I don't mind having my bags checked; I mind NOT having my bags checked. Admittedly, it's not a perfect solution in and of itself, but I think it's a necessary component of a more comprehensive flight security plan.

Carol, for once I agree with you -- we should not adopt a policy of using or allowing torture to extract information, because it is morally wrong, and it is completely inconsistent with the principles our nation was founded on, and for which so many have sacrificed.

There may be times when we are facing such a dire emergency that we might have to contemplate extreme measures that should not otherwise be considered. Hypothetical scenario: the first plane hits the first tower, we strongly suspect there is a second hijacking about to take place, if we know the details we may have time to prevent it, and we have someone in custody who knows the plans. In such an extreme case we may have to resort to truly nasty methods of extracting information -- not to obtain a conviction (such evidence would likely be inadmissible in a US court anyway), but to prevent imminent catastrophe. In such a situation I can't say I'd rule out the use of torture as an emergency expedient, although I would still have serious qualms about it. In other circumstances, I don't think we should consider it an acceptable option.