Jobs, the budget, and the TSA

     Since even rookie Republican politicians have put forth ideas for fixing the economy, I figure, it can't be that complicated, so I'll give it a shot, too.
     You want to fix America's economy? Instead of funding the TSA, put the money into airline subsidies and require that the airlines provide security, both on the planes and at the airports.
     Air travel was better 40 years ago, when airlines were subsidized; I know, I worked for the industry in the early and mid-sixties. United was the best airline in the world, but there were lots of other carriers who served the public well, even to little towns like Fargo, ND, and flights were affordable because it was universally recognized that a well-run transportation system served even those who were not flying at the moment.
     While the occasional drunk or nut was escorted off -- or more likely denied boarding -- a plane, unruly, rude, upset passengers were unusual.
     Customers were treated politely, cordially, as if the airline and the person wearing the airline's uniform were glad to have you aboard.
     You could call a number and a real human would pick up the phone and help you book a reservation, including suggestions for making the trip more efficient and enjoyable.
     When you arrived at the airport, you could park your car within walking distance of the ticket counter, even the gate, and check in quickly and with a sense of security.
     Booze and firearms were not allowed in your carry-on. What you carried in your luggage was your business; overweight charges were generally not collected.
     That was then.
     Now, the TSA treats everyone who comes into the airport like a terrorist.
     I have a great deal of respect for mall security cops, guards at self-storage sites, and school crossing guards.
     But I suspect that the average TSA airport employee would not want those jobs, even if the pay was better, because they offer less opportunity to abuse such a broad spectrum of the population.
     You never see mall security cops high-five each other when one requires a six-year-old to submit to a pat-down. You don't see them hoping the parent that watches such a miscarriage of trust will explode and give them a reason to take them to the little glass room to cool off until the plane leaves.
     They get to take out their kinks on kids, old men with colostomy bags, people in wheelchairs, mothers with three tots to corral, and anyone who "looks funny."
     So little skill, so little ability, and so much power. It's almost like being a congressman, but without the health care and retirement plan.
     Reassign some TSA workers to walking the desert where drug lords smuggle human beings and all kinds of contraband into the country.  But use most of the money we pay them to ensure that the airlines screen bags, run passengers through scanners, and leave the profiling of suspects to FBI or other federal agents who are intelligent enough to take the sophisticated training and apply skills without humiliating the traveling public.
     Less stress in the airport means less stress at the check-in, at the boarding gate, and one the plane. Cash subsidies mean a cushion on profitability, which would allow them to stop charging middle class families $75 for a bag that's two pounds over.
     They could abandon the overbooking of seats on flights, make sure everyone who has a ticket actually gets on the plane. Maybe allow a few empty seats or more carry-on storage.
     Life would be better for half a million Americans or so every day, so tell me, who has offered a better idea so far?