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As another poster here suggested, the TSA is for "soccer moms." It's a pretend security blanket with absolutely no real security. But it makes the soccer moms feel secure. So, in that sense, yes, it is effective.

A major point of contention here is that while they are busy frisking grandma in her wheelchair, or harassing some golfer about a butane lighter, the real terrorists slip thru.

Bottomline, random searches are ineffective since that leaves a window of opportunity for those so inclined.

In order to be truly effective, all passengers should be searched and screened.

Meantime airline security provided by the TSA is a myth sanctioned only by the soccer moms and not shared by those who know better.

But, I am working under the assumption that TSA is the newest federal program that is here to stay. I do not know how to get around it. Even Sen. Harkin recently blew through the checkpoints at the airport, because of his busy schedule. Yes, it isn't fair, and no, they shouldn't search Grandma. However, even as inept as the system is, isn't it conceivable that they have thwarted some future attacks? I think it might be... at least halting the "copy-cat" type cases... the shoe bomber, etc, not to mention removing the felons from airport security.