Bluecrane- I have deadheaded 16 legs since 9/11, and have been a SELPX on every single one. I am not the most sensitive of men, but in KMIA I was reduced almost to tears as I removed my belt for the 22 year old Cuban who could not speak even basic English. I removed my shoes, and he felt the soles of my socks. He took my disposable razors, even though I knew they are allowed. I didn't even argue. Looking at the line behind me waiting to be searched, I saw two other deadheading pilots.
Oh, I felt the wrath from on high of our forefathers in aviation.... Imagine Ernie Gann or Dave Behnke or the guys that muscled DC-6's around bowing for this type of humiliation! They got respect - because they commanded it, and accepted no less.
Random searches - hey, I'll agree to that. But grabbing all the deadheading freight dogs - it is stupid, irrational, and insulting.