That's some crack security we've got right there:

A government program set up to remove innocent people from terrorism no-fly and watch lists has been ineffective and riddled with problems, travelers and congressional leaders say. Jason Steele, a technology contractor in Colorado, discovered his name was on the watch list about four years ago and fought to get a letter from TSA clearing his name... He has gotten some relief from UAL Corp.'s United Airlines, which has identified Mr. Steele as cleared through his frequent-flier number, allowing him to check in online, use United's kiosks and avoid extra screening. On other airlines, Mr. Steele has learned that if he flies under his middle name, he doesn't get stopped. "The whole process is just cosmetic," he says.

These people could not be more myopic and incompetent if they tried. And hey - did you hear about the guy who tried to smuggle a boxcutter onto an airplane last week? He cut a secret compartment out of a book and hid it in there. Other books in his backpack: a Koran, several books glorifying Islam, and a Bible (for comparison, perchance?) What, you didn't hear about that at all?

Baines, 21, of Clearwater told investigators he forgot the box cutter was inside the copy of Fear Itself when he packed his bag for a trip to Las Vegas... He was charged with carrying a concealed weapon, a misdemeanor. He pleaded guilty Monday in Hillsborough County court and received a 30-day jail sentence. The U.S. Attorney's Office is looking into the case but has not filed charges. "What raises our concern is when an item is artfully concealed," said Christopher White, a spokesman for the Transportation Security Administration. "It's different than a box cutter inside a backpack."... Another TSA officer found the tool inside a "compartment" within the book. Baines told officers he cut out the pages to keep marijuana and money from being stolen by roommates. Inside the backpack were the Koran and Bible and the books Muhammad in the Bible,The Noble Quran and The Prophet's Prayer.

Probably nothing to worry about. Just a comparative religion scholar, no doubt.

References:
* When Your Name Is Mud at the Airport [WSJ]
* TSA Won't Let Parents Bring Extra Baby Food In Anticipation Of Delays [Consumerist]
* TIA Finds Cutter Hidden in Book [TSA]

Previously:
* It's Time For Another Rant About the TSA - Hardline On 1oz Pepsi, Not So Much On Boxcutters [Video]
* Monday Stupid - Helpful Form For TSA Encounters
* LAX TSA Misses 75% Of Fake Bombs, Lets People With Bad Boarding Passes On Airplanes