Billions spent on improving airport security have been WASTED

[mopaul]

WASHINGTON(AP) Security at U.S. airports is no better under federal control than it was before the Sept. 11 attacks, a key House member says two government reports will conclude. The Government Accountability Office _ the investigative arm of Congress _ and the Homeland Security Department's inspector general are expected to soon release their findings on the performance of Transportation Security Administration screeners.

"A lot of people will be shocked at the billions of dollars we've spent and the results they're going to see, which confirm previous examinations of the Soviet-style screening system we've put in place," Rep. John Mica, R-Fla., told The Associated Press on Friday.

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...which leads me to speculate that they aren't even seriously considering the next attack to be a repeat of nine eleven, and they know that it isn't coming from jetliners like last time.

airport security hasn't improved, billions have been spent, people are properly terrified, mission accomplished.

[tanyev]

1. And didn't I read that airports are quietly going

back to the private security firms, the TSA is dismantling all the employees they hired? Talk about a temporary cosmetic fix.

[Psst_Im_Not_Here]

2. But, hey at least

they got control of the terrible lighter situation!

[KG]

3. billion dollar door, built long after the horse left the barn

typical stupid american way of doing things.

[napi21]

4. Money was wasted because they won't use any common sense!

This is not only a problem with AP security, but with all forms of security. How many little kids, 6 & 7 years old, who were suspended from school because they had possession of something the STUPID administrators said was a weapon? I've heard about the 1st grader who had a little plastic picnic kinfe in his lunch to SPREAD THE PEANUT BUTTER ON HIS CRACKERS! A little girl who had a 1 inch plastic gun on her key chain! STUPID STUPID STUPID!

The AP screeners are told in black & white terms what things arew considered hasardous. Real intelligent things like, fingernail clippers, knitting needles, nail files!

Of course, I bet it's OK to keep your nice Mont Blanc pen in your pocket, sharpen the edge of your credit card (to a knife edge), or wear spike high heeled shoes! But, who could ever use a strong metal barreled pen to stab someone, or one of those spike heels???

Oh, and be sure you make grandma take off her shoes, and pass a body search...you can't be too careful!

It could be so much easier, and safer if authorities just used some common sense...but maybe no one has any of that anymore.

[mopaul]

5. I've never bought into the box cutter story

box cutters, bringing down four of our jet liners, our billion dollar defense system outdone by box cutters?

if one believes this, than any item could be a hijack weapon. a high heel shoe could be a weapon, a piece of broken glass, maybe a guy who knows kung fu, your teeth and fingernails are quite deadly too.

i believe airport security is lax because the assholes KNOW that there's not going to be another jet liner style attack.

[LibDemAlways]

6. A would-be terrorist doesn't need any banned items

to cause havoc aboard an airplane. The airlines themselves provide plenty of potential weapons. Real silverware is still used in first class. Wine is poured from bottles into glass. Aluminum cans with razor sharp tabs are routinely popped open. All the bullshit body seaches in the world don't mean a thing and would do nothing to deter someone determined to bring down an airliner.

[napi21]

7. Ahh, but THAT's the message the Feds son't ever want to let out!

We really CAN'T protect if someone is really determined!

That applies not only in planes, but in malls, sports games, and everywhere people gather.

Just listen to the news from Israel and Palestine sometime. At least Israel is supposed to have the best and strongest security in the World. Total protection simply can't be done, unless...you want to live in a secured capsule or cave!