Establishing the Transportation Security Administration was one of President Bush’s biggest mistakes. It not only consolidated several smaller agencies — Immigration and Customs — but making the screeners government employees was a huge expansion of the federal government.
Although it serves as a deterrent, the TSA really isn’t very effective. In random tests, about 70% of the attempts to smuggle things onto airplanes are successful! Also, TSA regulations apply only to aircraft that carry 30 passengers or more. Because SeaPort Airlines (Seattle to Portland) aircraft are the nine-seat single-engine Pilatus ilk, business travelers to/from Seattle are enjoying their commute without the hassle of airport security screeners.
While I applaud SeaPort’s efforts and support other commuter lines in doing the same, it is way past time to demand that TSA airport screening start being downsized to pre-911 levels for all air travelers. If successful, your 90-year-old mother or father will no longer have to be strip-searched or patted down and their shoes can stay on.
E-mail the White House and your congressional leaders and demand action.
Raymond Hedrick
Fresno
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