As you stand in endless lines this holiday season, here’s a comforting thought: all those security measures accomplish nothing, at enormous cost. That’s the conclusion of Charles C. Mann, who put the T.S.A. to the test with the help of one of America’s top security experts.
Experts like Bruce Schneier have been calling what the TSA does “security theater” for 10 years now. The mainstream press just now seem to be catching on.
Of course not. Airport security is the last line of defense, and it’s not a very good one. What works is investigation and intelligence: security that works regardless of the terrorist tactic or target. Yes, the target matters too; all this airport security is only effective if the terrorists target airports. If they decide to bomb crowded shopping malls instead, we’ve wasted our money.
The 4th Amendment printed in metallic ink on shirts, underwear, and socks, to make your TSA encounters more interesting. Just to refresh your memory, the full text of the 4th Amendment to the US Constitution:
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Can you imagine a modern government writing down anything even remotely like this? THE RIGHT OF THE PEOPLE doesn’t seem to be a phrase modern politicians understand.
I’ll be in the peanut gallery for this one. The prizes are distinctly Schneier:
Contest ends on February 6th. Winner receives copies of my books, copies of Patrick Smith’s book, an empty 12-ounce bottle labeled “saline” that you can refill and get through any TSA security checkpoint, and a fake boarding pass on any flight for any date.
Phil Nelson