Dear Traveller...

Dear Traveller...

Instead of complaining about others' security check taking too long you should rather think if all you want is really to get controlled even faster. Since the claim that the security check makes plane rides safer is as valid as the claim that DRM prevents music copying you should really consider what you are asking for: Faster and less troublesome controlling and monitoring of people.

Well, I have good news for you. As it seems, the TSA is on your side and will make travelling safer. For the rest of us who does not understand why one is not allowed to take any liquids and gels more than 100ml, except for the reason so that one has to spend money buying these items again after security check, these are bad news.

We do not want a faster security check. We want a slower one. We want the security check to be so slow that travellers will start using other means of transport. We want the security check to be so slow that people realise that it is the security check that is the problem, not the people goin through it.

Thanks for your attention to these socially important matters. Not only will they help your fellow citizens, but I think you'll enjoy living in a more free and trusting society.

Happy living,
From us all innocent people who are treated like suspects and every time need to proove to be innocent.

Dear Nyjo,

Thanks for the note. I agree that airport "security" is frustratingly absurd, and that it's more about control than making travellers safe.

And I would even accept meaningful protest against this system while I was in line. I travel enough to know how ridiculous security is; and I could support anything that would make that system better.

I've even considered not flying anywhere on business, though that would only hurt me without changing anything.

And the case I'm describing is kind of like that. .. it inconveniences me (and other travellers) without any benefits. The security attendants don't set policy; they just run people through the screening procedures.

So it's hard for me to accept that the guy in the Skid Row tee, who is slowing down the line out of ignorance, is making any kind of positive impact on the politics of airport security. Because the only people who are impacted are travellers and security agents--and none of us are really significant in the airport security equation.

Cheers,

Gene

Dear Gene,

"Because the only people who are impacted are travellers and security agents--and none of us are really significant in the airport security equation."
I fully agree with this and the rest of your statement. The reason for my comment was mostly that while I understand your suffering there in the queue (have my own experiences) I hope that you do not forget the reason behind it - the ridiculous system.

And then it opens the question about "So how can we get part of the significant part of the airport security equation?" Especially when talking to technology professionals (but also others) it scares me how much of rights they are willing to put on the line for a more comfy life. And I guess that privacy issues need to get far more rotten still before bigger movements like we know them from history really start. I hope it will not be too late then.

Best regards and happy travelling! :)
_Wolf