I should not comment. Oh, heck with that.
I love it when people who have no idea what they are talking about--even if they are convinced that they know--spout their 'wisdom' and label it as fact.
Doctors make mistakes. Fireman make mistakes. LEO's make mistakes. But, they pay dearly when they do. Thus, they make few serious mistakes before they are no longer employed or are severely restricted.
TSA is a Federal entity. The policy is National policy. Local Airport directors can make certain minor changes/restrictions to the rules based on locality, threat, intelligence etc.... TSA makes mistakes and continues to re-train and re-test.
States do still have rights; contrary to (some) public opinion. STATE or LOCAL law enforcement often determines the outcome of a violation (gun, knife, violence etc...) based on state or local laws. (and occasionally other factors as well) Don't claim that 'TSA' let them do this and that..... The charges leveled on passengers are RARELY federal charges, they are usually local or state offenses. So, write your state or local legislators if you think the laws are just too tough/soft/variable etc...
I'm sorry, but bringing a loaded fire-arm--with a round chambered--thru airport security is not simply a little 'oops' mistake. Nor is bringing 2 kilos of drugs, $20,000 in cash, your kids (that you don't have legal custody of), a machete or hundreds of other illegal or dangerous items. Make all the excuses you like. Claim its 'not my fault' or a 'common mistake.' Sounds just like those who sexual assault other passengers (I was sleeping...I was on drugs...) or those who get drunk and violent and cause the aircraft to divert. Excuses. That's what people make
after they get caught. Not everyone has 'bad intent' or is an idiot etc... but, they still have to face the consequences of breaking the law.
The title of this thread was "Thank you TSA inspectors...": Let me expand; thanks to all the hard working, often under-paid local state and federal employees that do their best to keep us safe, to help us when we're down and who are often ridiculed the same people that end up using their services without so much as a 'thank you for doing your job.' Just to be clear, that's teachers, LEO's, fire fighters, medical professionals, TSA, Customs, FAA etc.... and lately, quite a few military members who are busting their buts to help those affected by natural disasters. Lots of criticism is often heard, but praise seems to be less plentiful.
Sorry, but I think we forget ourselves sometimes.
Ok, off my soapbox.
Disclaimer: no comment in this post is directed at one single poster or one single post. This is an over-all opinion, it's mine and I claim it.