As much as it pains me to agree with Richie, he is partially correct for once.

Both the "Shoe Bomber" and the "Underwear Bomber" were coming to the US from airports overseas. Therefore, the US security efforts did not catch them since they were screened by foreign airports.

However, I believe both had bought tickets with cash on the day they were flying. That should be red-flagged for the extra security strip searches.

It really makes no sense to pat down grandmas and children. I totally agree with the profiling at airports. If an Arab-looking young man buys a ticket for cash on the day of the flight - he deserves extra hard screening. This is a form of racism but that is how it is now.

Some aspects that deserve the extra degree of screening might be same day purchase of a ticket with cash; flying without any baggage; method of dress (either ethnic or very smelly old clothes); or passengers in the lounge telling an employee someone makes them uncomfortable for some reason.

Let the Homeland Security Dept start using common sense more and stop with all the political correctness. I still do agree with the metal detectors at airports and the x-ray of the carry-on luggage. Just use common sense in the further screenings!!