10.13.2008 12:48 pm
Security device could bring end to one airport hassle
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Here I am at the airport in Philadelphia, sitting and waiting for the plane that will bring me back home. As always, the trip through the security line is a source of stress.
I never seem to have enough hands to take care of all the things you need to do when going through the security lanes - display your bag of small liquid items, laptop has to be out of its bag, shoes off, take the hat off your head, remove your jacket, etc.
Well, at least there is some hope that one of those annoyances could go away. Here’s a story about a new device being used in Israel that checks your shoes - without you having to remove them. Apparently several other countries, including our own, is looking at the device.
Tim has covered a wide range of topics, including tourism, crime, aviation and gambling, since becoming a reporter in 1990. The Oklahoma native joined the Post-Dispatch in 2007 after spending nine years in Orlando. In his spare time, he's often exploring one virtual world or another. He can be reached at tbarker@post-dispatch.com. 
I am thinking I must be the dunce reading this article because I think it is lacking in substance or maybe I missed it. What should be discussed on here? Whether we agree that there needs to be a new device to check our shoes or what? “Here’s a story about a new device being used in Israel that checks your shoes - without you having to remove them.” Where is the story?
Jessika, click on the link called “Here’s a story”. This is not rocket science.
Traveled recently and, while the TSA folks seemed quite friendly and “professional”, I found when I got home, that I had been allowed to - twice - carry on a butane lighter I had forgotten was in my bag. I marveled at the silliness of making people take off their shoes. I was chastised - albeit very politely - for not getting my little bag of liquid stuff out of my carry-on, which had just gone through x-ray… huh?
Let me ask a question here (chuckling at the absurdity of thinking there will be an answer.) After you go through security and they look at your little bag of stuff and your shoes, you can stop at any number of shops and buy all sorts of liquids and other things and carry it on board without so much as a “by your leave.” So what stops the terrorists from simply getting the weapons or bombs or nail files to the hijackers by simply “selling” it to their co-conspirators at one of those shops?
Anybody feel safer?