It is TOTALLY stupid to just make everyone give up the standard items of everyday comfort. I just saw a middle-aged woman forced to throw away a couple hundred dollars worth of cosmetics ....even tootpaste!

This solves **NOTHING**....I'm sorry, but what is needed is the dreaded...*stereotyped, targeted, profiled enforcement*

"Oh HORRORS! How very non-P.C. of you, Bill D!"

yep...indeed, and it is with great reluctance that I say that, but for the last 5 years, every case I have seen of any attempts at terrorism has been from a very narrowly defined age & ethnic group. Little old ladies do NOT, as the woman said, blow up planes using 'blush'!

I remember flying several years ago, when they started using the 'random' searches at boarding gates, watching a business man and a middle-aged lady having their shoes & luggage searched, while several 'interesting' guys stood there with no interference at all.

Yes...I am TOTALLY aware that this would be awkward and in many ways 'unfair' to the large body of innocents, (and I don't believe for a minute that it is likely in the near future!), but ultimately, it will be suggested by someone with clout and authority. That's a prediction...and I'd bet it is de facto quietly being used already.

If I were a terrorist, I would be laughing as we scuttle about, spending billions to x-ray, scan, search and harass everyone who comes near an airport...then I'd go blow up another train or a bridge or a tunnel...or even a building.

This type of senseless over-reaction could seriously stifle general air traffic, making it too troublesome and expensive to fly...leaving only the rich with private planes able to get around.

Now, before you flame me as a prejudiced idiot....re-read exactly what I said!

We CANNOT prevent crazy people from trying to hurt us, but we CAN avoid being totally crazy ourselves, and be content with a HIGH degree of security!

Factory sealed WATER bottles? Perfume?