Air-Travel Security Changes

[Travel news with editorial commentary] Screening procedures are relaxing a bit for air travel. Starting December 22nd, 2005, passengers will be allowed once again to carry small scissors, screwdrivers and other sharp objects. This is said to be implemented so screeners can spend their time searching for carry on explosives instead of what was actually used on September 11, 2001. The biggest threat, cargo, is still not properly screened because it costs too much. Your time, taking off your shoes, is cheap.

You will once again be able to take antique scissors for grandma on the plane but not your Swiss army knife, even if it is in plain sight in a briefcase. You can use metal silverware with your meal but not a box-cutter. You can take any number of sharp objects that are inside electronic devices but not a lighter. You need to buy those again at the airport shops.

Security will become more random so you won't know what to expect. You may have to take off your shoes heading out on your trip but not on the return. You may still be searched or have your id scrutinized at will. This means you will either spend more time with airport personnel or in the airport shops. Either way, a smart terrorist will be successful and the average wannabe terrorist will be stopped.

The risk we take every day is the price of freedom. Only when freedoms are taken away, can we be more safe while we enjoy life less.