Aviation Security Debate: Bruce Schneier V. Kip Hawley (Former TSA Boss)

Fluffeh writes "A nice summary at TechDirt brings word that Bruce Schneier has been debating Kip Hawley, former boss of the TSA, over at the Economist. Bruce has been providing facts, analysis and some amazing statistics throughout the debate, and it makes for very educational reading. Because of the format, the former TSA administrator is compelled to respond. Quoting: 'He wants us to trust that a 400-ml bottle of liquid is dangerous, but transferring it to four 100-ml bottles magically makes it safe. He wants us to trust that the butter knives given to first-class passengers are nevertheless too dangerous to be taken through a security checkpoint. He wants us to trust that there's a reason to confiscate a cupcake (Las Vegas), a 3-inch plastic toy gun (London Gatwick), a purse with an embroidered gun on it (Norfolk, VA), a T-shirt with a picture of a gun on it (London Heathrow) and a plastic lightsaber that's really a flashlight with a long cone on top (Dallas/Fort Worth).""

Comments

Re:I stopped flying.

[PopeRatzo]

I cannot speak for others, but I have stopped flying.

If it means I get an empty middle seat between me and that fat lady with the perfume, I sincerely thank you.

It is my fond hope that your decision not to fly is taken up by a wide majority of Americans.

Though I do find airport security to be a minor hassle, if it has discouraged you and others from turning airplanes into the Greyhound of the Air, then the TSA is worth every penny.

So the argument that 'people are flying anyway, the security theater must be ok' is weak as the number flying might be much higher.

You mean that without the "security theater there might be more people flying? What a horrible thought.

I'll have to make sure and thank the TSA employees next time I fly.