other than neutral or good interactions with them - and I am a foreigner AND I travel with "restricted goods" which automatically increases the level of "interaction"... YMM, as always, V..) we can only comment in relation to our own experiences.. and I have no grounds for complaint.

I served as an officer in our military for 14 years... and I will never understand the suggestions that "the military" should be brought in for all sorts of tasks (when folks aren't happy with those currently entrusted with them) for which the "military" have NO experience, NO training, no manpower AND quite possibly, no legal/constitutional ability to undertake.

Just WHICH branch of the service do you see taking on the role?

(The Marines would be interesting.... "Why haven't you got your shoes off yet! On the floor maggot!!! Gimme 20!")

Beyond dispute.

Some people are no doubt less inclined to "complain" than others, however.

I'm always a little skeptical of those who post solely in this forum. 100% TS&S with no posts elsewhere.

So the OP has been through "thousands" of checkpoints and isn't interested in FF programs, elite status, etc. Maybe he just loves a good lineup?

It's an unfortunate commentary on the state of the airline industry that the OP has been thru "thousands" of checkpoints yet is still in the right seat, awaiting that upgrade to the left seat. I'm guessing USAir native, as there are many pilots there who will retire out of the right seat.

Because I'm being told to do something that doesn't make me any safer and wastes lots of time/money.It's not security -- it's the feeling of security. There's a big difference.

Why don't you start by explaining the science behind why can't we bring water through the checkpoint? The whole mixing bombs in the airplane bathroom thing has long since been debunked.

Why get yourself all worked up about it?
Just roll with it, have a good attitude, don't beep and go on your way...happily

Where did I say anything about the liquid ban?

How do you know it's not security?

Do you know it hasn't prevented an attack or hijacking? Nobody does.

Until then, get in line and do as told.

Please leave personal attacks and my profession out of this. I am far from a scab.

Thanks.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/TRAVEL/10/18/airport.screeners/

How do you know that it is? There is no scientific evidence that what is purported to have been the plot was actually capable of being pulled off. In fact, we have considerable evidence that it was not a credible threat. (See this as well)Yawn!

Believe me -- if the TSA finds so much as a suspicious block of cheese there is a press release or a news conference. Witness this and this The TSA has prevented just as many hijackings as my pet rock. Other FTers have pet rocks too. They seem to be working with equal effectiveness.



As far as your post above concerning harassment, you have it wrong. I've been through checkpoints many times as well. I know the drill. But, I also know that The TSA quite often harasses passengers. I have been harassed several times. Several times I was told that the TSA rules were something other than what I knew the rules to be. I spoke up to prevent my possessions from being taken away from me. The new rule was one that the screener had made up. It was a lie. The supervisor backed up the screener. This happens all the time. Peruse this forum for countless examples.

The US Congress created the TSA so we could have a single standard screening experience. That has not happened. Until it does happen people like me will continue to complain. Why should we silently stand by and have our time, our money, and our civil liberties abused by this power-tripping bureaucracy?