The father of this disturbed Nigerian youth was so worried about his son that he discussed those concerns with the CIA. Obviously, someone slipped up because there was no follow-up. After-the-fact restrictions on travellers is not going to resolve that oversight.
Source: CIA failed to circulate report about bombing suspect - CNN.com
OK, gotcha'. Yeah, that was a big oversight. Certainly prevention is better than "cure", if that's what we think we have with these dumb regulations.
My point is that yes, we need some security but if we're so concerned about it (and I am, even though I don't personally travel that much any more), why don't we get serious about it? No offence to the folks conducting security checks right now, but why are these jobs in the minimum wage category? That's one question that I've always had on my mind.
I mean, really...(and please, there is no offence intended here to anyone in any job)...if the security person is in charge of the safety of you or your loved ones on a flight, why are they earning a fraction of what the person fixing your toilet earns? Does that really make sense? (Yes, fixing the toilet
is important, but if it screws up, it generally won't kill you)...:-(
I still think a properly trained military unit would be able to do the job quite nicely, and the presence of the uniform wouldn't hurt. Might make it look like we take it seriously.