I am stumped as to why there is any controversy over whether airline security personnel should be private or Federal employees. There is no reason private security forces cannot be as effective, if not more so, than Federal ones.

Can you think of a single industry or civilian service where there is both private and government providers, where the government provides better service? Government-run civilian operations are almost infamous for their lack of efficiency, screwups, lack of accountability, and massive wastage of money.

"We must put security in the hands of law-enforcement officers," said House Minority Leader Richard A. Gephardt, a key advocate for
federalization.



During the debate yesterday, the Missouri Democrat asked his fellow congressmen, "Do you want to contract out the Capitol Police? Do you want to contract out the U.S. Marines? Do you want to contract out the FBI and the Customs Service? I don't think so."



Well, we know why a Democrat would have drool running down his chin at the thought of yet another part of the private sector being assimilated into the limitless maw of the government, but let's remember the great job that was done prior to Sept. 11 by the FAA, Customs service, INS, and other Federal agencies charged with protecting us from foreign threats. Remember, the private airline security services operate under FAA rules.

And, in my opinion, if there were competing firms going after the job of Capitol Police, you can bet there would be a damn good Capitol Police force.

For another example of our government protecting us, see here.