Erin,
You are spot on!!!
I get particulary cranky at the concept that we must roll over and submit to these "measures" as a result of the system failings in the first place. Post 9/11 the horse had bolted, yet they expect us to take the heat for the ommissions or errors that precipitated the now historic events.
Once again, in the concept of recent events, the horse has bolted (the plot uncovered, and heavily publicised, so I would suggest that any crook worth his salt would move on to other ideas) yet as crew I can no longer carry shampoo or toothpaste for gods sake.
If I travel through the states on a full fare ticket I am tagged as SSSS (special security screening required) because my ticket was bought with a foreign credit card. At the same time Mohamed Whats-his-face just strolls through because he has an American passport and it is politically incorrect to single him out.
As you, "I cannot see how a more painstaking yet proportionately less effective overzealous airport screening process can benefit anti terrorism".
It reminds me of the early days of aviation safety. Study the accidents (Rider - I'll be the first to agree we should learn from the past) then incorporate reactive measures towards safer skies. What about proactivity.
End of sermon and spleen venting for me. The Guinness is taking effect so its off to bed for me.
