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The idea behind these new rules is to make security lines go faster so the TSA can focus on bigger threats. But the reality is, it's going to slow down security. (AP Photo/File)

Are new TSA rules putting us at risk?

BY Peter Greenberg Staff  on March 21, 2013 @ 11:49 am (Updated: 12:00 pm - 3/21/13 )

Recently, the TSA announced new rules for air travelers. We can now bring knives, golf clubs and other sporting goods on board the aircraft. But is that putting us at risk?

The new rules allow passengers to carry on certain types of pocket knives, but box cutters and razors are still banned. We can also bring sporting goods, including two golf clubs, pool cues, hockey sticks, and ski poles.

The concern isn't necessarily about terrorism. Instead, it's about passengers. When you're talking about inebriated or rowdy travelers, is having golf clubs in the air a good idea?

The idea behind these new rules is to make security lines go faster so the TSA can focus on bigger threats. But the reality is, it's going to slow down security.

Think about it: they'll spot a knife in a bag, screen it again, and then decide whether or not it's a credible threat.

In my book, this wasn't the most reasonable decision. After all, that bottle of water is still banned, and most of us still have to take off our shoes when we go through security. What good is a golf club if we're still lacking basic common sense?

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Comments (3)


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  • shark75 wrote...
    "Are new TSA rules putting us at risk?" Uhhh, Kabuki Theater has been putting us as serious risk ever since political correctness overtook the TSA.
    March 23, 2013 7:59 am
    These people spend more time making sure to frisk 87-year old women and molest 3 year old girls as much as they search middle-eastern men in their 20's. It's just like the scene in Airplane where they are harassing the old lady while terrorists walk right on by with bazookas over their shoulders. Its a joke.
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  • Klyyd wrote...
    Correct
    March 23, 2013 8:21 am
    Sharks right, all I ever see getting the deep probe are old ladies and kids. The TSA are a bunch of perverts anyway. So far around 3 or 4 perps have been killed on airplanes when passengers thought they were going to do domething bad. I doubt very seriously if tiny knives or golf clubs would deter a plane load of people determined to overcome an idiot trying something.
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  • Drool wrote...
    The Only Risk...
    March 23, 2013 4:07 pm
    ...was...and I say WAS, the attitude of complying with hijackers. That ended after 3 aircraft had been taken over. The fourth (once the pax knew what was going on) never made it to its intended target.

    With reinforced cockpit doors and an attitude that there will be no more airplane takeovers, a pocket knife will be just that...a pocket knife.

    People like Dori that think it's an arms race in the cabin are full of excrement.

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