"That is a huge cause of concern," said Clark Kent Ervin, the Homeland Security Department's former inspector general, who added that screeners' inability to identify fake bombs might encourage terrorists to "chance it" and attempt to take real weapons on board flights.
Indeed. And yet, on two occasions at the Oakland airport, the metal detector has failed to go off when I walked through the portal (note: I have a stainless steel femur! and a few other miscellaneous metal parts like clips and screws, and a porcelain covered steel socket). Both times I mentioned it to the TSA functionary who was about to pat me down. And both times, they kind of weaseled and waffled, and basically didn't want to cause any trouble with their superiors. I get frisked and patted down every time I fly, and sometimes up to four or five times on some multi-stop trips. I don't complain! I like the idea they actually look for trouble. And now we find out that fake bombs slip through.
Even when I should have set off the alarm, it didn't seem to worry the screeners. I, for my part, am not at all surprised that fake bombs can slip through. The patdowns, while seemingly relentless and intrusive, never actually cover all the turf. I don't know if it's homophobia, or squeamishness on the part of the screeners, but they never actually pat down, or even come close to brushing the nether regions. If I had a bomb, I would most decidedly place it near my crotch, or in the fold of my buttocks. They never pat down those regions (note this, smugglers). And while I continually suffer the indignity of being pulled from the line, I don't complain. I like that they do this. I'd actually prefer we all walk through the screening area naked to make double sure.
Some recent pieces on All This Is That on aviophobia and fear of flying:
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