Because of the "code orange" homland security - there was a ridiculously long line getting into Sea-Tac airport this evening.

Do you all feel more secure from terrorism now?

I have had some really silly experiences with airport security. I do travel on business quite a bit.

On a recent trip from Dallas I had one of the TSA screeners leave one of those 14" wands they use to check for traces of explosives IN MY BAG! Got home and it was sitting there amongst my clothes.

Someone I know made it onto a flight with a pretty substantial knife (he forgot to take it out of his briefcase...)

I watched as a TSA worker took a packaged toy (GI Joe type action figure) - ripped open the package and broke the tiny ~ 1.5" rifle right off... The guy who owned the action figure was begging the moron to take it easy but to no avail...

I don't feel any safer when flying... just more inconvenienced. I'm so sick of undoing my belt and taking off my damn shoes...

The TSA screeners seem barely able to walk and chew gum at the same time...

Now the Philippines - they do it right. You can't get into the airport terminal without a ticket. Armed soldiers thoughout the airport. Multiple bag checks - but done quickly and professionally.

Tel Aviv - they match you to your bag. That would make me feel better about security than what we have here in the U.S.

Sorry for the rant - but this whole "Homeland Security" thing with the color codes etc. is just lame IMO.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by lig

Tel Aviv - they match you to your bag.

 

Hey TJ -

I agree... there's always going to be a weak link *somewhere*.

You coming to Seattle soon? I'm sure Brant and Gina would throw a big party in you honor!

 

i agree, but in a country where everyone screams bill of rights and i have my personal rights and so forth, the rights of the whole country have been lost to politics and civil lawsuits... thast my opinion.

 

Philippines does it right??

sorry bud. I've flown into and out of Manila airport so many times... god I can't even remember how many times.

I wouldn't give too much credit to the kids with shotguns they have hanging around the airport, feeling all powerful and stuff with their hands resting on their big big guns. oh they'll play the role but, when the shit hits the fan they are just as likely to run away from any real threat as old lola is standing next to him carrying her balikbayan box-- in fact, they'd shove her outta the way. their police forces can be bought, bartered and bantered into complacency with a handful of pesos and maybe some name dropping (like you know so-n-so in the government, or Supreme Court, or whatever). in fact, speak with enough authority in your voice (and be professionally dressed, i.e.-- suit, tie, and gold-colored watch), and you can skip the peso part because they'll think you'll get them fired... even if they've done nothing wrong!

not getting into the airport without a ticket-- yes, I agree. to them for that.

[I had typed out a critique of their lax security procedures, but I'd rather it not be published on the 'net. let's just say, I wasn't impressed.]

but one thing that always raised my eyebrows was on the customs decalaration form you fill-out when landing at MNL airport. in a box, in bold letters, right in the middle of the form it reads: Death to Drug Traffickers under Philippine Law*

now that's deterrence. (*unless you know someone higher up, or bribe the prosecuting attorney and judge and whomever else along the way)

I've lived in the Philippines for many years out of my life, and I have close family members who still live there... and the Philippine police forces are a complete joke.... and not a funny one at that. their government is equally pathetic. it's just sad all around.

fortunately, the people in the countryside are about the nicest, most gentle people you could hope to meet. and they make some damn fine food too! I know, I grew up on the stuff.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by lig
Hey TJ -

I agree...

 

Hey Trituim - Last time I went to Manila - we had our carry on stuff gone through pretty closely at least 3x before we actually got on board and I was impressed at how smooth the process was.

No comment on the amount of corruption and other mayhem in the police force. It just struck me that airplane security was something they took seriously after going through it. I don't recall any hijackings recently of flights in the PI (but I could be way wrong )

Ash - don't get me started on that "lowest common denominator" issue... I still can't believe that anyone watches reality TV