I wonder if TSA really understands the extent to which they are venomously despised. They must not. I hate them so much that I should probably no longer fly, because I don't trust my self-control. (I am, usually, an easygoing person.) It isn't just me; I hear my fellow travelers swearing under their breath.

I can think of a dozen issues that are considerably more important for the new president to attend to. But honestly, I can't think any of them would improve my short-term quality of life more than immediately and profoundly reforming the TSA screening system.

....a circular knitting needle on board pretty much any airline. No kidding. Did it last weekend. I took aboard a circular knitting needle. Made of metal. It has pointed ends and a really strong cord between the metal. pointed. ends (queue horror-movie music). I, a 5-foot, 6-inch, weight-workouting woman, can take a circular knitting needle aboard an aircraft. If I lose my sh!t, I could just zip that half-finished sweater off that knitting needle and take out someone's eyes and then garotte them. Or just the former. Or just the latter. Or, I could, really-fast, force my super-full plastic airline cup full of tomato juice over my seat-neighbor's nose and mouth, and with my seriously strong (remember: weight workouts) other arm make sure they couldn't dislodge it, and drown them. Right there in the seat next to me. And then I could take my circular knitting needle and ... never mind. If I continue, I may be prevented from flying at all in the future. No telling where the airline cops get their info. The upshot: Better start checking passengers for weight-lifting physiques, and divert the muscle-bound ones to Amtrak. They'll take anyone. And you'd better stop that whole drink-cart thing. They present a real terror threat. Hey maybe if you stop the whole drink-car thing, you could cut the airline attendant head count by half. Quick! Call a meeting.

C'mon Patrick, you've figured out the "rules" don't enhance security, so have we, and you can be sure that the TSA knows it too. It's about control, it's about behavior modification -- it's clear that we are being conditioned to obey orders, mindlessly, or out of fear; it doesn't matter -- as long as you comply. And you will comply!

Why are they doing this? Because they know that in an America where 1% of the population controls 90% of the wealth, the day is coming, and soon, when the peasants will revolt. The solution? Train the proles -- condition the ones you can, control those that you can't, make them sheep; and it's working, we are like the quiescent

Jews on the train to Auschwitz, and the oligarchy is driving the train.

And if you don't like it -- just shut your mouth and do as you are ordered. Comply. Obey. Or else.

Is it better for our rulers to be feared than loved? You bet.

About the knives... go to a camping store and get yourself some nice Lexan ones, they work great and don't show up on an X-ray.

And finally, I wouldn't worry too much about the pain of flying, in less than 5 years, fuel will be so expensive that only the super rich will fly.

It's really easy, place the bottom of your cup in the palm of your hand, then forcefully smack it against the ear of your victim. This will rupture the eardrum and cause immense pain, the victim will be as disabled as if you had shot or stabbed him.

Quick someone call the TSA!

I never liked styrofoam cups anyway. Time to get rid of them.

Next up, how to snap a man's neck with rolled up magazine...

But I am a bit dazed at the other posters, the ones who are taking this all the way to Aushwitz.

Now in your position Patrick, with all that hard work of flying to land and be confronted so ludicrously, over a tiny knife, I totally get your outrage! You are among those who keep us safe in the air and how dare they treat you as they do on the ground. Can't the pilots' union or whatever collective you have get some respect going?

BUT for the rest of us, come on folks, this isn't all hellish. I fly about 7 long flights a month. This past month I've been all over USA including Hawaii, small airports or smaller flights like LGA to FLL (La Guardia to Fort Lauderdale) vs. larger airports SF, MIA, JFK, etc. Sometimes TSA are rude and sometimes I have a spate of being "selected" and wind checked, that was a booth in SF, that was pretty grusome. But, and admittedly this may point to my dull life, I make it fun.

These folks smell your contempt. These folks are not the top 1% of the population and they well know it. They do not necessarily LIKE lording it over us PASSENGERS, I'm definitely not including pilots.

I have studied the situation and though few will agree with me: I believe They need a little fun, along with us to obey the rules. Crazy rules, sure but we're all in it together. I never expect to be treated well by these folks but I surely do treat them well. I compliment them, and in turn, they are usually very nice and almost apologetic to me. I went bald, (I'm female) and had to wear a clip wig. It beeped. Never has any singe TSA person asked me to take it off when it beeps and most tell me it looks really good, my hair-ish.

I truly like flying. I used to be afraid and now, for reasons very personal, I'm not at all. Yes, I usually fly with a friend or mate, but that is NOT why I've made the whole absurd affair kinda juicy. I know what's ahead. I know my shoes are coming off along with bracelets, necklaces etc, and so I am nice to those who know not what they do, or maybe I'm like the only other letter writer who flies right thru TSA stuff.

I give good vibes and get human friendliness in return. If you plan to fly, check this out. They are not power crazed folks, not in general. They are flawed folks with a shitty job and though sure I've met autocrats, I say, you be upbeat, smile, do what we all have to, and you'll get some sweet moments. Before you call me crazy, prepare for that long line and chat with others. Don't go late to airports and don't be in rush mode and I bet you'll see the difference. Let's take out our anger on those with REAL power.