How To ‘Fix’ TSA–Allow Liquids, Knives(!)–Focus On Terrorist Plots
According to a former administrator of the TSA, the way to 'fix' the many issues with the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) is to quit focusing on the minutia--allow knives, liquids, and lighters--and focus on the bigger picture such as terrorist plots.
Besides the many issues with TSA employees being charged with theft and other 'petty' crimes against travelers, the author of the Wall Street Journal article, and former TSA Administrator Kip Hawley had this to say about what the TSA has become ten years post 911:
"More than a decade after 9/11, it is a national embarrassment that our airport security system remains so hopelessly bureaucratic and disconnected from the people whom it is meant to protect. Preventing terrorist attacks on air travel demands flexibility and the constant reassessment of threats. It also demands strong public support, which the current system has plainly failed to achieve."
Hawley points out the TSA's job is to manage risk, not to necessarily secure the safety of every single passenger. He says no longer will attackers be able to storm cockpits or overtake aircraft. Numerous prevention measures have been put in place to prevent that. Flight crews and air marshalls are far better trained to spot potential issues, pilots have safety measures to "seal" the cockpit from intruders, and other improvements.
Hawley says the TSA has become a beaurocratic mess, and it needs a re-evaluation from the top down.