Passengers at Kansas City International Airport recently were asked to remove all paper products from their carry-ons while going through security screening checkpoints. That includes all books, loose-leaf paper, Post-It notes and files. They’ve been told by screeners that the new procedures are part of a pilot program that is being rolled out nationwide. When asked, the TSA responded that it uses layered security and for security reasons doesn’t disclose its screening processes. When pressed, the TSA responded that books, magazines and other paper products may be screened to make sure dangerous items aren’t hidden inside.
* Like thoughts.
* You never know if someone might be carrying the explosive new novel by bestselling author David Baldacci.
* Good to know that anyone walking around with a book these days is suspect.
* To paraphrase George Carlin, you could take over a plane with a piece of looseleaf paper. Just hold it at the stewardess’s head and threaten paper cuts.
* Damn, I miss Carlin. He also asked why we say we’re getting on the plane. “I don’t want to get on the plane. I want to get IN the plane.”
* I think I know what happened: The airlines have been getting all the press lately and the TSA felt left out.
* Frankly, the whole business of commercial aviation versus the passengers is disintegrating into what is basically a civil war.
* Except there’s nothing civil about it.
* I knew it was bad when I got on a plane recently. The flight attendant asked me where I wanted to sit: in the boxing section or mixed martial arts?