More Airport Security Lapses

Maybe I'm just dense, but I can't figure out why we all have to go through such TSA-mandated security procedures at airports when government investigators managed to pass through screening at 19 unnamed airports with bomb-making components, according to a CNN report, which noted that "Investigators with bomb-making components in their luggage and on their person were able to pass through security checkpoints at 19 U.S. airports without detection, according to the Government Accountability Office."

According to CNN, GAO officials are expected to testify tomorrow before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. "The investigators reported that most of the time security officers followed Transportation Security Administration policies and procedures, but investigators were able to take advantage of 'weaknesses in TSA procedures and other vulnerabilities,'" according to the CNN report continued, without detailing those weaknesses -- of course, in the name of security.

So there we hapless travelers are -- at various times forced to surrender such dangerous objects as nail clippers and lip gloss, put most toiletries in our checked bags, put small quantities in a one-quart zip-lock plastic bag (no smaller or larger than one quart), remove our belts, empty our pockets, take laptops from bags and shuffle, shoeless, through metal detectors. For what? The procedures have taken much of the joy out of traveling -- and it doesn't appear that travelers are any the safer for it.

Thanksgiving weekend is coming up. Tens of millions of passengers will be enduring the TSA game at airports all over the country. I'm glad I'm roasting a turkey here!