So you can just walk by TSA carrying a common high powered explosive with no problem.

[Kablooie]

The explosive used by the NW terrorist was the same as the 2001 shoe bomber.
It's not some new exotic concoction. It's one of the main explosives used by terrorists.

So TSA requires you to take off your shoes but if you have explosive chemicals stashed somewhere other than your shoes, you are perfectly welcome to take them onboard. (In fact, I doubt that they would spot some chemicals stashed in your shoes anyway. They are looking for devices. )

Why don't they have sensors at airports that detect PETN and other explosives?
There are several patents and techniques for doing so.

Why do we have to take off our damn shoes? A shoe is not a danger. (except to Bush) PETN, IS!
They check for shoes. They don't check for explosives.

The whole annoying TSA thing is a sham.

[Renew Deal]

1. Did he board the plane in the US?

No. So he didn't encounter TSA.

[Kablooie]

3. TSA still sets standards for planes entering the US that other countries have to follow.

[regnaD kciN]

20. But if those other countries screw up and don't follow the standards...

...just exactly how is the TSA to blame?

[Mugweed]

22. Link?

I don't believe this statement is more than opinion stated as fact. I think other countries can do whatever they want.

[jberryhill]

27. Not if they want to fly planes into the US

http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-07-729

Of the 128 foreign airports that TSA assessed during fiscal year 2005, TSA found that about 36 percent complied with all applicable security standards, while about 64 percent did not comply with at least one standard. The security deficiencies identified by TSA at two foreign airports were such that the Secretary of Homeland Security notified the public that the overall security at these airports was ineffective. Of the 529 overseas air carrier inspections conducted during fiscal year 2005, for about 71 percent, TSA did not identify any security violations, and for about 29 percent, TSA identified at least one security violation. TSA took enforcement action--warning letters, correction letters, or monetary fines--for about 18 percent of the air carrier security violations. TSA addressed most of the remaining 82 percent of security violations through on-site consultation. TSA assisted foreign officials and air carrier representatives in addressing identified deficiencies through on-site consultation, recommendations for security improvements, and referrals for training and technical assistance. However, TSA's oversight of the foreign airport assessment and air carrier inspection programs could be strengthened.

[Statistical]

25. TSA dictates local policy to foreign governments?

They also station US agents around the world to enforce these edicts?
They also have arrest authority to ensure foreign govt obey them?

Please TSA may work with other govts on strategies to protect flights but they have no authority.

[jberryhill]

26. The way it is supposed to work is...

Planes that were boarded using non-US approved procedures cannot fly into the US.

No, the US cannot dictate local policy, but can dictate which planes can fly here. Having flown back to the US many times, yes US bound flights are treated differently. The game on the other side is to find the least compliant airport abroad with flights to the US.

And, yes, there are US compliance teams abroad to enforce the standards.

[yodoobo]

2. TSA is about security theatre

Its to make you FEEL good.

If its not made of metal and you can put it in your pocket or attach it to your body, it is trivial to smuggle past the check point.

The only real security is provided by fellow passengers, as has been demonstrated by the last several thwarted terrorist attempts.

[Kablooie]

10. Doesn't make ME feel good. And it's certainly not entertaining. Just a damned nuisance.

[yodoobo]

11. amen

But for 80% of Americans. The little show they put on with the metal detector and stern look makes them feel like all is well.

My favorite is when they stare at your drivers license as though I'm 16 trying to sneak into a bar.

Yet they don't compare the name against ANYTHING at that moment. Virtually everyone, even terrorist have a government ID. But since they don't compare the name against anything, its a pointless gesture.

At that checkpoint, real terrorist use their real ID against a home printed (fake) boarding card that matches the real name...and then board the plane using a real boarding card purchased via a stolen identity.

This monster of a security hole has been known by TSA for years. Yet they still do the little song and dance with the funny flashflight on your photo id.

Its laughable, except its not.

[krabigirl]

13. um, it does not make me feel good at all..and judging from what i've read on twitter ro

no one else feels good about these new regulations. I won't fly if they stay in place.

[pnwmom]

17. They're searching pockets now. And those special cameras will show things

attached to the body. They will be the wave of the future.

[snagglepuss]

4. Get this. Terrorists are now implanting explosives in their bodies.

This is reported in The Independent (UK) "a terrorist tried to assassinate the Saudi Prince Mohammed bin Nayef with explosives implanted in his body."


So TSA is full of crap. Talk about being behind the times.

[Renew Deal]

5. What do you propose?

Xrays? On the spot surgery to remove the bombs before the person boards? I'm waiting till they make us remove our shoes with our undies.

[Kablooie]

9. From www.securityinfowatch.com ...

...

Daly: There are tremendous capability gaps in aviation security as it is today. There are several commercial available imaging technologies, including Brijot's that can effectively detect explosives, liquids, gels, composites, plastics, narcotics, currency and other non-metallic contraband/threats. These systems can accurately detect such items as cell phones, used as detonators for IEDs.


http://www.securityinfowatch.com/Homeland+Security/1313320?pageNum=2

[BP2]

15. If drug transporters are willing to risk carrying a cocaine-filled condom in their rectum,

a eager terrorist might carry plastic explosive or PETN in the same manner.

How one would ignite might prove interesting as well.

[pnwmom]

18. Yeah and it didn't work either. n/t

[Forkboy]

6. Maybe, but I don't suggest testing the theory.

:)

[merh]

7. The devices for detecting chemicals or for explosives are not reliable.

And they are very expensive.

That is why the military buys k-9s that are trained to sniff for explosives. The military doesn't even have their own units to train the dogs, they obtain them from private dog handlers/kennels and the private handlers train the military handlers.

[MercutioATC]

8. TSA regulations provide the ILLUSION of "security".

They have nothing to do with providing actual security.

[HipChick]

12. how do you suggest testing for anal implants?

body cavities for carrying explosives

[Kablooie]

28. Everyone boarding a plane should have an enema performed by TSA employees! Whee!

[LibDemAlways]

14. The newly enacted measures to be used in the air tell me one thing - TSA does not

trust its own screeners or security methods. They need to scrap the present system and rethink the screening process. By not letting people get up to pee during the last hour of the flight all they'll be creating is a pain in the ass for the airport cleaning crews who will now have to come up with a way to clean and dry a bunch of urine soaked seats before the next planeload boards. Stupid jackasses resorting to the usual reactive bullshit in lieu of any kind of reasonably thought out "smart" security.

[Rhiannon12866]

16. They made my cousin take off her shoes at Kennedy, and she was wearing sandals...

She was also traveling with her two small children, who got all freaked out when they led her away. :shrug:

As for shoes only being a danger to Bush*... :rofl:

[charlie]

19. Probably the most significant change in security since 911

is that passengers will no longer stand by when someone acts up.

Of course, that's the very last line of defense. But it's more effective than it used to be. The ongoing effort to eliminate all danger beforehand is tipping into the too onerous, too expensive, and likely futile category.

[amborin]

21. they have a "sniffer" machine at SFO and a few other places

but they're very expensive! and a bit time consuming, too, so.....

[Flubadubya]

23. Hah, hah, hah... your screen name, Kablooie!

Oh the irony... what a topic! :silly:

[90-percent]

24. What about this

Terrorism inflicted on the USA because "they hate us for our freedoms" should be going way, way down.

Reason:

Now that we're full blown FASCIST we don't really have too many freedoms any more. Therefore the terrorists should now start attacking countries that still have more freedom than the USA.

Obama is sanctioning all the extra Constitutional Bush moves of the last eight years to KEEP US SAFE!

What a guy!

-90% jimmy