I've been traveling a lot lately and airport security is almost certainly one of the biggest reasons why I try to avoid it. I just hate having to take off my shoes, unpack my carefully packed laptop bag, and wait in long lines. But now they want to introduce X-ray machines that let people see through our clothes?
Here's a fact check: Number of hijackings that have occurred due to someone getting an illegal item through security in the US? Answer: 0. 9/11 happened because the terrorists took box cutters - items that were perfectly legal -- onto the plane. This is a solution for a problem that doesn't even exist. A "solution" that merely puts up even more obstacles to flying.
The most idiotic thing that happened to me while traveling was to be told that I was not allowed to take any computer cables (power leads, ethernet, etc.) in my hand luggage and that I should re-pack them in my checked in stuff, as they could be used to garrot someone....then the first thing they gave me on the plane were a pair of headphones!! I mean, come on....no one believes that the security checks make a difference to a determined terrorist..all they do is create delays and give small minded power-hungry bigots a chance to flex their muscles on Joe Public.
It's all about appearance. The vast majority of these 'security' procedures have nothing at all to do with actual security, and a lot to do with presenting the appearance of security. They'd rather make it look like they're doing something (however ineffectual) instead of actually implementing a process that would have an effect.
Any moderately motivated individual with an intent to do harm could easily get through these jokes of a security check with no diminution at all of their ability to do harm.
"But we took away granny's knitting needles! See how we're protecting your flight?"
Here's a fact check: Number of hijackings that have occurred due to someone getting an illegal item through security in the US? Answer: 0. 9/11 happened because the terrorists took box cutters - items that were perfectly legal -- onto the plane. This is a solution for a problem that doesn't even exist. A "solution" that merely puts up even more obstacles to flying.
The most idiotic thing that happened to me while traveling was to be told that I was not allowed to take any computer cables (power leads, ethernet, etc.) in my hand luggage and that I should re-pack them in my checked in stuff, as they could be used to garrot someone....then the first thing they gave me on the plane were a pair of headphones!! I mean, come on....no one believes that the security checks make a difference to a determined terrorist..all they do is create delays and give small minded power-hungry bigots a chance to flex their muscles on Joe Public.
It's all about appearance. The vast majority of these 'security' procedures have nothing at all to do with actual security, and a lot to do with presenting the appearance of security. They'd rather make it look like they're doing something (however ineffectual) instead of actually implementing a process that would have an effect.
Any moderately motivated individual with an intent to do harm could easily get through these jokes of a security check with no diminution at all of their ability to do harm.
"But we took away granny's knitting needles! See how we're protecting your flight?"
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