I have never been treated so poorly as we have been treated by TSA and Homeland Security when traveling internationally. I still find it hard to believe that a supposedly free people tolerates their fascist BS.
While I won't argue the failure rate, whats the success rate? How many things do they detect and confiscate? You read of folks getting snagged with handguns or ammo they'd forgotten about all the time.....
But of course some folks also hate the fact that they are trying. While it may not nearly be as good as it could be.
Me, I"d personally rather be allowed to carry my handgun on the plane instead of the TSA lines.
But I will say this, while we only fly 1-2 times a year, I"ve NEVER been treated badly by a TSA employee. Every last one was friendly and nice. And I've never had a bad run in with them.
Of course the next time may be a bear.
The WORST I've EVER been treated was by US Customs at the border when we were coming BACK into the US from Alaska. Rude as all get out, no humor, nothing.
Of course I chat wiht border patrol at checkpoints coming out of Laredo a bit now and then and them, to the very last one, have been friendly and courteous.
I often suspect, that yes, there are a few bad ones, its also how you interact with them from the get go.
Same with my job. I'm an inspector and if you walk up and tell me I have no business doing my job and you won't follow the rules etc.... well we'll have a bit of a problem. With me, it will simply be you have a choice, follow or get a citation and stop work order, nothing personal mind you, but we have jobs to do.