Pacific Views

So, I had a 2 oz tube of makeup cream that the PDX security confiscated from my carryon bag. It definitely says something about the level of paranoia our government has today. If I knew I could have put it into another container, I would have been home free.

(BTW: What kind of mischief can one do with a 2 oz tube of cream????)

Some people need lube, e.g. K-Y Jelly, for medical procedures such as catheterizing themselves so they can pee. The TSA has had to make exceptions for diabetes related needs as well.

That's a good point, but things like this still highlight the theatrical nature of these restrictions. Nobody knows whether or not I might actually need lubricant, it isn't like they're going to have me drink the stuff or apply it in the security line, but a frappucino that I bought at the airport and would gladly drink right out in public view can't come on the plane with me.

It's a stupid rule that does nothing for our security, unless making everyone cranky somehow serves that goal. Every exception to the rule could be used by a terrorist if this was a real threat, which it isn't. Heck, there are countries on this planet that can't get hold of dialysis machines because of potential dual uses of the components.

A rule that can and will be abused, that can and will be made into a joke, is worse than useless. It's a direct diversion of resources from purposeful ends and that pisses me the heck off. But at the moment, I'd rather try to laugh about it.