TSA cluelessness

I flew from Detroit to Baltimore a week ago. On the way out, the Detroit TSA did not require that anyone remove their shoes. I walked right through the metal detector with my shoes on. I'm no fan of security theater, but at least this seems like a step in the right direction.

On the way back, I get all the way up to the metal detector, all my other stuff already in the x-ray machine, when the TSA person at the metal detector says, "You should take off your shoes and send them through x-ray."

It takes only a half a moment to come up with my response, "Do I need to take off my shoes to get through this check?"

The answer, "You can take off your shoes or under go additional security screening."

Not much of a choice. An overly invasive search or an overly invasive search. hmmm. I have two and a half hours before my flight, the security line is short, but taking off my shoes will slow everyone else down. ... I take the additional screening.

Now I would have taken off my shoes if there had been any instruction to do so prior to this. There was none. The sign said, "Remove laptop computers from bags" and so I did. If there had been a sign saying "Remove shoes from feet" I would have. Why wait until the last minute to tell me what they want? Let's not follow that line of reasoning. I only makes me feel more invaded.

I've been through the additional screening more times than I want to remember. This time is no better and no worse. The shoes have tiny metal pieces for the laces. The screener has me take off the shoes and sends them through the machine. Then he says, "See, you still had to take off your shoes."

I have no interest in harassing him and telling him how silly the whole affair is. He does not get it. I was not trying to avoid taking my shoes off, or anything else. I just have no desire for any invasive search.

I suppose I am lucky. The screeners in Detroit did not have anyone take off there shoes. Detroit must be on the list of unsecure airports by now. Does anyone know how many more hijackings have taken place in Detroit because of this? Baltimore forced me to take my shoes off, but I don't feel particularly more secure.

I just feel invaded. That's all.