Airport (in)Security

OK, I hate to travel into territory usually saved for other blogs but I just have to rant on this one. The TSA Brochure says:

Pack liquids/gels/aerosols in your checked baggage. For a short trip you are permitted to carry-on 1 quartsize, clear plastic, zip-top bag holding 3 ounces or less containers of liquids, gels or aerosols. Limited to one bag per traveler.

This afternoon, I had a 4 oz container of toothpaste that was about 1/4 full—perhaps holding 1 oz of toothpaste—dutifully packed with my other toiletries in my quart size baggie. I was flagged at screening, and pulled aside because of this. They claimed that since the package said an amount greater than 3.4 oz, it was not acceptable, and gave me the choice of checking my bag or tossing it.

Seriously, what potential terrorist act was this going to prevent? Let’s say I’m a terrorist concocting a liquid bomb. I need 4 oz to make it work, so I’ll use a 4 oz toothpaste tube — then squirt most of it out?! Your tax dollars at work ladies and gentlemen. Let’s let ‘em know how we feel.