*25% are not high school graduates
*20% are not US citizens.
I have a big problem with these imbeciles working on the government payroll.
I have a big problem with these imbeciles working on the government payroll.
I'll spot you the non-citizens in your comment, but there are quite a few (read: a LOT of) current and former members of the Armed Forces who never completed high school. If we can issue them automatic weapons and let them operate sophisticated weapons systems, then I see no problem with folks who didn't get a diploma serving as screeners.
But if someone who would raise a flag to most screeners is currently serving as one, well, I'd say we have a problem.
I've got nothing against Filipinos, they are decent people for the most part.
But having come through this monstrosity of an airport recently, I must say it is organized like a trip through hell.
You arrive on an international flight on a major U.S. airline, you are forced to deplane, claim your luggage and clear customs and immigration. That's fine, you have arrived in a new country. But I've seen more drug sniffing dogs and better security at little airports with 6 or 8 gates.
Okay, you clear, recheck your luggage to your connecting flight (in my case, the same damn airline and flight number). On the way to your connecting gate, you must leave the secured area and stand in another damn line to clear security again! You've got a connecting flight to catch and your mixed in with the people boarding new flights at this poor excuse for an airport.
You are doubling the lines and the workload for the security people. SFO has, in my opinion, just edged LAX as the worst run airport in the country.
Contrast it to Changi Airport (Singapore)-- one quick trip through a rough metal detector at the entrance (which doesn't pick up things like belt buckles and pocket change)-- you might be stopped and asked a few questions if you look like a towelhead or hippie, but otherwise straight to your boarding gate. Then, novelty of novelties, the main security check is at each individual boarding gate. With an average of 1-2 people in line, it is damn near seamless.
The security people in Singapore are uniformed, fast and efficient. Whether they are citizens or government employees is hard to tell, but if they get more than 3 people in line, the airline staff is drafted on the spot to help them.
Oh, and one other thing. If you try any crap like smuggling bombs, Changi prison is a 5 minute ride away. Hangings are held every Friday as necessary to remind people they're serious. The Straight Times will give the hempen necktie honorees about two column inches each.