The Trusted Traveler program is a no-brainer - which is why it's taking Uncle Sam, the airports and the airlines so long to implement it. It would, in effect, create a class system (so much the better) and at least begin to isolate those who are actual or potential threats. The PC mindset is so ingrained in the TSA, FAA, and government in general that having citizens actually volunteer and assist in reducing the number of people that must undergo a full screen at the airport is almost unfathomable.
Is such a program foolproof? No but Trusted Traveler doesn't mean All Access At The Airport. If they are truly interested in identifying terrorists and/or threats the obvious way to start is to begin removing those who consent to (and pass) the background check from the general flying population (i.e., the ones standing in line).
I realize this is a very un-libertarian viewpoint and we all know WHICH group(s) would be ultimately left off the Trusted list.
Yeah, what ever became of that?