<http://online.wsj.com/article_print/0,,SB110265033103496694,00.html> The Wall Street Journal December 10, 2004 POLITICS AND POLICY Airport-Screening Rules Are Eased By a WALL STREET JOURNAL Staff Reporter December 10, 2004; Page A5 WASHINGTON -- Bowing to passenger outrage over pat-down procedures at airport checkpoints, the Transportation Security Administration will alter its rules beginning Monday to allow passengers to lower their arms during screening. The change is minor and TSA officials say they have no plans to rescind pat-down procedures that require screeners to touch passengers' chest and groin areas while checking for weapons or explosives. Nevertheless, it represents an attempt by the TSA to improve its image among travelers. The agency also backed off a plan announced in late November that would require airports to immediately report any suspicious activities, even routine problems such as unruly or drunken passengers, to TSA headquarters. That reporting now will be optional. -- ----------------- R. A. Hettinga <mailto: rah@ibuc.com> The Internet Bearer Underwriting Corporation <http://www.ibuc.com/> 44 Farquhar Street, Boston, MA 02131 USA "... however it may deserve respect for its usefulness and antiquity, [predicting the end of the world] has not been found agreeable to experience." -- Edward Gibbon, 'Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire'