What bothers me is that the old non-TSA screeners did the same job and we’re paying far more for the TSA.
Right, but before the TSA the private security companies were being made to cut costs at all levels and trim their overheads. Now what you are paying extra for is the government apparatus to manage it, not necessarily improved conditions for screeners.
The government taking over this role was NOT what was needed. What was needed was clear cut guidelines and controls of private security companies, clearly established training guidelines, trainer certification and strict controls on the part of the FAA with absolutely merciless penalties such as "2 strikes and you're out". This would have disqualified a company such as Argenbright well before they were and sent a clear signal to others what would and would not be tolerated. The government would also have needed to set some minimum pay standards to avoid the cut-throat competition which resulted in the level of screeners that we had.
The fact is that the government took a very black & white view of this without considering a middle ground which would probably have been cheaper and achieved better results. Government managed projects do not have a reputation for efficiency....