Airport security.  It keeps us safe… to a point.  I missed a flight this morning and it didn’t need to happen.  With 5 people in front of me, it took almost 45 minutes to get through the security checkpoint.  The security people were very concerned with ensuring that everyone go through the new body scanner that was standing there like a glistening new toy, beckoning us poor travelers to “give it a try”. 

How much is enough security, and how do we balance the need for it while also realizing that we can’t stop every threat that might occur.  If someone tries to blow up a plane by lighting his underwear on fire, why do we respond by inconveniencing millions of innocent travelers with policies and procedures that are designed to look more like they are “doing something” rather than actually accomplishing anything?  When we react by instantly banning gels and liquids from carry-ons, (throwing out perfectly good toiletries in the process, by the way) we validate our fears and certainly contribute to the means and ends of the bad guys because we react so foolishly. Damage to a country doesn’t always come from blowing things up.  Creating fear, panic and economic chaos works very well, and often, we are the ones doing it to ourselves.  What better way for our enemies to destroy us?

How many BILLIONS of dollars are lost every year due to lost productivity and crippling costs to airlines and travelers alike, all in the name of creating the aura of safety.  I don’t know about you, but I would rather that the airline have enough money to do the proper maintenance and upkeep on the plane than invest that money in some feel good security program that accomplishes questionable results.  I know scanning that baby stroller twice to make sure there is nothing explosive attached to it might look thorough.  Common sense has been replaced by sheer bureaucratic stupidity, and we have much less “freedom” as a result. 

Whether we are talking about airport security, starting your own business or making whatever you do better, its time to stop surrendering our freedom to fear.  It’s time for us to step up and move forward.  Even if that means I have to take my chances with an unscanned baby stroller.

Todd