Wired News: Airline Security a Waste of Cash

Exactly two things have made airline travel safer since 9/11: reinforcement of cockpit doors, and passengers who now know that they may have to fight back. Everything else - Secure Flight and Trusted Traveler included - is security theater. We would all be a lot safer if, instead, we implemented enhanced baggage security - both ensuring that a passenger’s bags don’t fly unless he does, and explosives screening for all baggage - as well as background checks and increased screening for airport employees.

“Security theater” is the best description I have heard for the farce that is the routine searches conducted by the overpaid and underenthused TSA geniuses. The surprising part isn’t that the government does it, it is the complacency of the flying public to walk right up to it and smile.

Actually, I guess it really doesn’t surprise me. They elected him in the first place. (link)