Bugg Smasher
No offence mate - My comments were not intended to be anti-American (I am one of the least anti-American Brits you will find) just an observation of what I have found on my recent trips which seems to defy all manner of common sense and delivered without the slightest hint of courtesy.
In terms of a solution - they should come over to the UK or Germany and see how its done - and how it has been done for the many years when it used to be possible to waltz airside in the US without any hint of a challenge.
As far as the shoe bomber is concerned - he is no Englishman. As far as I'm concerned you guys should have completely free reign with him. Personally I'd have made sure he was well away from any aircraft and then lit his fuse for him.