Be the Ball

Airport security is a real mess and it's captured the news with the intrusive body scans and pat-downs in some airports. I think everyone understands the vulnerability of a country dependent on travel - ground and air - and the wounds of 911 are plenty fresh. A country's back can't always be to the wall.

In May of this year we took the chunnel from London to Paris, and upon arrival just walked into the terminal and out onto the street. There were no checkpoints, no customs, nothing. But to leave France? Everything I owned was gone through with a fine tooth comb including a pat-down. I nearly missed the flight. It was a misguided attempt at security and actually made me feel less safe.

Check out our homeland security. Our borders are a sieve. Not all airports uniformly scan and search. Nothing to speak of security-wise at train and bus terminals. Until last week freight from other countries wasn't too concerning until bomb dry-runs made it to their target destinations.

I'm not trying to say we should not take reasonable measures to ensure public safety. I'm saying this new policy will not do that. As one article pointed out ... "One terrorist puts a bomb in his shoes that doesn't work. Forever after, all shoes must be checked for millions of people? Terrorists plan an aborted attack using a gel. Forever after all liquids and gels must be banned and thus seized from millions of people?"

Point taken. Terrorists are smart and adaptable. If our security is not cutting edge you can bet it has already been anticipated and bypassed.  What we need is a bold, innovative and adaptable approach. A policy that blankets every checkpoint into and out of the country, with quick and efficient scanning methods and the unilateral power to detain suspicious or concerning travelers. 

These are serious times and random searches are stupid and expensive. Instead let's try a logical and reasonable probable cause baseline, like... 

'We reserve the right to detain and search ANYONE at any port of call, coming or going, who by their actions, words, appearance, travel itinerary or body language arouses suspicion. Suspicious travelers, their travel companions and possessions will be searched and scrutinized to ensure safe travel for all.'

Now that's reasonable and appropriate measures in action. And sometime in the future if the 83 year old great grandmother of 12 with swollen ankles is suspicious, I say haul her off to the search and seizure room! But don't put her through it just because she happens to be the 14th traveler in line.