First, we have this story, of a Marine put on a TSA no-fly list because he was detected with gunpowder residue on his combat boots.

Then, KLo over at NRO asks:

Small thing, all things considered, but wouldn't an expired I.D. be something to notice?

Not in a sane world. I've commented on this before. And I just noticed in the last comment on that post:

And as far as security being "bullshit"? How many planes have been hijacked since new security procedures have been put in place?

And how many would have been had they not?

This is the "tiger repellant" fallacy.

"Why do you keep jumping up and down on one foot?"

"To keep the tigers away."

"Are you crazy? There's not a tiger within thousands of miles of here, except in zoos."

"See? It works!"

It's not the airport security procedures that have prevented hijackings (though they may have cut down on attempts)--it's the fact that the passengers are much more alert now, and will never again allow another plane to be hijacked. Every flight from now on, as long as we remember Flight 93, will be Flight 93.

I've been pulled out line for "extra" searches about half the times I've flown since 9/11. I usually tell the agent the funniest joke I know and I am on my way fairly quickly. I guess I resemble that bald, white guy, grandfather terrorist too much. So far, it has just been an inconvienence. If I stopped wearing socks, I bet they would let me by more quickly.

I was telling folks at work back in 2003 that the terrorists really screwed up on the airplane attacks because they broke the unwritten covenant that had worked so well for decades: Passengers shut up and be quiet, terrorists negotiate demands, folks will probably live (except for Jews [Sorry guys, but then again I'm not telling you anything new]).

Now, as Rand pointed out, any threatening activity will not likely be tolerated by passengers. The equation has changed to almost certitude of death in an airplane/terrorist scenario, so there's zero upside in letting them have or retain the upper hand.

As a consequence, though, we have wasted untold sums in time and money for what is likely now a nebulous threat. That's what happens when you give in to blind, unconsidered fear.

I still maintain that the best anti-hijack approach would be to allow anyone to carry personal weapons on aircraft (as well as everywhere else). I thought this from the time the TSA was first announced, and I see no reason to change it now.

Responsible Americans are much more effective than bureaucratic, politically correct civil servants when the stakes are high.

The whole might of the federal bureaucracy was totally ineffective in preventing the events of Sept. 11, but a few ordinary Americans, even without weapons, managed to thwart a particular group of hi-jackers. Government agencies get in each other's way or point fingers at each other. Americans do what has to be done. End of story.

I still maintain that the best anti-hijack approach would be to allow anyone to carry personal weapons on aircraft (as well as everywhere else). I thought this from the time the TSA was first announced, and I see no reason to change it now.

Responsible Americans are much more effective than bureaucratic, politically correct civil servants when the stakes are high.

The whole might of the federal bureaucracy was totally ineffective in preventing the events of Sept. 11, but a few ordinary Americans, even without weapons, managed to thwart a particular group of hi-jackers. Government agencies get in each other's way or point fingers at each other. Americans do what has to be done. End of story.

What about non-expired id's?

Yeah, who cares about an expired license? It's not like KLo was going to hop behind the yoke and fly the plane to Chicago. An expired license is between her and DPS. Otherwise, it is still a valid government issued identification.

But then again:
It's hard to argue with first hand experience

This group had to have a group travel order with itineraries listing all the travelers. Not to mention a senior enlisted person or an officer in charge. EVEN if the TSA stopped this Marine for a minute or two at the checkpoint, I was not aware that ANY civilian Authority could stop military personnel in transit in a group while under orders. I can guarantee you it's not O.K., or legal to split out one person from that group.

The TSA isn't the only one who goofed, that senior person should have shown the paperwork and then should have told the TSA to pack sand. Then everyone should have waited at that airport before proceeding.