A concept that can apply to many aspects of life is that what is efficient is not always fair.
Just as there is a trade-off between efficiency and fairness in the market, the Transportation Security Administration has shown it has lost sight of this idea through its small-knife policy, which had been scheduled to go into effect last and was delayed indefinitely.
After recently traveling and passing through the security checkpoints at JFK and Albany International airports, I was reminded of the reassuring safety that one should feel while boarding a plane. Any possible feelings of inconvenience were quickly silenced after I reminded myself it was for my own benefit. There is no amendment entitling me to carry a small knife on a plane nor is it making unfair accusations to search me for one.
The TSA should be reminded of how the planes were hijacked during the tragic events of Sept. 11: box cutters. This leniency may intend to speed up the boarding process and lead to more efficient flight schedules. However, it could potentially result in tons of lost revenue for airlines as fliers' willingness to pay could take a turn for the worse.
If the TSA does not feel it can effectively catch the major threats, then maybe it would be more efficient to increase staffing. Allowing small knives on board is giving an inch to those who would be willing to take a mile.
Christine Stocks
Nanuet