I think the proper approach is better HUMINT rather than on-site security, but there is no 100% solution.

So we’ve reached the point where the humiliation the terrorists have to endure when undertaking their plot is at least equal to that of air passengers. If we’re not winning at least we’re spreading the pain.

Though it’s kind of…odd to me that matters of international security and safety would all become so laser focused on crotches and asses, but sometimes the world is just plain weirder than even I can imagine.

As others have pointed out, there are lots more risky behaviors, working, driving, having a drink… The dehumanization is not worth whatever safety issues they pretend.

I post a conspiracy theory where the rich elite want to exterminate their highest paid slaves, USA people, because they don’t need them anymore with all the outsourcing and since government bails them out, they don’t even need their dollars. So the “Security Measures” especially at the airport are a test to see how far they can push people when the REAL extermination begins and they push us into gas chambers.

But even that is flattering them undeservedly. The sad reality is probably that there’s no one running the show, good or bad, though plenty of profiteers running off with bits of the stage to sell for a pittance. The “Officials” are pathetic, whiny bureaucrats who over-react to every scare, not to prevent the next scare, but so that they can whine to keep their jobs that they “Did everything they could.”

Although one thing that makes me believe the “Conspiracy” angle is just how ineffective these attacks are, how much of the social damage is done by the media and government over-reacting versus any ka-booming incident. Case in point, remember that 2003 blackout? Anyone who cared knew the country’s electrical grid was stretched that thin due to all the “Privatization” that is letting private companies get in charge of utilities, but the bills they raise go to the CEO’s tenth mansion or fifth yacht, not re-investing in transformers and such. Imagine if, on 9/11, when night fell the lights went out all over most of the country…?

And we should leave our cars unlocked and use push-button starters, since auto thefts are relatively rare as well.

Do you really think that if all screenings stopped, we wouldn’t have a bunch of downed airliners? That would be a very low-cost ticket to fame and martyrdom. The motive is already there, and we would be providing the opportunity.

What better way to round out this scorched and shitty decade

By many accounts this really was a pretty shitty last 10 years. Between Bush and the Obama afterglow fading to black (no pun intended)… I’m just going to hope for a better next decade and offer a good riddance to this last one. I never thought I’d look back on the 90′s so fondly until I went through the 00′s.

I’m just glad the crotch-cannon didn’t succeed or we’d all be in for even more fear mongering than there already is… if that’s possible.

I’m still wondering why they are still trying to attack us if invading all these countries was to make us safer? They seem more determined than ever… how strange..

Nah.

I believe that we often too quickly jump to the conclusion that anyone that would carry out or attempt mass murder must be “troubled” or “sick”. Isn’t it possible that many terrorists know exactly what they are doing and why they are doing it? How do we know this is a “troubled young man” and not just an evil zealot who wants to kill anyone who does not subscribe to his religion?

The worst punishment we can expect this man to receive is likely to be life in solitary confinement. Is this severe enough for someone who attempted to kill hundreds of innocent men, women and children?

I don’t think so.

You do know that’s one of the squares on the Troll Bingo card, right?

A discussion about the death penalty is OT here (it’s one of the Black Holes of Conversation), but advocating that someone be put to death is a far cry from what you advocated in your now-disemvowelled post. The difference is not “political correctness” or a matter of phrasing. Many here, including me, might disagree with you on the death penalty, but your previous suggestion is nothing short of psychopathic.

But you know, I think I’ll use this strategy when unterhosen searches become mandatory:

1). Big spicy Mexican meal the night before travel.

2). Laxative at bedtime.

3). Adult diaper in the morning.

4). TSA employees thinking, “They don’t pay me enough for this.”

You’d best think the endgame through thoroughly, Meester Gubmint.

A small point about language. Use of the phrase ‘junk’ in American English might scan well out in the colonies but an English gentleman might refer to said content as.. “meat and two veg”.

Makes sense to me. Poor Mr Abdulmutallab probably just has low self esteem. Lets get him a therapist and put him in a half way house.

No, I think you’re a troll. Subtle difference there.