More state power in the name of protection, only increases the amount of protection that we need from state power.
Search and Seizure staff, stationed under the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) are supposed to be keeping illicit elements out of our airlines. Yet while they have invaded the privacy of private patrons with invasive searches, some of the TSA ranks have been passing along illicit substances of a substantial fee.
If ever there was a time for someone to cry out" "Quid custodiet ipsos custodes?" [who will watch the watchers themselves?], now is the time.
If we truly want to invest in salvaging and protecting our airlines from terrorists and bankruptcy, the American Aviation Authority must consider adopting the controversial yet effective policy instituted by the Israeli government of stationing an armed body guard on ever flight leaving the country. On every flight flying out of Israel, an armed body guard is stationed in full view,ready to neutralize any threat while scanning for any potential threats. The determination of one armed guard is an effective deterrent. Last time I checked, I have not read about any terrorist successfully taking over a plane coming out of Jerusalem.
The procedures used by security screeners in Israels do no buckle over qualms about political correctness. Instead, Israeli personnel have no problem profiling certain political or cultural elements in the their country, who are about to board a flight. Moreover, they do not require passengers to strip down or submit themselves to invasive patdowns. Although a change of procedures may upset civil rights advocates, the safety as well as efficiency of our airlines is important, and currently the expansion of state power has done nothing but invite corruption while discouraging travel.